Aurora felt a warmth in her heart at his gentle words. “Thank you,” she said softly. She too hoped to have adorable children one day.
Today was his birthday, and everyone who came was there to celebrate him, eager to catch a glimpse of this young master. Yet, he was nowhere to be seen in the grand hall.
The party had been arranged specifically for Aurora. From the beginning, all Julian wanted was her company. The two of them ended up talking the entire evening in the garden.
Aurora found it odd. Why was it that she never had so much to say when with others, yet with him, she could talk endlessly? Was there some kind of magic about him?
When she finally checked the time, it was nearly ten o’clock. She realized they had been sitting there for over two hours. “I’m so sorry, I completely lost track of time. You should go and entertain your other guests,” Aurora said, quickly standing up.
Julian looked at her flustered expression with amusement. She hadn’t yet realized that all he wanted was to talk to her. “And what about you?” he asked.
“I need to go home and sleep. Pregnant women need plenty of rest,” Aurora replied with a hint of helplessness. After spending the evening talking to Julian, she now considered him a good friend.
“I’ll drive you home,” Julian said as he stood up. Despite knowing she had someone to pick her up, he simply wanted to be the one to take her.
“No, no, my driver will take me. You’ve already spent so much time talking to me; I can’t take up any more of your evening. You should go back to your guests,” Aurora said hurriedly, waving her hands in protest.
“I’m the birthday boy, so I get to decide. Let’s go,” Julian said firmly, leaving no room for argument.
“But you have so many guests. How can you leave them just to take me home? I’ve already taken up too much of your time tonight,” Aurora said, feeling uneasy.
If Julian had any romantic intentions toward her, he hadn’t shown it, even after learning she was pregnant. After all, who would be interested in a pregnant woman-especially one with no makeup?
From their conversation, Aurora found Julian to be warm and gentlemanly, which was why she enjoyed spending time with him.
“True friends are rare. I feel a connection with you, so let’s go. Pregnant women should rest early,” Julian said with a gentle smile, taking her hand and leading her toward the parking lot.
Feeling his broad hand envelop hers, Aurora couldn’t help but feel a strange sense of security. Although she thought it was inappropriate to hold hands, she found it hard to pull away.
The two walked through the garden. The place was quiet, with only the two of them there. Under the glow of the lights, the flowers seemed even more vibrant. Aurora felt as if they were intruders in a fairytale world.
Julian held her small hand, and the sensation was reminiscent of a first love-sweet and bittersweet. It was a feeling that lingered, one that left him longing for the next time he could see her.
His teenage years had been consumed by a secret crush. No one else knew the bittersweet joys and sorrows that came with unrequited love. Back then, all he could do was watch her from afar, guarding her as she grew up.
When she finally grew up, she chose someone else. He had thought about giving up, even felt anger. After all, the little girl had once promised to marry him.
For years, he had never forgotten that promise, though she seemed to have forgotten it entirely. If she could forget, perhaps he should too.
But how could it be so easy? After loving her for so many years, watching her grow, every part of her had been etched deeply into his heart. How could he let go?
He couldn’t. So, he chose to keep loving her, even if he knew it might never be reciprocated.
Now, as he held Aurora’s hand, he thought of the baby growing inside her-his baby. In that moment, he felt like he was walking on clouds.
“What are you thinking about?” Aurora asked, noticing the faint smile on his face under the light. He looked even more handsome when he smiled.
“I’m thinking about you,” he said without hesitation. Then, realizing his words might startle her, he quickly added, “I mean, I’m thinking about that cake you made. It was delicious.”
Hearing him say he had been thinking about her, Aurora’s heart skipped a beat, her face flushing red. But when he clarified it was about the cake, her heart sank, mixed with a hint of disappointment. Why was she disappointed?
Julian opened the passenger door for her, and Aurora thanked him politely. “Thank you.”
“You don’t need to be so formal with me. You’re a woman and a pregnant one at that-you deserve special care,” he said as he leaned down toward her.
Even though his voice was always warm and gentle, and she knew he wouldn’t do anything inappropriate, Aurora’s heart raced uncontrollably as he leaned closer.
His scent was so near-clean and fresh, like his shampoo. In the dimly lit car, the atmosphere turned undeniably intimate.
But in the end, all he did was buckle her seatbelt. Aurora’s face burned as she realized his intention. Damn it, what was she even thinking?
With the seatbelt secured, Julian straightened up and stepped back. Aurora’s stiff body finally relaxed. “I-I could’ve done it myself,” she said, embarrassed.
“I’ve got it,” Julian replied, closing the door for her.
Aurora clutched her wildly beating heart. For a moment, she had thought he might kiss her. Was she losing her mind? She had even wanted to wrap her arms around his waist. She couldn’t explain why, but she just wanted to hold him.
Julian drove steadily, the ride smooth and comfortable. They chatted casually as they made their way to Aurora’s house. This was Julian’s first time seeing where she lived.
As they pulled up to her large villa, he glanced at it briefly. So, this was where she was staying now.
At the door, neither of them seemed eager to part. Aurora broke the silence. “Well, I’m home.”
“Get some rest. I’ll call you tomorrow, and we’ll go see that monster movie,” Julian said, reaching out to ruffle her hair.
Aurora’s face turned bright red at the playful gesture. “Okay,” she replied softly.
“Well… I’ll be going then.”
“Okay.” In truth, she didn’t want him to leave. Her hand even twitched, wanting to grab the corner of his shirt. But regaining her composure, she stopped herself and nervously tugged at her dress. “Goodnight.”
“See you tomorrow.”
Aurora stood there, blushing like a guilty child. If anyone knew the things she had been imagining, they’d laugh at her endlessly.
Suddenly, Julian cupped her face gently and placed a kiss on her forehead. “Goodnight.”
By the time she looked up, he was already gone.