The morning dissolved into a whirlwind of clothes, accessories, and indecision. Together, theyâ¦
Managed to settle on an outfit for Auroraâone that was simple yet elegant, perfectly highlighting her pure yet determined personality.
Just as she was about to leave, Aurora suddenly remembered the handkerchief she needed to return to Dunn.
She rushed upstairs to retrieve it, only to find her drawer wide open and its contents in chaos.
There, lounging innocently on the windowsill, was Ginger, her mischievous cat. The little troublemaker was batting at the handkerchief with its tiny paws, reducing it to a tattered mess.
âGinger!â Aurora cried, snatching up the ruined cloth.
She stared at the shredded threads, her mind racing. What was she supposed to do now? How could she hand this back to Dunn? Frantically, she searched the house for a replacement handkerchief, but nothing matched.
With the time for their meeting rapidly approaching, Aurora had no choice but to improvise. She carefully placed Ginger in its carrier and decided to bring the cat along as part of her apology to Dunn.
To avoid raising any suspicion from her parents, she roped in Lucas, who had just received his driverâs license, to chauffeur her.
Molly insisted on tagging along. Once they arrived at the entrance of the commercial street, Aurora stepped out of the car, the cat carrier slung over her back.
Molly leaned forward in her seat, her eyes gleaming mischievously. âLucas, letâs follow her. I want to see what this guy Auroraâs been meeting looks like!â
âForget it. If Aurora doesnât want us to know, she must have a good reason. We shouldnât interfere with her privacy.â
Lucas turned the car around and went back the way they came. Molly turned to scrutinize Lucas, her brows raised. âLucas, are you afraid youâll be upset seeing Aurora with someone else?â
Lucasâ face turned scarlet, his ears practically glowing. âWhat nonsense are you talking about?â
âAm I wrong, though? The necklace you gave Aurora is from the special Valentineâs Day collection, isnât it?â
âWhat?â Lucasâ foot hit the brakes abruptly, the car jerking to a halt.
Molly, unfazed, leaned her chin on her palm and stared out the window. âDonât act surprised. You canât fool me. Aurora might be the brains, but Iâm the one with emotional intelligence.â
Lucas started the car again. âThis isnât something you should be thinking about at your age. Donât forgetâyou have three test papers to finish before your parents get home. If you donât, donât expect anyone to plead your case.â
Molly huffed, crossing her arms and leaning back in her seat. She still wanted to pry out his secrets, but Lucas stayed frustratingly tight-lipped. Her pout deepened. She hated when she couldnât win.
Dunn, ever the gentleman with his impeccable manners, would never let a woman wait.
Aurora jogged towards the cafe, a bag slung over her shoulder, her hair shimmering in the sunlight as the breeze played with it. Upstairs, Dunn sat by the window, sipping his coffee. The sight below made him pause momentarily.
Before she arrived, he gestured for the server to clear his cup, ensuring nothing would appear out of place.
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