Chapter 1172
He lowered his head until their noses brushed. Lucas rubbed against her lightly. It didn’t take long before Aurora melted under his gentle assault, the two of them tangled in each other’s arms. Sweat gathered in fine beads across Lucas’ back. Even the moon seemed to shy away, slipping behind the clouds. And though it was summer, the cicadas outside quieted, as if afraid to intrude on the pair inside.
The next morning, Aurora pushed herself up, one hand braced at her waist, the memories of last night still vivid in her mind. A flush crept across her cheeks. How had she ended up in Lucas’ bed so carelessly? She’d meant to explain herself—so how had that turned into an explanation under the sheets? Taking a deep breath, Aurora promised herself it wouldn’t happen again. And as for bars—she was never going with Megan again. Places like that were nothing but trouble.
By the time Aurora got out of bed, Lucas was already gone. The sheets beside her were cold, proof he’d been up for hours. It always puzzled her. After a night like that, shouldn’t they both be equally exhausted? Yet somehow, Lucas always had more energy than before.
After breakfast, Aurora called Megan to meet her. She planned to bring up the idea of starting a studio together. But when Megan showed up, she looked worn out and lifeless. Aurora nearly jumped out of her seat at the café when she saw Megan. “What happened to you? You look pale and exhausted. What did you go through last night?” “What else? After you were taken away, I didn’t sleep a wink. I kept thinking—when is my cousin going to come after me?” Aurora’s cheeks flushed. “Enough. Just live your life and stop worrying about him,” she said with a quick cough.
Megan’s eyes lit up. “Aurora, what do you mean by that?” “I mean he’s not going to cause you any trouble.” Megan jumped up, ran around the table, and threw her arms around Aurora in a big bear hug. “Aurora, that’s all I needed to hear! I knew you wouldn’t leave me hanging—you’d stick up for me.” “So, did you… did you speak up for me in front of my cousin?” Megan’s eyes sparkled as she searched Aurora’s face.
Aurora hummed a soft “mm” and quickly changed the subject. “Let’s not dwell on that. I asked you before—have you really thought about opening the studio with me?” “Of course I have. I even talked to my parents about it.” Megan’s expression turned serious. “Aurora, when it comes to you, I take everything to heart. I’d never brush it off.” She popped a bite of dessert into her mouth. “So, what’s our next move?”
She’d thought Aurora’s idea would take a while to set in motion—after all, she’d just left Walton Corporation. But to be starting so soon? That surprised her. “Did you talk to your parents about us opening the company together?” Aurora asked, worried they might not agree. “Oh, relax.” Megan waved a hand. “The moment they heard I’d be partnering with you, they were thrilled. They even asked if I had enough capital and offered to give me more funds.”
Chapter 1173