Lucas was just about to agree when he heard his father sigh on the other end. "Well, I’ll be damned. Never thought I’d see the day you settled down. I can’t imagine what poor girl went and lost her senses enough to fall for you."Lucas was speechless.In his father’s eyes, was he really that worthless?Irritated, he replied, "If you’ve got nothing else to say, hang up. I still have work to handle here.""Fine, fine. Sons grow up and can’t be kept."With that, Edward ended the call before Lucas could.Lucas let out a long sigh.His father really was regressing as he got older.If it hadn’t been for Edward insisting on traveling with his mother and talking about retirement after only three years, how could Lucas have ended up taking over the company so soon?Thinking about it, Lucas couldn’t help but sigh again.Dealing with his father would just have to be his own problem.…Meanwhile, Aurora and Ian were discussing Daniel’s project."I don’t need to explain how important the Southside
When he was just about to speak, Aurora’s steady breathing reached his ears.Lucas was shocked.He had been wrestling with himself all this time, only to realize Aurora had already drifted off to sleep.So, after all that inner turmoil, she hadn’t even cared?Thinking of this, Lucas couldn’t help but pinch the tip of her nose. "Heartless little thing."But his touch was gentle, and the moment he saw her frown in her sleep, he quickly pulled his hand back without the slightest hesitation.Just being able to hold her openly as he slept filled him with peace. That night, he slept better than he had in days.By the time morning came, Aurora was no longer beside him. Yet this time, Lucas hadn’t even noticed when she left.On the nightstand, he spotted a note she had left.[There are things to handle at the studio, so I went ahead. You know how it is when I cook. Why don’t you just grab something simple for yourself?]She had even drawn a cheeky little face at the end.A smile spread across
In the future, if this guy ever made mistakes, better not send him off to some faraway place like Southwest—just find somewhere nearby to deal with it.Right now, with her, it was as if Lucas held a free pass from punishment.Aurora didn’t know any of this. All she felt was that Lucas’ emotional intelligence had indeed improved a lot compared to before.So, what if someone had been coaching him?The fact that her man was willing to learn for her already put him ahead of countless men.Some men were hopelessly dense, and worse, they refused to learn, always making excuses.What use was keeping someone like that around?After dinner, they finally returned to the bedroom.As soon as they lay down, Lucas pulled Aurora into his arms, the two of them fitting perfectly together.Only then did he feel utterly at peace, even letting out a comfortable sigh.Aurora heard the sound above her and couldn’t help but laugh. "What is it?""I just feel, Rora, you’re really the best."Lucas held her tigh
"You… are you really serious about what you’re saying?""Of course I am!" Lucas answered without hesitation."If I’m hiding even half a truth from you, may I be struck down by—"Before he could finish, Aurora rushed forward and covered his mouth.The rest of his words were cut off in her throat.Her eyes were wide with urgency. "Don’t say things like that. You have to avoid bad omens, do you understand?"Even though she knew Lucas meant every word, hearing him make such heavy vows made her uncomfortable.He gave a muffled "mm," but didn’t remove her hand. Instead, speaking softly against her palm, he said, "I just want you to believe me.""Aurora, I’ve always been serious about you. I never meant to hide anything. Aside from before… just think of it as me losing my mind. I can’t believe I deceived you like that."I’ll make it up to you. I truly realize my mistake. As long as you’re willing to forgive me, no matter what you say after this, I’ll follow it no matter what."Aurora let out
To Aurora, Lucas’ face was something she could never tire of. No matter the time or place, it always brought her new surprises and feelings.From the side, the shape of his lips—just the right fullness—stirred in her the sudden urge to lean in and kiss him without hesitation.But she knew this wasn’t the right moment.Her hand, hanging at her side, slowly curled into a fist. After a few deep breaths, she forced herself to rein in the impulse.Once the candles were lit, Lucas turned to look at her. His dark eyes shone, brimming with unguarded affection."Aurora, I know this was my fault before. Hiding things from you was wrong, but now the only thing I want is to make it up to you."As he spoke, Lucas slowly moved closer, the air between them thick with rising tension.His voice was warm, magnetic, and in his eyes, it seemed as though there was only room for her and no one else."All I want now is to live well with you. From the first moment I saw you again, there’s been no one else in
In the end, she nodded."Alright, I’ll freshen up first and then come eat."A smile flickered in Lucas’s eyes. "Good, I still have a bit to finish up. By the time you’re done washing up, it should be ready."Aurora gave a small nod without another word and headed straight upstairs.At that moment, Lucas felt deeply grateful. Desmond’s strategy had really worked—Aurora was finally willing to talk to him properly.Before this, it would have been impossible. She would have either refused his goodwill outright or gone straight upstairs.But now, the fact that she even paused by the kitchen door meant there was still room to mend things.The more Lucas thought about it, the lighter his mood became.By the time he carried the dishes out, Aurora had already come downstairs in her pajamas.Her legs swayed in front of him, making it hard for him not to feel the heat rise inside."Dinner’s ready. Come eat," Lucas forced himself to pull his gaze away.Aurora said nothing as she walked to the dini