Chapter 972: Chapter 972



“Owe you what?”

“You got drunk and took advantage of me in the car last time.”

Aurora felt her jaw drop and her cheeks burn. How could he say that with a straight face? “Dunn!”

She knew Dunn could be clever and playful when he wanted to, but she refused to play along or fall prey to his antics.

“Okay, I’m sorry.”

His quick apology took Aurora by surprise.

Most people thought of Dunn as cold and aloof, but he wasn’t like that at all. He came from a happy, loving family, and from a young age, he had known and understood what loving someone meant by watching his parents.

Beyond love and affection, humility and consideration were essential to sustaining a relationship, leaving no room for pride to weaken the bond.

Aurora dropped her gaze and muttered, “Well, uh, you should get going. I wasn’t here to see you, actually.”

Dunn heard the fluster in her voice and smiled. “Don’t lie to me, Aurora.”

“It’s true, though.” Aurora lifted her head. “I came to meet with a friend. I didn’t expect to run into you.”

“A friend?” This time, Dunn’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. “I’m giving you one last chance to tell me the truth.”

Just as Aurora struggled to keep her composure under his gaze, her phone rang. She took a step back and answered Lynda’s call.

“Aurora, I don’t think I’m in the mood to go out today. I’m sorry I can’t meet up with you.”

Lynda tried to sound well and collected, but Aurora sensed the faint sob in her voice.

“Hey, are you okay? If you don’t want to go out, I can just come over to your dorm. We can hang out and talk about it until you feel a little better.”

“You wouldn’t understand.” Lynda’s composure faltered, and her voice shook slightly. “I need time alone to think things out. I’m really sorry for making you come all this way for nothing.”

Lynda’s words felt hauntingly sad, and Aurora’s heart broke for her.

“You know that in my eyes, you’re the most amazing, right? You’re smart, talented, confident, and brave. No matter what you’re going through, don’t forget that you’re wonderful and strong. Don’t let anyone’s opinions make you doubt yourself.”

“Thank you, Aurora. But right now, I just need to be alone. I’m sorry for bailing on you at the last minute.”

“It’s okay. Don’t worry about it. Take all the rest you need. I’ll be right here when you need me, and we’ll see each other next time.”

Dunn overheard snippets of Aurora’s conversation and realized she wasn’t there specifically for him. Though a twinge of disappointment lingered, her words hinted that she wasn’t going to meet with her friend. In a way, she was still here because of him.

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