Chapter 28
Rolf’s taunt was the last straw for Aurora. Ignoring the broken glass on the floor, she snatched a gift box from behind the counter and slammed over his head.
pali.
But she didn’t stop there. She added a swift kick with her high heels, which hurt a lot more than the broken glass, making Holf yelp in p Rolf’s two friends, who’d only been bluffing until now, exchanged uneasy glances. After a brief hesitation, they decided to step in. But before they could even get near Aurora, a group of men in black suits appeared, grabbing them in a flash.
With just a few swift moves, the bodyguards had them on
Aurora h
on the floor. their a
arms twisted painfully as if dislocated. had knocked Rolf to the ground, his face twisted in fury. “You bitch, do you even know who I am?”
One of the men in black stepped forward and kicked him, sending him sprawling again. “How dare you insult Mrs. Parker? Do you have a death wish?”
Only then did Rolf realize who Aurora was. He’d thought she looked familiar, but now he got it–he’d just crossed Maverick’s wife. His face turned pale with fear.
The bodyguards glanced at Aurora, waiting for her instructions. Aurora just waved her hand, and they dragged fand his friends out of the mall. Just before they were tossed out, Aurora warned them not to harass Zorina again. She made it clear–if they did, they’d be dealing with much more than just a few bruises.
Then, the crowd that had gathered was ushered away, and any photos or videos taken weren’t going to see the light of day.
Turning back to Zorina, Aurora asked with genuine concern, “Has that creep been bothering you for a while?”
Rolf’s reputation wasn’t great, and if it weren’t for the Marshman family’s influence, no one would want to marry him. His engagement to Zorina had been set up when they were kids because their families got along and had a similar status.
Zorina wouldn’t even look Aurora in the eyes. They lived in totally different worlds now, with barely any connection left between them.
“You work here now?” Aurora asked, glancing at the modest cosmetics counter where Zorina stood, surrounded by passing shoppers. Zorina’s work uniform was plain and mass–produced–nothing special about it
Zorina avoided Aurora’s gaze, clearly wanting her to move on. “Yeals. If you’re busy, you should go. I already called the police, and the Marshman family will handle the damages.”
“I broke it, so I’ll cover it.
er it. Rolf doesn’t need to pay for that” Aurora looked at the broken glass on the floor. “Whatever it costs, handle it. Oh, and I’m out of toner. Could you grab a set for me?”
Hearing Aurora’s familiar, gentle tone brought tears to Zorina’s eyes. She forced a smile and went to get the toner “This set should work well for your skin. And make sure to use more eye cream–you can always see a woman’s age around her eyes.
Aurora accepted the products Zorina handed her, staring at them for a long moment, deep in thought. Finally, she took out a card. “My number’s still the same. If you ever need anything, call me. We’re still friends, right?”
Though they had drifted apart, nothing could erase the bond they once shared,
After paying for the items, including the ones she’d broken, Aurora went upstairs to find gifts f
for Maverick and his parents.
Since they
they were visiting Parker Manor that evening, she wanted to have something thoughtful prepared for Maverick’s parents.
After some browsing, she picked out a leaf–shaped brooch with inlaid diamonds for Ruth and a high–quality coffee set for Isaac. For Maverick, she chose a peacock–blue tie that matched the dress shir was wearing-
She wandered around the mall
Il a bit lo
longer until her phone rang. It was Maverick. “Got everything?” he asked.
“Yep, all set. Are we heading back now?” Aurora checked the time. It was already six o’clock; she’d spent about an hour and a half at the mall.
“Yeah, l’ın outside. Come down.” Maverick replied.
Aurora hung uja, smiling as she headed downstairs.
As soon as she got in the car, Maverick looked over and asked, “Did you beat up someone from the Marshman family in the mall?”
“Did my bodyguard rat me out?” Aurora joked, pulling out a gray pi
* paper bag and handing Maverick a sleek blue gift box. “Here, I got this for you
today. Kio in and open ti
The two was beautifully wrapped and topped with advow that
ked like a flower in bloom. Maverick gave it a quick glance but set it aside withou
Auussa kad poor bus kledd her seatbeh and nodded cali, we used to be i lose?
II Naomi badiy saved all that wouble, they wouldn’t have driftes apart.
“Aren’t you going to open the gift? I spent a while picking it out; she said.
Maverick glanced at the box, mildly curiosis but sibying reserved. “Why don’t you open it for me?”
Cifts are meant to be opened by the person they’re for, Aurora replied, nudging the box toward him. “I bought it and wrapped it–now you have to
Without even looking her way, Maverick tightened his grip on the wheel. “Sit still.”
Aurora pouted, starting to unwrap the box herself. “You’re no fun. I give you a gift, and you make me open it. Total killjoy”
Though Maverick dulut respond, he couldn’t help but watch her out of the corner of his eye,
kunora sighest dramatically after opening it. “Well, if you don’t want it, I guess
I’ll just keep it.” She snapped the box shut.
Maverick stayed silent, waiting for the light to turn green as he headed toward Parker Manor.
wing to drive
Neither of them brought up the gift again during the drive. When they reached the entrance to the manor. Maverick hesitated, not moving in or get out of the car,
Aurora chuckled and turned to him. “What’s wrong? Not going in?
Maverick’s expression was teuse as he stared at her, his lips pressed into a thin line.
Aurora knew exactly what he was thinking and, feeling triumphant, pulled the gift box back out. She took out the peacock–blue tie. “Fine, let me put it on you You’re so childish”
Maverick telt like he was losing his mind, letting her take charge like this.
Aurora removed his current tie and replaced it with the peacock–blue one. They were close enough that she could feel the warmth of his breath, her heart pounding as if it might jump right out of her chest.
AD
