Chapter 72

“Aurora, just listen to me, okay? Give me a chance.”

Aurora’s patience snapped. “Let me go!”

“Do you even realize how disgusting this is? Don’t forget that you have my sister!”

At the mention of Tessa, a flicker of something unreadable flashed through Julian’s drunken gaze.

But instead of stopping, he tightened his hold, pulling Aurora closer.

“But we were supposed to be engaged first.”

“Aurora… I’ve always liked you.”

The moment those words left his mouth, a wave of revulsion crawled down Aurora’s spine. Her stomach churned, her skin prickling with sheer disgust. She fought against his grip, her movements frantic, but his strength – fueled by alcohol and determination – kept her trapped.

“Julian,” she hissed, her voice shaking with anger. “If my sister finds out about this, she won’t let you off.”

She forced herself to meet his flushed face, bile rising in her throat. “You’re engaged to Tessa. Everyone knows it. Do you think you can just pretend that doesn’t exist? Who the hell do you think you’re betraying right now?”

Julian’s body tensed for a moment, but he didn’t let go.

“Aurora, stop bringing her up…”

By now, his intoxicated mind had completely blurred any sense of reason. All he could focus on was the woman in his arms – her warmth, the soft scent of roses clinging to her skin. He’d never admitted it out loud, but Aurora’s striking features, her defiant fire, the way she carried herself – it was all exactly his type.

“Just give me a chance,” he murmured, tightening his hold. “I can take you back if you want.”

As if she needed his permission.

Aurora’s blood boiled. No matter how hard she struggled, his grip only became stronger. Left with no other choice, she lifted her foot and stomped down hard on his.

Julian grunted, momentarily recoiling, but still refused to let go.

“Aurora, I mean it—”

“What the hell are you two doing?!”

A sharp, furious voice cut through the room. Both of them turned toward the door, only to find Tessa and Grace standing side by side. Grace’s sharp rebuke had just fallen, and Tessa’s eyes were already red with tears. She stood beside Grace, saying nothing, fully embodying the role of a victim.

Aurora’s heart clenched. She forcefully shoved Julian away, who was just as stunned as she was. This time, he didn’t resist. Instead, he simply went along with the force of her push, stepping back obediently. At this moment, even if Aurora had been slow-witted, she would have understood Julian’s game. He was only pretending to be drunk.

Her gaze darkened as she stared at him, her tone laced with sarcasm. “Impressive. You really know how to play, my dear brother-in-law.”

Grace’s chest heaved with anger. “Aurora, even now, after we’ve caught you red-handed, you’re still saying such disgraceful things?”

Aurora couldn’t hold back. “Mom, you’re accusing me without even asking what happened! It was him – he was stopping me from leaving! Why don’t you investigate first before blaming me?”

Looking into Aurora’s bloodshot eyes, Grace took deep breaths, trying to steady herself. “You… You unfilial daughter.”

“Mom, please calm down. There must be… some misunderstanding between them…”

Tessa patted Grace’s back, her voice trembling. By the time she reached the last words, she was on the verge of tears.