This place had a designated gift area. Aurora carried the cake she had prepared and intended to place it there. The staff responsible for recording gifts glanced at her.
“Miss, is this a handmade cake? A thoughtful gift like this would be better delivered to our young master in person. Otherwise, if it’s left here and he doesn’t see it in time, wouldn’t it be a pity if it spoiled?”
“You have a point. May I ask where your young master is? I’ll head over right away.”
The staff member told Aurora the location. She had initially thought they might disdain her simple gift, but instead, the attitude was surprisingly kind.
What Aurora didn’t know was that, regardless of what she brought today, she would have been given the same response.
Leaving the crowded area, she followed a small path that led to a garden. By now, the sky had darkened, and soft, beautiful lights illuminated the garden.
The lights were cleverly hidden, some shaped like flowers themselves, blending seamlessly into the enchanting surroundings.
Aurora felt as though she had stepped into a paradise-so serene, so breathtaking.
In the center of the garden stood a pavilion, and inside was a solitary figure. That must be the young master they were speaking of. Aurora suddenly felt a little nervous.
She didn’t even know this young master. What if he preferred luxury brands and sports cars?
After all, she knew nothing about his preferences and couldn’t be sure he’d appreciate her cake.
As she slowly approached him, her heart raced wildly.
In the warm glow of the lights, the man held a book in his hands. He wore a simple white shirt, exuding elegance and simplicity.
From the side, he appeared calm and composed, utterly absorbed in his reading, as if lost in his own world.
It was strange, Aurora thought, that on his birthday, he would hide away in a garden to read.
His fingers, long and slender, turned the pages gracefully. He had beautiful hands-hands that, she imagined, would look stunning playing the piano.
Aurora didn’t know why her thoughts wandered in such a direction. What did it matter to her whether he played the piano or not?
“Young master,” she called softly.
The man turned to look at her, and in that moment their eyes met, Aurora froze in surprise.
“It’s you?” she exclaimed.
“Hello, Miss. We meet again,” Julian said as he closed his book.
He wouldn’t tell her that everything had been meticulously planned-designed to make her willingly walk into his trap.
Three years ago, things had been very different. Back then, he had no idea where Aurora had gone or what she was doing.
Now, however, he knew her every move. He wouldn’t allow any surprises to disrupt his plans.
After hearing from Tina about Aurora’s competition with Mio, Julian knew he couldn’t intervene overtly without tipping his hand. Only by using the resources of the Barnet family could he act unnoticed.
For years, he had spent part of his time with the Barnet family. His grandfather had long wanted to announce his identity, but Julian had always preferred to keep a low profile.
He had initially planned to bring Aurora back to the Barnet family years ago, but timing had never been right. This time, however, he deliberately let the company leak some information to create an opportunity.
R Company’s Mr. Elderstone and Mr. Grant took the bait, and once they did, Aurora had no choice but to come find him.
That was why, when he lent her the umbrella last time, he hadn’t insisted she stay. He knew they would meet again soon-and not just once.
“You… you’re the young master they were talking about?”
“I left in a hurry last time and forgot to introduce myself. My name is Julian. And you are?”
“I’m Aurora. I came today specifically to celebrate your birthday. I didn’t expect it to be you.”
Aurora marveled at how small the world was. Someone she thought was a passing stranger turned out to be the big boss.
But this might work in her favor. They had gotten along well the last time they met. She could slowly build a friendship with him and then discuss the contract.
Aurora felt proud of her cleverness, almost wanting to give herself a pat on the back. Heaven was truly on her side.
If Julian had known her thoughts, he would have laughed. It wasn’t heaven helping her-it was him.
Julian had feared that their separation might make her grow distant or indifferent. Every day, he had worried his Little Bunny might lose interest in him.
Yet here she was, still the same Little Bunny. If anything, her memory loss had made her even more endearing. Watching her lost in thought, Julian could guess exactly what she was scheming.
He decided not to expose her. This delicate balance between them seemed just right, like a mischievous hunter watching his prey step into the trap, oblivious.
“Miss Montgomery, is that cake for me?” Julian asked, amused.
Aurora hadn’t expected him to ask about the cake so directly.
“Ah, yes. I figured someone like you wouldn’t lack for luxury gifts, so I thought I’d make something myself. It’s strawberry-flavored. Do you like strawberries?” she asked cautiously.
Seeing her hopeful expression, Julian barely restrained the urge to pull her into his arms. His Little Bunny was becoming more adorable by the second.
“I love strawberries,” Julian replied with a bright smile.
“I’m glad you like it. I wasn’t sure if you would and worried you might not appreciate it.”
“How could I not? I’m thrilled. This is a cake you made with your own hands,” Julian said quickly.
Aurora found his reaction a little odd. It was just a cake-why did he seem as excited as a child getting their favorite toy?
“Uh, can I eat it now?” Julian asked, turning to her.
“Of course. It’s yours now,” Aurora replied.
“Then stay and eat it with me,” Julian said gently.
“Well… there are so many people here to celebrate your birthday. Wouldn’t it be inappropriate for us to eat here alone?” Aurora hadn’t expected him to invite her to join him.
“There aren’t that many people, actually. And don’t you think it’s fate? Twice now, we’ve had moments connected to cakes. Isn’t that worth celebrating? Besides, didn’t you say you love strawberries too?”
“If you don’t mind, then I’d be happy to,” Aurora said. “Should we eat it here?”
“Yes. Just the two of us,” Julian said with a warm smile.