Aurora boarded the plane home in a rush, still feeling a little strange about it all. It had been a long time since she’d last seen him. The thought of sleeping through the flight and waking up to see him filled her heart with warmth. She hadn’t realized how terrifying longing could be until now.
Whenever he crossed her mind, she wanted nothing more than to appear by his side immediately. Her assistant, always attentive, handed her a blanket.
“Miss Montgomery, would you like to rest for a while?”
“Yes, thank you.” Aurora didn’t have much to do on the plane anyway. It was already nighttime in New York, so sleeping a few hours earlier than usual made no difference.
The assistant prepared the bed for her, laying out the blanket. Aurora turned toward the specially designed bed, appreciating the luxury of a private jet-with enough space for a proper bedroom, she didn’t have to worry about stretching out comfortably.
“I’ll be right outside. Let me know if you need anything,” the assistant said, gently closing the door behind her.
Aurora even changed into a set of pajamas and freshened up in the bathroom before lying down. Knowing this bed was one Julian had used exclusively in the past brought a sweet smile to her face.
She turned off the lights, put on her noise-canceling headphones, and drifted into a peaceful sleep. In her heart, she believed she’d find Gerry and, with that, a way to protect her mother.
The flight was long. Aurora woke up after several hours, changed into fresh clothes, and applied light makeup. She wanted Julian to see her at her best the moment she stepped off the plane.
In the past, makeup had been nothing more than a routine task for her. But ever since Julian entered her life, she had grown to enjoy it, wanting to appear perfect every time they met. She also hoped that, years from now, when they were older, he would remember her radiant face rather than a weary or disheveled one.
Her assistant brought her a hearty breakfast, but before that, a bowl of dark herbal tea was placed in front of her.
Aurora sighed internally, resigning herself to the fact that this bitter tea had become a part of her life.
“The President insisted you drink this,” her assistant said awkwardly, noticing her expression.
“I know.” Aurora picked up the bowl and drank it in one go. She had grown accustomed to the taste over the past few weeks.
Once she finished the tea, the assistant finally brought over the breakfast. Aurora looked out the window at the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean below. There were still a few hours left before landing.
She watched a series of touching romance films, feeling more emotional than ever lately. In one, the heroine’s tragic departure left the male lead heartbroken. Aurora found herself tearing up at the scene.
She felt fortunate that she and Julian had already overcome so many challenges. Now, they could simply be together. Watching stories of love and separation made her even more grateful for her current life. For two people in love, staying together until the end was life’s most precious treasure.
The plane landed with a jolt after a bout of turbulence, and Aurora’s heart began to race with excitement. It had been months since she was last home, but it felt like years.
As the familiar scenery came into view, she closed her book, eagerly anticipating her reunion with Julian.
The moment she stepped out of the terminal, she spotted a familiar beige figure in the crowd.
Julian stood there in a beige wool coat, paired with a matching vest. He looked as refined and handsome as ever, just as he had when she left.
“Julian!” Aurora called out, running toward him.
Julian, glancing down at his watch, had just been wondering if she’d arrived when he heard her voice. She was wearing a pink coat over a white sweater-a far cry from the dark, somber outfits she used to favor. Now, she exuded energy and vitality.
He opened his arms to catch her as she ran into his embrace.
“Little Bunny, welcome back,” he said, burying his face in the crook of her neck and inhaling her familiar scent.
It wasn’t until she was securely in his arms that he finally relaxed. Tina had called him personally, warning that someone intended to harm Aurora and urging him to bring her back as quickly as possible.
She hadn’t given him many details, leaving Julian to piece things together from what little he knew and what Aurora had shared with him. Still, he trusted Tina-Aurora’s mother would never harm her daughter. As long as Aurora was safe, nothing else mattered.
“Julian, I missed you so much,” Aurora whispered, realizing her longing for him was deeper than she had imagined.
“Let’s go home,” Julian said, removing his leather gloves to hold her cold hands in his warm ones.
“Why are your hands so cold?” he asked, rubbing them gently.
“The plane’s air conditioning was warm, but stepping outside, I’m still adjusting to the temperature,” Aurora replied with a smile. She couldn’t imagine anyone being more thoughtful than Julian.
“Let me warm them for you,” he said, clasping her hands tightly.
People around them couldn’t help but glance over, envious of how well-matched and affectionate the couple appeared.
Outside, snowflakes danced in the glow of the streetlights.
“Wow, it’s snowing,” Aurora said, her heart fluttering at the sight of the gentle snowfall.
“Let’s go home. The snow here has been cleared and doesn’t look as pretty. I left the snow at home untouched because I know you love it,” Julian said, pulling her closer.
“Alright, let’s go home.”
To Aurora, the snowfall felt like a special gift welcoming her back. Clutching Julian’s hand tightly, she smiled, her heart full.
They got into the car, where the heater was already on. The warmth inside made Aurora feel like she’d truly returned home.
“Are you hungry? I had some food prepared for you,” Julian asked, wrapping his arms around her.
She had eaten on the plane four hours earlier and hadn’t been hungry, but his question made her realize she could eat.
“A little. Julian, I really want your homemade pasta,” Aurora said, licking her lips. His pasta wasn’t as refined as a professional chef’s, but she missed its familiar taste.
“I’ll make it for you tomorrow morning. Tonight’s dinner is already planned, and if you eat pasta now, you won’t have room for the other dishes,” Julian said thoughtfully.
“True. Tomorrow then. Don’t forget,” Aurora replied, smiling softly.
“As you wish, my queen. I’d never forget my wife’s orders,” Julian said, leaning close to her ear.
His warm breath tickled her skin, and the unfamiliar title made her ears burn.
“What did you just call me?” she asked shyly.
“My wife. We’re getting married in a few months anyway, so I’m just getting used to it early,” Julian teased with a grin.