?<strong>Chapter 954:</strong>


    Dunn’s gaze on Aurora was unrelenting, his intensity making her feel as though she was aplex puzzle he needed to solve. His eyes, rimmed with a hint of red, softened into a bittersweet smile. “If being around you causes more harm than good, I’ll never forgive myself. Aurora, I’ve carried these words for far too long—”


    “Stop it!” Aurora cut him off, stepping forward with a sudden burst of courage. She wrapped her free arm around him.


    The embrace was far from perfect—Ginger squirmed in her arms, creating an awkward barrier—but the warmth they shared bridged the distance. Her voice trembled as she buried her face near his shoulder. “Whye back into my life just to say this? Is it guilt that’s bringing you here?”


    Dunn hesitated, the weight of her question forcing him to pause before his arms tightened protectively around her waist. “It’s not guilt. It’s because I’ve realized my feelings for you aren’t innocent anymore. Aurora, would you me me for that?”


    Aurora’s heart raced, her emotions a chaotic storm she couldn’t control. “Dunn, no matter where I go, you’re there. That’s not a coincidence.”


    Dunn knew it perfectly well, but hearing her admit it gave him a strange sense of security, and he held her even tighter.


    “Meow!” Ginger wriggled free, leaping from her arms and onto the ground.


    “Ginger!” Aurora called out.


    Dunn pulled her closer. “Forget about the cat for now. I’ll help you find herter.”


    Aurora’s tension eased slightly as she watched Ginger effortlessly leap into the second-floor window, safe and sound.


    With Ginger gone, the space between her and Dunn grew impossibly small. Pressed against his chest, she became acutely aware of the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. The sensation sent an electric thrill through her, making her skin tingle and her cheeks burn.


    Acting on impulse, she wrapped her arms around his waist, leaning into him. His broad shoulders and firm muscles offered a grounding sense of security that made her heart ache. “Dunn, does this mean we’re…”


    The best stories are at g?lnσν????s???????


    “Click.”


    The sudden flicker of lights from the second-floor balcony cut her off. Fairy lights twinkled to life, illuminating a cascade of balloons originally prepared for Rnd’s party, but the banner now disyed her and Dunn’s names.


    Molly stood on the balcony, her hands cupped around her mouth as she called out, “Hey! You two lovebirds downstairs, look up!”


    Aurora’s face turned scarlet. Mortified, she buried herself against Dunn’s chest, wishing the ground would swallow her whole.


    Dunn, however, took it in stride. Clearing his throat, he casually raised a hand in greeting. “Hello, everyone.”


    Kalel’s voice boomed from the balcony. “Hey, Dunn, you owe us a dinner for this one!”


    Sariah piped up beside him, a mischievous grin lighting up her face. “Yeah! Dinner’s the deal, or we tell Mom and Dad!”


    Aurora tilted her head, ring up at Molly through her embarrassment. “Was this your idea, Molly?”


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