Chapter 1496

Lucas blinked groggily, his half-awake eyes adjusting to the morning light spilling across Aurora’s face. The soft glow traced her features, bathing her in a faint, dreamlike radiance. For a moment, he felt his heart stop, or maybe it just stumbled, because of her. The stillness he’d carried for so long was gone; his heart was alive again, beating for her.

Aurora, unaware of the storm behind his gaze, only noticed that he was staring at her like he’d forgotten how to breathe. She buttoned her shirt, muttering under her breath, “I told you not to keep me up so late. Why do you never listen?”

Her movements were slow and deliberate, partly because her waist still ached. Lucas hadn’t held back last night, knowing it would be days before he saw her again. At her complaint, he rubbed the back of his neck, a faint flush creeping up his face.

“I couldn’t help it,” he mumbled, voice sheepish. “And honestly, you didn’t seem to mind that much…” His words trailed off the moment he saw her expression darken.

Realizing he’d said too much, Lucas quickly surrendered. “Alright, alright, it’s my fault. I’ll be more careful next time.”

“There won’t be a next time,” Aurora snapped, tossing the words over her shoulder before striding off. She glanced at the clock – there was no time left to argue. If she didn’t move quickly, she’d miss her flight to Bustin City. She hurried to finish packing while Lucas lounged against the pillows, watching her lazily.

“Are you sure you don’t need my help?” he asked, voice still thick with sleep.

“No,” she shot back without looking at him. “Just don’t get in my way.”

Aurora spoke without even turning around, but when Lucas heard her words, he couldn’t help sounding a little wronged.

“How could I ever get in your way? I can barely keep up with helping you.”

Aurora didn’t buy it. After what happened last night, it was obvious he hadn’t taken her words seriously; otherwise, he wouldn’t have pushed things that far. She was already running late – if she had the time to argue, she’d rather use it to catch her flight.

“I really don’t have time to chat with you. I need to get to the airport now.”

As soon as she said that, she turned her head and saw Lucas standing right beside her.

“I’ll drive you,” he offered.

“Fine.”

For once, she didn’t refuse his help. Since he wanted to assist, she might as well let him. It saved her the trouble anyway.

When they arrived at the airport, Aurora spotted Megan already waiting. The moment Megan saw her, she waved excitedly. “Over here!”

Aurora’s heart lifted at the sight, and she quickened her pace. “Megan, I didn’t expect you to be this early.”

“Of course!” Megan said proudly. “This is official business. How could I be late?”

For all her usual playfulness, Megan knew when to be serious, and this was one of those times.