?Chapter 1075:


    “Have you been in rtionships before?” she asked.


    “You’re so annoying.” Rnd let out an exasperated sigh.


    “Am I your first love?” Amanda asked in disbelief.


    After a weighted pause, Rnd offered a muffled “Mm.”


    In that moment, Amanda’s heart became a battlefield of conflicting emotions.


    Rnd reached over and extinguished the bedsidemp. Darkness enveloped the room, and Amanda sat motionless, her smile long forgotten.


    With Dunn’s imminent return from overseas, Aurora visited a boutique owned by Joelle’s friend to select a wee-home gift. She’d casually mentioned it was for a friend, avoiding suspicion. At her age, having male friends wasn’t unusual anyway.


    Watching a pair of cufflinks, a watch, and a tie before her, she was lost in thought.


    The shop’s tranquility shattered as the door swung open.


    “Hey, has my pre-ordered bag arrived yet? Bring it over.”


    It was Katherine.


    “Aunt Katherine.” Aurora’s voice caught in her throat.


    “Aurora!” Katherine strode in, her heels striking a confident rhythm against the floor, her presencemanding as ever. She adjusted her designer bag with practiced elegance and offered a conspiratorial smile. “Shopping for something special? Whatever catches your eye, put it on my ount.”


    “No, please—that’s not necessary,” Aurora protested, her hands fluttering nervously. “Just selecting a small token for a friend.”


    “A small token?” Katherine’s perfectly shaped eyebrow arched as she settled onto the plush couch, crossing her legs with deliberate grace. Before hery Aurora’s carefully curated selection of gifts, clearly for men.


    “A boyfriend, right? I’m well aware of your little romance with Dunn. So you’re picking out his gift. Tell me, what has he chosen for you?”


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    A crimson blush crept across Aurora’s cheeks. She sank into the seat beside Katherine, her voice barely above a whisper. “Please, keep it down. If word reaches my parents, I’m finished.”


    Katherine released a dismissiveugh. “And why should that frighten you?”


    A server appeared with an expertly crafted martini and a delicate slice of tiramisu. Katherine lifted the ss with practiced elegance, fixing Aurora with an encouraging gaze.


    “Your uncle has already vouched for Dunn—says he’s solid gold. Besides, dating is perfectly natural. Have you heard about your parents’ wild romance back in the day? Their love story had the whole city holding its breath. Now they think they can clip your wings? Not a chance. Rx, your uncle and I have your back.”


    Aurora fidgeted with her fingers, a shy smile tugging at her lips. “Thank you, Aunt.”


    “She’s not your only cheerleader!” A voice rang out from the VIP fitting room.


    The door swung open to reveal Fannie, resplendent in a couture gown. Heat bloomed across Aurora’s cheeks.


    Fannie must have stayed hidden to spare her from initial embarrassment, a gesture of quiet thoughtfulness that touched her deeply.


    Aurora rose quickly and greeted Fannie.


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