The woman was cocooned in a blanket, her jet-black hair clinging intimately to her face. Her eyes were shut tightly, her expression serene, as if utterly exhausted. Otherwise, she would never have fallen asleep so quickly. The first-class seat was spacious, and the man didn’t need to wake her to make room. Instead, he simply stepped past her feet and sat down by the window.
Whether it was because of her exquisite features or the peacefulness of her sleeping face, the man found himself unable to feel sleepy. Out of habit, he glanced at her again. Unlike other women, who wore heavy makeup and treated a flight like a runway, she was barefaced.
Her skin was flawless-white and smooth, with fine pores. Her delicate features were striking: a high nose, slightly curled lashes, and slightly parted cherry-red lips. She looked as docile as a cat. Staring at her serene sleeping face, the man felt as though the chill he carried with him was slowly melting away.
Initially, he’d been reading a book, but for some reason, even the sound of turning pages softened.
After the plane took off and leveled out, the flight attendants began serving breakfast. Passing by, one of them spoke softly to the man, who instinctively lowered his voice even further. For a full half-hour, the woman beside him remained sound asleep, showing no signs of waking.
Aurora slept deeply, undisturbed even by the aroma of food. Hours passed before she stirred, only waking when the flight attendant announced the plane’s descent. By that time, the man beside her had already speculated endlessly about her possible story. It wasn’t until Aurora brushed her hair aside, revealing her snow-white neck, that he noticed something striking.
Her neck bore fresh red marks-evidence of the previous night’s passion. The man’s gaze darkened. The marks were new, and he finally understood why she was so exhausted.
Aurora, unaware, had rushed through her morning routine and hadn’t noticed the marks. Feeling the man’s gaze, she turned to look at him. Her eyes met a pair of sharp, obsidian-like eyes, as piercing as a hawk’s. Embarrassed, Aurora quickly averted her gaze.
The man, however, didn’t look away. Instead, his direct, unyielding stare carried an air of dominance, as if he had no intention of hiding his scrutiny.
No wonder she’d dreamed of being watched. If she hadn’t been so physically drained, she would have woken up sooner.
By the time the plane landed, the sun outside was shining brightly. Aurora stretched lazily, feeling thoroughly refreshed. It had been a good sleep. The thought of seeing Asher soon lifted her spirits, and even the atmosphere around her seemed to brighten.
The man, watching her stretch in the sunlight, saw the blanket slide from her lap to her thighs, revealing her outfit.
Since she wasn’t working, Aurora wasn’t dressed formally. Instead, she wore a white lace dress, layered with a knitted cardigan, and simple flat shoes. Stretching like a lazy cat, she exposed her soft waist, her loose hair cascading behind her.
The man found it hard to look away. There was something unusual about her. Unlike other women, no matter how seductive they tried to appear, Aurora had a natural charm and liveliness. She didn’t need to say a word. She had only been sleeping, yet here she was, stretching, and his heart softened.
Asleep, she was an angel. Awake, she was like a gentle, playful kitten. Her raised lips revealed her bright mood.
“Attention, passengers. Our plane has begun its descent. During this process, we may encounter turbulence caused by strong air currents. Please fasten your seatbelts and remain seated,” the flight attendant’s voice announced over the intercom.
Aurora gripped the armrest tightly. Everyone felt vulnerable on an airplane-if something went wrong, survival was nearly impossible. Each jolt brought a wave of fear.
The plane entered a cloud layer, hitting turbulence. The cabin shook violently. Aurora, who had been smiling moments ago, now shut her eyes tightly, too afraid to open them. Her body moved with the plane’s jolts.
She had faced numerous assassination attempts in the past, leaving her with an instinctive fear of death. Now that her life was so full of happiness, she wanted nothing more than to live.
“Twenty seconds. The turbulence will stop,” a deep, steady voice sounded in her ear.
Aurora slowly opened her eyes and looked at him, confusion clouding her gaze. How could he possibly know?
Another violent jolt rocked the plane. Passengers in the economy cabin screamed in unison. Aurora shut her eyes once more.
Gradually, the turbulence subsided, and the plane steadied. Aurora opened her eyes again-indeed, it hadn’t lasted more than twenty seconds.
“How did you know?” she asked, her eyes wide with wonder, staring at the man. He was incredible.
Meeting her sparkling gaze, her round, cat-like pupils, the man swallowed but responded coldly with just three words: “I just know.”
It was an answer that explained nothing. Aurora didn’t know him well enough to press further. Soon, the plane landed and taxied down the runway. Aurora’s heart finally settled.
When the plane came to a complete stop, she turned on her phone, eager to message Julian. She typed quickly: “I’ve arrived.”
His reply came almost instantly: “Good. Rest well today. Tomorrow, I’ll arrange for you to meet Mino.”
“Okay.” Aurora’s lips curled into a smile. He was always so considerate, understanding how exhausting flights could be and giving her a day to rest and adjust.
The man beside her noticed her sweet smile. It was the kind of expression only a woman in love would have. After getting off the plane, the first person she wanted to contact was clearly someone important to her.
When the cabin door opened, Aurora darted out like a freed bird. The man followed close behind, waiting with her at the baggage carousel.
“Ashy, hold on a second. I’m just waiting for my luggage-it’ll be out soon,” Aurora said as she called Asher.
Hearing the name “Ashy,” the man couldn’t help but feel curious. Was it a child? He didn’t know why he was so interested in someone he had just met.
When the luggage finally arrived, Aurora spotted her suitcase immediately, grabbed it, and hurried off. The man found it odd-her suitcase looked identical to his.
As he exited, he saw Aurora rushing into the arms of a strikingly handsome man. So, this was her “Ashy”?
Thinking of the marks on her neck, the person she messaged, and now the attractive pair embracing at the airport, the man’s lips curled into a mocking smile.
Fickle heart.