The moment Julian heard that voice, his blood seemed to boil with excitement. It was her. It was really her!
Tina had told him some updates about Aurora in recent days. Even though he knew she was doing well, he couldn’t help but worry. And now, of all places, they met at her favorite pastry shop. Was this destiny?
He had promised Mr. Elderstone not to reveal his identity as the children’s father or Aurora’s fiance. They had agreed to the rules of the game, and neither of them could break them.
So, no matter how overwhelmed he felt, he had to act as if this was their first meeting. “It’s fine,” he said calmly.
Aurora had already stepped out of his arms. She looked up at the man standing before her. He was tall, with a striking physique that could rival international models. Not only that, but his face was undeniably handsome, and his deep voice carried a magnetic charm.
What startled her most, however, was how her heart seemed to skip a beat the moment she collided with him.
Ridiculous. How could she feel this way about a stranger? She had more important things to focus on-like finding her children’s father. Suppressing the odd feeling that lingered in her chest, Aurora said, “Excuse me, sir.”
Julian had been watching her closely. When he noticed the calm return to her gaze after she had studied him, he felt a pang of disappointment. It was clear she had completely forgotten their past together.
He stepped aside awkwardly, and Aurora brushed past him. The moment felt strangely nostalgic. It took him back years ago, back when he would occasionally run into her. He had always known everything about her, while she had completely forgotten him.
Every time they passed each other, his heart would race as he watched her approach. He’d fixate on her face, only for her to walk by without acknowledgment. The bittersweet feeling lingered like the taste of a sour-sweet candy-something that stayed with him forever, as vivid as a first love.
Aurora entered the pastry shop and began selecting desserts. Julian looked at the bag in his hand. He had bought her favorite treats. He had heard she enjoyed sweets even more these days.
Raindrops splattered on his face, pulling him from his thoughts. The rain had grown heavier. Remembering how Aurora had hurried over earlier, it was clear she hadn’t brought an umbrella. Even if she had driven here, she’d still have to walk back to her car in this downpour.
Frowning, Julian glanced around and noticed a convenience store across the street. Without hesitation, he ran through the rain and bought an umbrella.
When he returned to the pastry shop, Aurora was already stepping out, carrying a large bag filled with her purchases. She’d bought quite a lot. He had heard her appetite had grown significantly-understandable, considering she was now eating for three.
As she exited, Aurora noticed the man still standing there. His gaze was warm, like a serene lake shimmering under the light. She nodded politely, feeling it was only right to acknowledge him since she had bumped into him earlier. Afterward, she prepared to leave.
“Miss, it’s raining. You don’t have an umbrella, do you?” Julian extended the umbrella in his hand toward her.
The rain had come so suddenly, as if it were conspiring against Aurora. She had planned to make a quick dash while it was still light, but the pastries inside had distracted her. She couldn’t resist buying this and that, and before she knew it, the rain had grown heavy.
“No need, sir. I drove here. I’ll just make a run for it,” she replied.
“There’s no parking here, so your car must be over there,” Julian pointed out gently. “Carrying all that, if it gets wet, the treats won’t taste as good.”
Aurora glanced down at her bag. The last thing she wanted was for the desserts to be ruined. She had become such a foodie lately that this thought alone was enough to sway her.
“Sir, you only have one umbrella. If you give it to me, what about you?”
“I’m a grown man-what’s a little rain to me? Here, take it.” Without giving her a chance to refuse, Julian placed the umbrella in her hand.
She watched as he prepared to leave and instinctively grabbed his sleeve. “Or… you could tell me where you live, and I’ll give you a ride home.”
Julian’s eyes lit up. He hadn’t expected this unexpected opportunity. His Little Bunny was still as soft-hearted as ever.
“Wouldn’t that be too much trouble for you?” he asked, feigning hesitation.
“It’s no trouble. Let’s go,” Aurora insisted. She figured he seemed like a nice person, and he was here to buy pastries too. Surely, he wasn’t dangerous.
“Alright, I’ll hold the umbrella,” Julian volunteered eagerly. He opened the umbrella and, out of habit, took the bag from Aurora’s hand.
The action was so natural that Aurora paused in surprise. Julian realized it might’ve been a bit inappropriate. Clearing his throat, he said, “I’ll carry it for you.”
“You’re such a gentleman,” Aurora remarked, impressed.
She had no idea that this was barely a fraction of what this devoted man had done for her in the past. Julian’s mood lifted considerably as the two of them strolled through the rain together.
Even in the past, moments like this were rare. Aurora couldn’t explain why, but walking beside him felt oddly comforting.
For instance, when they crossed the street, he instinctively positioned himself on the side with more traffic. He tilted the umbrella toward her, even though it meant his own shoulder was getting wet from the rain.
“Sir, your shoulder is soaked,” Aurora said, feeling a bit guilty.
“It’s fine. I’m a man. A little rain won’t hurt me.”
“I’m sure I’ll survive getting wet too.”
“But how could I bear to let you get wet?” Julian murmured softly.
The sound of the rain nearly drowned out his words. Aurora looked at him curiously. “What did you just say?”
“Nothing,” he replied quickly.
He wished the walk could last a little longer-just enough to spend more time with her.
“Do you like this pastry shop too?” he asked, trying to spark a conversation.
“Yes, I love their mousse, tiramisu, sandwiches, and mille-feuille,” she replied, her eyes lighting up at the mention of food.
Julian watched her animated expression, longing to pull her into his arms and kiss her. But for now, he could only stare at her longingly.
Reining in his emotions, he said, “I think their strawberry desserts are pretty good.”
“You like strawberry too? We’re kindred spirits!” Aurora exclaimed, delighted.
“Yes, and their matcha cookies are excellent as well,” he added, mentioning one of her past favorites.
“Wow! I love matcha cookies too!” Aurora’s excitement grew.
“Really? Seems like we’re meant to be,” Julian said, smiling warmly at her.