When he mentioned Megan, Aurora’s lips curled slightly.

If she really went through with this marriage, she couldn’t imagine how Megan would react.

But then again… Lucas’ face alone made it hard not to waver.

She needed to marry someone she didn’t dislike, someone with good character.

Honestly, Lucas was the best option.

Aurora’s red lips curved into a smile as she blinked playfully. “Lukey, I don’t think I have a reason to say no.”

“Then tomorrow at 10 a.m., at the city hall,” Lucas said, meeting her gaze.

Aurora nodded.

It seemed he had other matters to attend to, as he turned to leave.

But just as he was about to step away, he paused.

His brows furrowed slightly, his tone casual but pointed. “About Joseph Hunt…”

“It’s over,” Aurora lowered her gaze, recalling Joseph’s arrogance earlier.

“Don’t worry, I’m not the type to go back to an ex.”

Only then did Lucas turn and walk away.

Aurora watched his retreating figure, feeling an odd sense of disbelief.

She was really about to marry Lucas.

…

She didn’t tell Grace about the marriage in advance.

Lucas had always been low-profile, an elusive figure even in the media.

And in truth, this marriage felt more like a formality to satisfy their families.

If she really thought about it, their connection, aside from that one reckless night and her fleeting, unspoken crush, mostly came from the fact that he was Megan’s cousin.

The next day, they walked out of the city hall, each holding a crisp marriage certificate in hand.

Only now did the reality of marriage begin to sink in for Aurora.

“Now that we’re officially married, should we move into our place?” she asked hesitantly.

She wasn’t exactly experienced in these matters, nor did she know Lucas well enough to predict his response.

Aurora didn’t know much about the specifics of the Carter family’s business, only that they were exceptionally wealthy.

However, families like theirs always had an estate or a property set aside for newlyweds.

At the sound of the word “we,” Lucas’ lips curled slightly, an almost imperceptible reaction that vanished in an instant.

“Of course,” he said coolly.

He handed her a set of keys along with a small red box.

Aurora opened it and paused.

Inside was a diamond ring.

And not just any ring—it was exactly the style she liked.

Understated yet exquisitely crafted, luxurious yet elegant.

It suited her tastes perfectly.

“A wedding ring,” Lucas said in his usual calm tone, his gaze resting on her as he added casually, “Want to try it on?”

Even after playing the role of a struggling student for three years, Aurora still couldn’t resist something that sparkled this beautifully.

She nodded.

Lucas took the ring and slid it onto her finger.

“Do you like it?” His voice remained indifferent, yet his gaze was focused entirely on her.

“If not, we can get another one.”

Aurora’s lips curved into a smile.

“I like it.”

There was no reason not to like a diamond ring worth nearly seven figures.

Back when she was with Joseph, the most expensive ring he ever gave her was a plain one.

She even returned most of the money he transferred to her.

He had barely spent his money on her.

For men like him, the truest sign of sincerity was investing in the woman they cared about.

The Waltons were never short on money, but feeling Lucas’ generosity still put Aurora in a rare good mood.

Lucas handed her another card.

At first, Aurora assumed it was for household expenses.

But then, he glanced at her and said in an unhurried tone, “The house is taken care of by the staff. This is for your personal spending, Mrs. Carter.”

His voice was calm, indifferent, as if he were mentioning something trivial.

Aurora’s eyes flickered as she arched a brow, her red lips curving playfully. “Lukey, aren’t you worried I might run off with your money after I’m done sleeping with you?”

“Run off with my money…”

Lucas let out a low chuckle, his voice deep and smooth. “That’s fine. Name your price, Mrs. Carter. As for sleeping with me…”

Their eyes met.

His sharp, narrow eyes, porcelain-like skin, and perfectly sculpted features grew nearer and nearer.

Then, he leaned forward, pulled her close by the waist, and kissed her.