Chapter 1493

Aurora had just opened her mouth to speak when Lucas gently stopped her. “Let me finish first. I know you’re strong and independent, but sometimes, it’s okay to lean on me a little.”

Seeing the sincerity in his eyes, Aurora knew he wasn’t joking. In the end, she gave in with a small sigh. “Alright, don’t worry. If I really need help, I’ll tell you.”

“Good,” he said with a faint smile.

The two shared a look, and for the first time, everything between them felt clear. From now on, they both silently agreed–no more hiding things from each other.

Aurora reminded him again, “I’m leaving for Bustin City tomorrow. If anything comes up, you have to tell me immediately. I don’t want anything happening to you.”

There was genuine worry in her eyes. After being together for so long, she had grown used to his presence, and the thought of being apart, even for a few days, felt unsettling.

Lucas chuckled softly. “Don’t worry, I can take care of myself. If it makes you feel better, I can always go with you.”

“That’s not happening,” Aurora said at once, shaking her head. “I’m going there for work, not for fun. I can’t bring you along.”

When she hadn’t known his identity before, it wouldn’t have mattered. But now that she did, having Lucas show up unannounced would only draw attention and make people uncomfortable.

She thought of the director, who had treated her so kindly, and couldn’t bear to put him in that position.

The show had already stirred plenty of controversy online, and many viewers were still critical of her. Yet the director had stood by her, refusing to replace her despite public pressure.

For that, Aurora was truly grateful. She wasn’t someone without a conscience, and she knew full well how much support he had given her.

She didn’t want anything to jeopardize the production, so she was determined to cooperate fully with the director.

If Lucas appeared publicly, it might unintentionally create more pressure for him, and that was something Aurora refused to allow.

Seeing how serious she was, Lucas finally understood just how important this was to her.

“I understand. I won’t put any pressure on him.”

Hearing Lucas’ promise, Aurora finally felt relieved.

“I’ll start packing now. We’re leaving tomorrow, and the earlier I get ready, the easier it’ll be.”

“Need me to help with anything?” Lucas asked eagerly.

The thought of her leaving the next day made him reluctant to let her go. Watching her move around the room, busy packing, filled him with a quiet heaviness.

Aurora turned, her arms full of clothes, and caught the shadowed look in his eyes. She couldn’t tell what was running through his mind.

She teased lightly, “What’s wrong? Don’t tell me you’re still thinking about me.”

“How could I not?” he replied without hesitation.

Aurora blinked, surprised. She hadn’t expected him to speak so openly about his feelings now, with no trace of restraint.

No matter what she asked, Lucas answered her honestly, never hiding how he felt. As long as it was about her, he seemed unafraid to say it aloud.

“Oh, come on,” she said, half laughing.

“I’m only going for a few days. I’ll be back before you know it. Don’t worry, I’ll keep in touch. And besides, you have the director’s number. You can always ask him if you really want to check in.”

Chapter 1494