Chapter 67

Aurora, still lost in thought, headed to the bathroom to freshen up. As she turned around, she suddenly found herself staring into a pair of warm, gentle eyes. It was Lucas. Her heart skipped a beat.

Noticing the bit of foam still clinging to the corner of her lips, his gaze softened with quiet amusement. He stepped toward her, closing the distance between them. Aurora blinked in confusion, feeling a slow heat creep up her ears. “What is it?”

Lucas didn’t answer. Instead, he simply reached out and wiped the foam off her lips with a feather-light touch. “You missed a spot.”

She exhaled, finally realizing what he was doing. “Oh god,” she scolded herself internally, get a grip.

“Come eat when you’re ready. I made breakfast.” His deep voice carried a casual warmth, but the sight of him in an apron… Aurora quickly turned back to the sink, twisting the faucet handle and splashing cold water onto her face. She had to get it together.

Lucas, watching her reaction, smirked slightly, finding her adorable. “I’ll be waiting, Mrs. Carter.”

Aurora clenched the edge of the sink. If she stayed in here any longer, she might just turn into a fully cooked lobster. Sensing her flustered state, Lucas chuckled and stepped out, even closing the door behind him. Finally alone, Aurora let out a slow breath, staring at her reflection in the mirror. She had to pull herself together.

By the time she walked into the living room, her usual composure was back in place, as if nothing had happened. Lucas set a plate in front of her – sandwiches and a glass of milk. “Freshly made. Eat while it’s warm. If you don’t want milk, there’s oatmeal on the stove.”

“Mm, thanks.” She picked up her fork and glanced at the sandwich. It was perfectly sized – just right for her to finish without feeling too full. Her mind flickered to the memory of that note – the one with all her little preferences written down. Of course. Even in the smallest details, Lucas was always this thoughtful.

Aurora suddenly lost her appetite. She took a few bites before setting down her fork and standing up. “I’m heading to work. There are things I need to handle at the office.”

Lucas stood as well, grabbing his coat off the rack. “I’ll drive you.”

“No need,” Aurora rejected him without hesitation. “You have your own matters to deal with.” Before he could say another word, she grabbed her bag, shut the door behind her, and left without looking back.

Lucas frowned at the closed door, his expression darkening. At that moment, he realized that something wasn’t right.

At Walton Corporation.

Aurora threw herself into work the moment she arrived. She became the picture of a dedicated professional, drowning in files and reports. Even when Lucas sent her a message, she didn’t notice. By noon, she grabbed a quick meal from the employee cafeteria, eating just enough to get by. As for Lucas’s unread message… after thinking it over, she still decided to ignore it.

Meanwhile, at his own office, Lucas sat with his phone in hand, his focus entirely on the message screen. She still hadn’t responded. His expression darkened by the second. Desmond, sitting across from him, barely dared to breathe.

Aurora had no idea what was happening on the other end. Not that it mattered. Even if she didn’t reply, he still had his precious first love to keep him company. She spent the rest of her day buried in work, keeping herself busy enough to block out all unnecessary thoughts.

When the end of the workday arrived, Aurora stretched at her desk, her movements lazy and graceful like a Persian cat basking in the sun. Still, she felt a quiet sense of satisfaction. Keeping busy really was the best distraction. If you don’t give your brain the chance, there’s no room for overthinking.

Grabbing her coat, she tidied up and headed down to the Walton Corporation lobby. Just as she stepped out of the elevator, she caught sight of a face she’d rather not see. It was Joseph. He was standing at the front desk, chatting with the receptionist about something. Aurora rolled her eyes internally. Fantastic. She should’ve checked her horoscope before leaving.

But what was he doing here?

Chapter 68