Chapter 973: Chapter 973



After Aurora ended the call, Dunn offered, “I’ll show you around.”

Aurora asked, “Didn’t you tell your friend you were unavailable? Aren’t you supposed to help your mentor this afternoon?”

“I told him I didn’t have time so he wouldn’t rope me into endless social events.”

Dunn glanced at his watch, his tone steady. “I’m free until two o’clock.”

“Really?”

“Yes.”

Aurora felt a quiet happiness bubbling within her. Spending time with Dunn, even for a while, was a rare treat.

Dunn led her to the cafeteria first, handing her a fork with an apologetic look. “It’s not as good as the food back home, but it’ll do for now. Next time, I’ll take you somewhere better.”

Aurora took a bite, nodding thoughtfully. “It’s not bad, actually.”

Dunn’s gaze lingered on her, catching every fleeting smile and subtle movement as she ate. “I’m glad you like it.”

Once they finished their meal, Dunn guided Aurora through the campus. They walked for over an hour, yet they’d only explored a fraction of Dugruayae University. Aurora found herself already picturing how her life might look when she studied there.

At one point, Dunn slowed his pace and glanced at her. “When school starts, I’ll probably be really busy. I won’t have as much time to spend with you then.”

Aurora recalled Lynda mentioning a couple at Dugruayae University who had become so consumed by their studies that they barely saw each other, eventually drifting apart.

Still, she didn’t seem overly worried. To her, if love could truly crumble under the strain of distance and time, then perhaps it wasn’t that strong in the first place.

She cared for Dunn, but she valued letting things unfold naturally—and above all, she valued herself.

This self-assuredness allowed her to approach any unknown challenges with calm confidence.

She looked up at Dunn, her expression calm yet warm. Slowly, she felt more at ease around him—more like herself.

Gone were the days of initial nervousness or the awkwardness brought on by their long separation. Now, she could share her honest thoughts with him, a sign they were gradually growing closer.

“Dunn, if there’s something you want to do, go for it. I won’t hold you back.”

“Thank you, Aurora,” he said earnestly, meeting her gaze.

For someone who was juggling family expectations, a budding career, and academic challenges, her support felt like a beacon in the chaos.

At his age, everything he had to offer her still leaned heavily on the foundation his father had built.

But someday, he wanted to stand on his own, to give Aurora something that came solely from his efforts.

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