Chapter 34 — One Step Closer
Merrymaking in every street we pass by, I narrowly avoided a kid running past us with a sparkler on his hand as he yelled at his friends who went ahead of him. Aurelius’ hand found my shoulder and gently pulled me against him, smiling sheepishly when I looked up at him with a smirk. Jabbing him softly on the side, I tucked the gift he gave me under my arm. We soon reached the park and I pointed at the nearby bench, “There. Let’s sit there first.”
We sat down on the cold seat and I hurriedly unwrapped the gift. “You know, you’re quite lucky my mom is fast asleep. If she weren’t, I wouldn’t meet you out here in the cold. She’d be very furious if she ever finds out.”
“Not to be in a rush, but I would really want to meet your mom.” He mumbles, white smoke coming out of his lips as he speaks. “I know it’s strange but my mother is curious whether I met yours yet. She and father want to meet you as well, especially when they were informed by Dean that you came to London last time.”
“Dean?”
“The butler.”
“Oh.”
He laughed, “Don’t worry. He won’t be offended if you forgot about him, I did tell him that it would be hard for people to remember him if he remains dull-looking all the time.”
My eyes widened at his statement then shook my head. “I’m sure if your butler heard that he would cry.” At the image of a grown-ass man shedding tears, I couldn’t help but cringe. “But let’s be realistic, he wouldn’t probably care.”
“I know! Dean said the same last time, telling me that he’s too old to care about his looks. It’s sad to hear that he hasn’t even thought of settling down or retiring.” Aurelius glanced down at his hands, a small smile on his lips. “Although, I would hate to see him go. I’m never good at saying goodbyes, especially those whom I got used to seeing every day.”
Then, out of sheer curiosity, I questioned. “Would you be sad to see me go as well?” Whatever possessed me to ask such a question, it must have left already since I instantly regret doing so. Of course, I know the answer to that question already, yet to say it aloud is another thing. It’s downright embarrassing. “Never mind! Don’t answer that question—”
Taking my hands into his, Aurelius brought them near his lips and kissed them. “No doubt about it. Even if I have to search the whole world for you, I would do so.”
At this moment, women would certainly be swooned and instantly give this charming man a kiss. However, I made a face before bursting out in laughter, cringing hard at the corny lines he threw at me. “Are you serious about what you just said?”
“W-why?” he stammered, blinking twice. “Are you not in awe?”
“I’m certain you got those from that channel that airs cheesy romance films every night!” I giggled, punching his arm lightly. “Oh my god, how could you say such words with a straight face!”
With a pout, he averted his gaze away and crossed his arms across his chest, resembling a five-year-old whose candy had been taken away. “Damn it, and here I thought you would be impressed. Seriously, why can’t you take my words as it is? It’s unfair…”
“You don’t have to say such romantic lines to impress me. I’m a very simple person, just by exerting your effort to see me is enough.” Shaking my head at his childish behavior, I continued unwrapping my gift. “I mean, actions speak louder than words.”
The box finally came to view, holding it up to see it better under the streetlight. After shaking it a few times, I turned to Aurelius and narrowed my eyes. “Is this some kind of jewelry? An earring?” He merely smiled.
“Open it to see.”
“Hmph, no fun.” I poked out my tongue, making a raspberry noise before opening the gift. The first thing I saw was paper surrounding the object, I removed it swiftly so I could cut the suspense even further. A gasp escaped my lips when my eyes laid upon what seems to be a hairpiece, an owl sitting on top of flowers. It wasn’t fancy like brimmed with diamonds, it was simple and just my style. “Aurelius, this is pretty!”
“I know right? I bought it at the store, where Aiden told me, sold good stuff at cheap prices. I knew you wouldn’t really like having flashy items or even expensive ones, so when I found this, I knew it was perfect.” Taking the hairpiece from its placement, he gently put it on my hair, making sure not to poke my scalp. “There!”
I felt my whole face turn bright red as he grinned and stared into my eyes for too long that I had to push his head away. “Stop! You’re embarrassing me here…”
“Eh? I’m embarrassing you?”
The mood was right and it felt like it needed to happen, I quickly leaned in and chastely kissed Aurelius on the lips. He froze, despite me pulling away and thanking him softly. Still not getting a response, I bit my lip in worry, reaching out to nudge him.
“Oi, are you okay?”
“Huh? Oh, I-I’m fine. You surprised me there…” he laughed lightly, face red and it was obviously not due to how the temperature was dropping. I giggled, patting him on the back.
“Then, if you really want to date me, you should get used to surprises.” The way his eyes lit up at my sentence only made my heart race. “And… back to the topic of my mother, what if I tell you that you can’t meet her yet? That it may take months, or perhaps years. Would that be okay with you?”
Aurelius readily nodded, “Oh yes! Definitely okay with me. I’m not in a rush, I just want to let her know that I’m trying to pursue you. I would rather she find out through me than hearing it from different people. Less messy that way.”
“I have to agree with that.”
Today was Christmas, just another ordinary holiday here in Devont City. Yet, with Aurelius Clarke around, he just makes things brighter and happier than they were before.