Aurora jumped in shock, staring blankly into those star-like eyes. His gaze was usually cool and detached—but when he looked at her, it was warm, intense, and burning with something deeper.
The air between them grew thick with tension. Just as Everett was about to kiss her, she quickly turned her head. His lips landed gently on her cheek instead.
Aurora wore no makeup, and her bare skin had no scent of powder—just a natural freshness that Everett found himself drawn to.
His slightly upturned eyes narrowed, his expression dazed with longing. But before the feeling could take over completely, Aurora's soft voice snapped him out of it.
"Don't… don't do that."
Breathing heavily, Everett came back to himself. He had promised to respect her—not to push her.
His eyes cleared, the warmth fading.
"Aurora, you're not a child. Why can't you face what's in your heart?"
Aurora tensed.
"Face what? I don't know what you're talking about!"
