“You’re overthinking it. I’ve just been busy with work these past few days.”
Aurora averted her gaze, not wanting to look at Lucas’s face. “Now let go of me–I’m going to take a shower.”
But Lucas didn’t loosen his grip.
He studied her carefully, sensing that she was hiding something.
But if she didn’t want to talk, there wasn’t much he could do.
He raised an eyebrow, debating whether to press further. He didn’t want things to be so tense between them.
It had been fine before–comfortable, even.
But now? She had clearly misunderstood something.
“Rora, I don’t want any misunderstandings between us.
His deep voice carried a trace of warmth as he nuzzled into the curve of her neck.
“If something’s on your mind, just tell me.”
His tone was rich and low, like the deep notes of a cello, each word tugging at her heartstrings.
Aurora’s pulse skipped.
But then she remembered the way he had walked away that night.
What was the point of clarifying anything?
This was a marriage of convenience–nothing more, nothing less.
“There’s really nothing to say.” Her gaze was cool as she looked at him. “My mom wants us to go back for dinner.
“If you don’t want to, I’ll decline.”
Lucas answered immediately. “Of course, I’ll go.”
“If my mother–in–law invites me, how could I refuse?”
The word mother–in–law slipping from his lips made Aurora’s ears burn.
“Fine. Just let me know when you’re free.”
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Chapter 79
+25 BONOS
Once again, they effortlessly avoided the real conversation.
Aurora preferred it this way.
Some things were better left unspoken.
Why complicate it?
In the end, maintaining the status quo was easier.
After her shower, Aurora headed straight to the bedroom. Lucas joined her after washing up, pulling her into his embrace.
She instinctively tensed.
Lucas’s eyes darkened slightly, his lips pressing into a thin line.
Aurora braced herself, expecting him to take things further.
But he didn’t.
His arm simply rested against her, and in the end, he did nothing.
Only then did she exhale in relief.
Ever since learning about his true love, she hadn’t quite prepared herself for fulfilling the so- called duties of a wife.
The next morning, as usual, Lucas made breakfast.
The tension between them had eased somewhat, but Aurora treated the morning routine as if she were simply completing a task.
She didn’t speak much.
“I’m heading to work,” she said after finishing her meal.
Lucas stood
- up.
“I’ll drive you.”
Aurora was about to refuse, but when she met his gaze–those deep, dark eyes laced with a hint of something almost… wounded–she hesitated.
“…Alright.”
In the end, she relented.
After all, they were married.
Living under the same roof meant avoiding each other forever wasn’t an option.
2/3
Chapter 79
+25 BONOS
Lucas dropped her off at the office, his voice calm yet careful.
“Text me when you’re done with work. I’ll pick you up.”
“Don’t overwork yourself–your health matters too.”
“Alright.”
There was no reason to reject his concern.
If she hadn’t discovered the truth about his true love, she had to admit that Lucas would have
been an ideal husband.
Just as Aurora was about to step out of the car, Lucas caught her by the wrist.
She turned back, puzzled. “What is it?”
His lips parted slightly. “Mrs. Carter, when you’re not too busy… can you reply to my messages?”
The man who was usually as distant as a god now looked anything but.
At this moment, all Aurora saw was someone quietly sulking–like a deity pulled down from his pedestal, left standing in the mundane world, seeking attention.
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