?Chapter 1044:


    The woman beneath him stiffened, her breath hitching. The physical pleasure couldn’t mask the emotional pain of being nothing more than a substitute.


    She shoved at his chest as her breathing became ragged, ignoring the sharp scent of alcohol on him. Her eyes stung with unshed tears.


    “You’re hurting me.”


    The illusion shattered. She wasn’t Aurora.


    Instead of feeling apologetic, Rickey was annoyed that she broke the moment by speaking.


    Rickey let go of her. Without a second nce, he walked away, heading straight for the bathroom.


    The sound of running water filled the room, drowning out the silence. The womany back on the bed, staring at the ceiling, a dull ache settling in her chest. A little whileter, Rickey emerged, a towel wrapped loosely around his waist.


    “Next time, don’t say a word until I’m finished.”


    She pushed herself up weakly, brushing her hair back. “But don’t you like it when I call your name?”


    Rickey’s gaze darkened. She swallowed hard, lowering her eyes, and didn’t dare to say another word.


    Objectively, she knew Rickey was only tormenting himself. There was no future between him and Aurora, yet he kept chasing her shadow in other women.


    But objectivity didn’t matter to her anymore. Like a seed, love would take root and grow once it had been nted.


    Pulling up her slipping lingerie strap, she made a silent vow. Whether he loved her or not, she would ept it.


    Aurora had been on her best behavior at home for a week—so much so that even Joelle couldn’t take it anymore.


    At the dinner table, Joelle shot Adrian a look. “Aurora needs to go back to school. Pharmaceutical engineering is a difficult field—she needs to attend her sses.”


    Your escape begins with g?lnσν???s?????m


    Adrian remained silent.


    Molly, ever perceptive, chimed in, “Dad, Aurora has great grades. We can’t let her fall behind, can we?”


    Still, Adrian ate in silence.


    Just as Aurora was about to give up, Adrian set down his fork, his expression dark. “Pick one of the world’s top fifty universities. I’ll make arrangements for you to study abroad by the end of the year.”


    Aurora was stunned.


    Molly eximed in disbelief, “What? Mom, Dad, are you guys serious? Aurora just fell in love—it’s not like she broke somew!”


    Joelle wasn’t pleased either. “Adrian, why didn’t you talk to me about this first?”


    “There’s nothing to discuss. I make the decision,” Adrian said firmly.


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