Chapter 231
Once that realization sank in, the assistant went right back to his work. Lucas, noticing his tact, felt a flicker of satisfaction. At least the man knew when to mind his own business.
Inside the office, Aurora assumed it was her assistant or another employee, so she didnโt think much of it and said casually, โCome in.โ
Hearing her voice, Lucas didnโt hesitate. He pushed the door open and stepped inside. At their desks outside, the assistant and Lucy exchanged curious glances. It had been quite a while since Lucas had last come looking for Aurora. His sudden appearance now was definitely something unusual.
Inside, Lucas saw Aurora hunched over her desk, scribbling rapidly, clearly immersed in her work. Even as he entered, she didnโt look up.
โIf thereโs something you need, just say it,โ she said, her tone calm, distracted. She had heard the footsteps and assumed whoever it was had already stepped inside, hence the casual instruction.
Lucas stayed silent on purpose, waiting to see how long it would take her to realize it was him. After a few moments with no reply, Aurora frowned slightly. Why was the person just standing there, saying nothing? Puzzled, she finally looked up, only to meet a familiar, striking face. Her brows knit together. โWhat are you doing here?โ
Lucas raised a brow. Heโd imagined a dozen ways she might reactโbut this? This, he hadnโt seen coming.
โWhy?โ he said, stepping closer, leaning forward as he planted his hands on either side of her chair, effectively caging her in. From behind, it looked as though he was shielding her in a quiet embrace. โYou didnโt expect me to come find you?โ
Aurora leaned back instinctively, putting some space between them.
โNo,โ Aurora said calmly, her tone deliberately distant. โI just think itโs a little strange, you suddenly showing up like this.โ She leaned back slightly, maintaining the space between them. โBesides, donโt you have your own work to deal with? What brings you all the way to Walton Corporation?โ
Unbidden, her thoughts drifted back to that day at Vanguard. The cold way he treated her in front of so many people still lingered in her mind. The indifference and the complete disregard were burned into her memory. No matter what, he hadnโt spared her even a shred of dignity. The more she thought about it, the more bitter it all seemed. So, this was the truth of itโno matter what sheโd thought they had, the childhood sweetheart was still the one who truly held his heart. A quiet ache crept into her chest. So, in the end, it had all just been her wishful thinking.
But Lucas looked at her and, with a completely straight face, said, โI just wanted to see you. Itโs been a while. Iโve missed you.โ
Aurora gave a half-laugh, tinged with sarcasm. โI still come home at night, donโt I? Donโt exaggerate, we see each other almost every day.โ
Lucas, pretending not to hear the edge in her voice, stepped around the desk and moved closer. โBut youโre gone early, back late. You barely even look at me,โ he said, voice low and full of mock hurt.
The unexpected softness in his tone startled her. Was Lucas whining? Aurora blinked, caught off guard.
โUse your normal voice,โ she muttered, eyes flicking away. โIf youโve got nothing else, go back. Iโve still got work to do.โ