She touched the spot on her forehead where he had kissed her, her mind in disarray. He… he… he had just kissed her. Though it was only on the forehead, still… why did he kiss her?
Her face flushed crimson as she stumbled into her room, dazed and confused. Before she could figure out what had just happened, Mr. Elderstone’s voice came from the hallway:
“The driver called. He said someone brought you home. Who brought you back?”
At that moment, Aurora felt like a young girl caught red-handed by her parents, her body trembling slightly. “It… it was the young master from Radiant Horizons.”
“Him? You’ve met him?” Mr. Elderstone sounded surprised. That man was notoriously mysterious, someone even he hadn’t managed to investigate thoroughly.
It was widely rumored that the man hadn’t even appeared at his own birthday party, and yet Aurora had met him? That was extraordinary.
Aurora steadied herself. “Yes. I found out he likes strawberry cake, so I specifically learned how to bake one from the chef. When I brought the cake as a gift, the people there noticed it and were worried it would spoil. They asked me to deliver it to him personally. So, I carried the cake to him. Who would’ve thought he’d be so approachable? He really liked the cake I made.
We got to talking, and we got along quite well. When he heard I was going home, he offered to give me a ride back.” Aurora recounted the entire story in detail.
Mr. Elderstone nodded approvingly. “That was clever of you-choosing such a thoughtful gift. If you had sent something extravagant, you probably wouldn’t have even gotten to see him. The outside world is so curious about him. There were dozens of people at the party hoping to meet him, yet none succeeded. And here he was, spending such a long time with you. What kind of person is he?”
“He’s very gentle and interesting. Easy to get along with. But since we’ve just met, I didn’t bring up any business matters. I just wanted to build a connection with him for now.”
“That’s the right approach. If you brought up business right away, it would’ve put him off. Start small. Besides, the project hasn’t been officially announced yet, so there’s no rush. Those who accomplish great things must have patience.”
“Yes, Grandpa Bramwell. I understand. I’ll rest now.”
“Go ahead. Rest well and don’t overwork yourself. Your pregnancy is advancing, and your body will only get more burdened.”
“Got it.” Aurora’s mood seemed lighter as she left.
Mr. Elderstone couldn’t help but wonder if it was just his imagination, or if Miss Aurora had suddenly become several years younger, as though she were a girl again. Still, her connection with that young master was a good thing. If she could secure his support, they’d win the project, and she’d successfully take over as the family head.
After waiting so many years, he could finally breathe a sigh of relief.
If only he knew that the mysterious young master was none other than Julian. What kind of expression would he have then? After all, Julian had made him promise three things before:
First, Julian must not tell Aurora that he was the father of her child.
Second, Julian must not reveal anything about their past.
Third, Julian must never force Aurora to do anything against her will.
This time, Aurora had approached Julian of her own accord, and he had never disclosed his identity. So, technically, no rules were broken.
Julian could sense that Aurora had let down her guard around him. She no longer resisted his advances or touches, which was a good sign.
Meanwhile, Aurora returned to her room. After a shower, she climbed into bed, but her mind wasn’t as calm as it used to be. The memory of his kiss lingered, replaying in her head.
That kiss-so light, so gentle-like a dragonfly skimming the surface of water. It had vanished in an instant, yet left her savoring it for far too long.
Wrapped in her blanket like a cocoon, she rolled back and forth on the bed, her mind fixating on why he kissed her.
Surely, it couldn’t be that kind of intention. She was pregnant, after all. Perhaps it was just a casual goodnight kiss. She was probably overthinking it.
Then she remembered something. He had asked her earlier if she knew the meaning of the blue enchantress flower. She quickly grabbed her phone to look it up.
The moment she saw the answer, her phone slipped from her hand and landed squarely on her face, making her wince in pain. Tears welled up in her eyes.
Why did it have to be that meaning?
“You are my deepest love. I hope we can forever cherish this beautiful love story.”
No wonder he’d asked her. This was so embarrassing. What if he misunderstood something?
Aurora touched her forehead again. But no, that couldn’t be. When they talked, he hadn’t crossed any boundaries and clearly knew she was pregnant.
It was her own fault for not thinking it through earlier. She had only thought the flower looked pretty. Who would have expected this misunderstanding?
Hurriedly, she picked up her phone and sent him a message. They had only just exchanged numbers.
“Um… did you get home safely? I just looked up the meaning of the blue enchantress. I didn’t know it before.” She typed and retyped the message several times before finally sending it.
Julian, seeing the message, could easily imagine how flustered she must be on the other end of the phone. What an adorable little bunny.
“I know you didn’t know. It’s fine. I got home safely. Don’t worry,” he replied, adding a smiley face at the end.
Aurora stared at the message, muttering under her breath, “Who’s worried about you?”
Even as she said that, her fingers betrayed her, quickly typing, “Goodnight.”
“Goodnight. Sweet dreams.”
Julian’s reply came instantly.
Aurora couldn’t help but wonder. Hadn’t he gone back to the villa? It should still be the liveliest part of the party. How was he able to reply so quickly?
Little did she know, the party had been thrown entirely for her. Now that she had left, Julian had also gone home.
He had no intention of revealing his identity that night, so those hoping to meet him left disappointed. Some even brought their daughters, hoping to arrange a marriage.
Aurora’s old apartment was bustling with activity. Nick and Irene had flown in from Clothville. Having heard about the situation between Julian and Aurora, they were both deeply moved.
“We thought your troubles were over long ago. Who knew there’d still be this twist?” Irene said, shaking her head helplessly.
“I saw that little troublemaker today. She doesn’t even remember me.” Asher took a sip of red wine, his mood somber. The pain of meeting someone who didn’t recognize him was evident in his voice.
“Things aren’t as bad as you think,” Julian said confidently. “Even though Little Bunny doesn’t remember me, she doesn’t reject me either. I’m sure it won’t be long before she falls in love with me again.”
Irene glanced at him. “Why do I feel like you’re playing some kind of dating simulation game?”
“This is called romance. You wouldn’t understand. Forget it. You’ve never even been in love.”