?<strong>Chapter 962:</strong>


    Aurora paused for a moment before answering, “I’m fine. Just take care of yourself and try to bnce your life and studies.”


    Rickey pressed on, “Did you really miss me?”


    Aurora hesitated, biting her lip before replying, “I did.”


    “I’m not talking about the kind between friends.”


    Aurora understood what he was getting at and quickly cut him off. “Let’s stop here.”


    “Aurora, have you ever had feelings for me?”


    “I said stop it, Rickey!” Aurora clenched her fist, as if holding sand, feeling it slip away quietly, piece by piece.


    Silence hung on the line for a few seconds before Rickey’sughter broke through. “I was just teasing you. Look how scared you got.”


    Aurora was no longer the naive girl she once was.


    It mattered little whether Rickey’s remarks were in jest or not; what truly mattered was the possibility of reiming their old rapport.


    “Rickey, you’ve always been my best friend. Back in elementary school, when the others turned their backs on me, you were the one beacon in that storm. For that, my gratitude knows no bounds.”


    With a heavy heart, Aurora continued, “I’ve grown ustomed to our bond over the years. Teasing or not, let’s leave such jokes in the past, shall we?”


    On the other end, Rickey’s smile was a mask hiding his turmoil. He wanted to retort, but in the end, he could only say, “Okay.”


    “Great,” Aurora nced at her watch. Dunn would arrive any moment now. “I’ve got another engagement, so I need to head out.”


    Rickey’s heart sank, though he masked his disappointment well. “Sure, go ahead.”


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    As he was about to hang up, Molly’s voice rang out clear and bright. “Aurora, why haven’t you gone out to meet your boyfriend yet?” Her words were like a bell to Rickey.


    Aurora quickly ended the call. “Don’t call him that, Molly. I’m leaving now.”


    “Bye! Hope you two have a romantic evening!”


    Lucas descended the stairs just in time to catch Molly’s brazen remark, his brow knitting in disapproval.


    Facing his stern look, Molly’s smile vanished instantly. “Why the re? My sister’s heart has been captivated, and it’s not a recent development!”


    “I’m aware,” Lucas replied.


    “Well, good that you are!” With a huff, Molly retreated to her room.


    Lucas scratched his head in confusion. Molly was bing an enigma day by day.


    The honk of a car horn announced Dunn’s arrival. Aurora bid Lucas a quick goodbye and stepped outside.


    Dunn had booked the whole restaurant just for the two of them. In celebration of Aurora’s college eptance, Dunn had also arranged for a bouquet of flowers, which the staff presented to her upon their arrival.


    “Thank you,” she said.


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