Chapter 19

With broad shoulders, a lean waist, and sculpted muscles, his build was unmistakable even beneath the suit.

Aurora suddenly remembered Megan’s words: “That body, that face, that build… my cousin is in a league of his own.”

Now, looking at him, she realized Megan hadn’t exaggerated at all.

“What are you thinking about?” Lucas set breakfast on the table and took a seat across from her.

Aurora snapped out of her thoughts and quickly shook her head. “Nothing.”

“Drink this,” he said, handing her a warm glass of milk.

“It’ll get cold soon.”

She took the glass and sipped, though her mind was elsewhere.

Stealing a glance at Lucas, she found herself thinking that this man really was something.

As she drank, the warmth slid down her throat, yet her thoughts wandered.

This whole situation – suddenly being married, sitting across from a man, sharing breakfast – was a first for her.

Even after three years with Joseph, she never spent the night at his place and experienced anything like this.

It was surprisingly not bad at all.

Lucas’ fried eggs were cooked to perfection – golden yolks, the edges of the whites slightly crisped.

The toast was light and airy, carrying a faint scent of wheat.

“Good?” Lucas watched her, his gaze soft.

“Yeah, it’s really good.” She nodded, the corners of her lips lifting instinctively.

“If you like it, I’ll cook for you more often.”

As he spoke, he reached for a napkin and gently wiped the breadcrumbs from the corner of her mouth.

Heat rose to Aurora’s cheeks as her heartbeat picked up pace.

After breakfast, Lucas cleared the table while Aurora sat on the couch, gazing out the floor-to-ceiling windows at the bustling city streets below.

“What’s your plan for today?” Lucas asked as he finished washing the dishes and walked over to sit beside her.

“Not sure yet,” she said, turning to him. “What about you?”

“I was thinking of taking you shopping for clothes. And maybe picking up a few things for our new home while we’re at it.”

He wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “What do you say?”

“Alright.” She nodded.

Before long, they were driving to a nearby mall.

Aurora wasn’t particularly interested in shopping, but Lucas, to her surprise, seemed to be enjoying himself.

Hand in hand, he led her from store to store, browsing through scented candles, tableware, and various home essentials.

Following behind him, Aurora watched as he carefully selected each item, a hint of something stirring in her gaze.

“What do you think of this?” Lucas held up a sleek glass diffuser.

“Jasmine scent is light and refreshing.”

He brought it closer to her, letting the soft floral aroma drift toward her nose.

Aurora took a gentle sniff.

The faint jasmine fragrance was soothing, instantly relaxing her.

“It’s nice.”

“Then we’ll get this one.”

With a smile, Lucas placed it in the cart before taking her hand again, leading her toward the section for dinnerware.

After finishing their shopping, the two of them walked out of the mall, arms full of bags. Aurora was starting to feel tired, and her steps slowed.

“Exhausted?” Lucas noticed her fatigue and adjusted his pace to match hers.

She nodded, rubbing her sore ankle. “A little.”

“Let’s head back, then.”

Without hesitation, he reached out and took the shopping bags from her hands.

Just as they were about to leave, Aurora suddenly stopped in front of a women’s clothing store.

“What is it?”

Lucas followed her gaze and spotted a man inside the store, adjusting his tie in front of a mirror.

Dressed in a suit, he looked composed, completely unaware of their presence.

Aurora’s expression turned cold in an instant.

That man was Chuck – the very person who fired her yesterday.

She still had the evidence of his embezzlement and harassment in her hands, yet her mother’s indifference from the night before left a bitter taste in her mouth.

A wave of frustration and helplessness welled up inside her.

Lucas, keenly aware of her sudden shift in mood, followed her line of sight.

“You know him?”