Loving You All Over Again (Aurora and Maverick)

Huls glanced at the dress Tina pointed out, looking indifferent. "Oh, really? Did Maverick ask you to bring it?"

"I can't even remember. Life's been nonstop," Tina sighed dramatically. Honestly, if I'd known, I would've stayed home instead of rushing around. We could have had a spa day or soaked in a hot spring together."

"I heard they discovered a new natural spring over in Ummerland. Now that I'm back, Ruth, we have to plan a trip to check it out," she added casually as if Aurora weren't even in the room.

"That sounds great. It's been ages since I've been 14 a hot spring. Let's pick a time? Ruth replied with a smile.

"I knew you'd be in. Oh, and I brought you a linde something." Tina said, beaming

She pulled a small, simply wrapped box from her purse. "I wanted to fund the perfect gift as soon as I booked my flight, but even up until it was almost time to board, I couldn't find something better. Don't be disappointed if it's not the best"

"Oh, come on. I always love your gifts," B

Ruth said warmly as she took the box, her gaze drifting toward the carpet. "Just look at this carpet-it was your gift too, and I still adore it. I see it every day, and it never gets old."

Aurora realized then that the carpet had been a gift from Tina, and it was clear Ruth held Tina in much higher regard than her.

Watching their easy exchange. Aurora could tell Tina wasn't a relative of Maverick's but someone close enough to feel almost like family.

A sense of unease settled in Aurora's chest as she sat there, feeling like more of an outsider.

Suddenly, Tina turned as if noticing Aurora for the first time and gave her a quick, dismissive glance. "Ruth, you haven't introduced us. She's just sitting here so quietly."

Ruth gestured toward Aurora. "This is Aurora, Maverick's wife. He brought her to meet us today."

Turning to Aurora, Ruth said, "Aurora, this is Tina, a close friend of Maverick's. They grew up together. You two are about the same age, so you should get along well. Maybe you can even join us for that hot spring trip. If Tina recommends it, it must be good."noveldrama

Aurora rolled her eyes silently and thought, "Just because she likes it doesn't mean it's the best, right? She's ignored me the whole time, then makes it look like I'm rude for not speaking up. She's quite something"

But outwardly, she kept a calm smile. "Nice to meet you. I'm Aurora, Maverick's wife.

Tina's eyes widened in mock realization. "Oh, you're the one who got kidnapped recently-the Princess of Ravin City, right? Are you all right?"

She stepped forward with exaggerated concern, taking Aurora's hand. "You must've been so shaken. We're all raised so comfortably, no one should go through something like that. Did they catch the people behind it? People like that deserve to be locked away forever."

Aurora noticed Tina's hand-a faint ring mark on her left pinky. It was clear she'd worn a ring there for years. She forced a polite smile. "Luckily, nothing serious happened. I think they just wanted a little ransom money and attention. It's all settled now"

"Well, that's a relief. Still, you can never be too cautious. And I heard you went to Alice for a check-up after. I hope they find those criminals and throw the book at them. What they did really dragged your name through the mud," Tina wid

She brought up the kidnapping repeatedly, clearly trying to get under Aurora's skin.

But Aurora held her ground, smiling calmly. She stood and said, "Ruth, I'll go see if they need any help in the kitchen. You two carry on."

"What's there to help with in the kitchen?" Tina reached to grab her arm, clearly wanting to press her further, but Aurora dodged her grasp and walked off, heading straight for the kitchen.

Tina's eyes flashed with a hint of triumpli as she turned back to Ruth. "Where's Maverick? I didn't see him?

"He's upstairs. You can go up if you'd like, Ruth replied.

Tina didn't hesitate, tossing her gift carelessly onto the table as she headed up the stairs.

Meanwhile, Aurora lingered in the kitchen, offering to help, but the cook kept waving her off, saying

smoky and greasy for her to be

with bac was likely wrapping up. After Ruth nodded her

With nothing else to do, Aurora left the kitchen. She figured Maverick's

conversation w approval, she headed upstairs as well.

Maverick's room was the second door on the right. Aurora rubbed her hands together nervously

She reminded herself that they hadn't even had dinner yet, so whatever was on Maverick's mind, there wouldn't be enough time for anything

Steeling herself, Aurora walked to the door. It was slightly ajar, and as a draft of air nudged it open a bit more, she reached for the handle and frove -voices drified out from inside.

the one who truly loves you. We've been close since we were kids. How could you choose Aurora? Tina's voice was clear and

*Maverick. I'm il emotional.

Without thinking, Aurora stopped and listened, a frown forming as she pieced together what was happening

The room itself was simple, with a wooden wardrobe against the wall, a bed in the center, and a computer desk on the other side. A desktop sat on the desk, giving the space a sleek, modern touch.

Maverick leaned back against the headboard, eyes closed, not even sparing Tina a glance.

is silence drew her frustration. Growing more desperate, Tina tugged down the zipper of her dress, saying, "I'm the one who really cares about you. Aurora made such a scene trying to avoid this marriage, and now after her kidnapping, she suddenly has a change of heart. Aren't you worried she has some other motive!"

"What do you see in her? Is it her family? Her looks? Her body? I grew up with you. We've known each other forever, and-" She bit her lip, fighting to keep her composure as the dress slipped lower, baring her shoulders.

"She's not right for you. Who knows what really happened when she was with those kidnappers? Even if Alice checked her, how can you be sure Alice wasn't bribed: Maverick, we're meant to be together. She's just wrong for you," she continued,

Maverick's voice was cool. "It's not your call to make. Just because we were kids together doesn't mean we're meant to be. We've had some misunderstandings, and it's time to move on. Whether or not Aurora's right for me, I know one thing -you're not

The way he said it so easily nearly pushed Tina over the edge. She had prepared so much for this moment, but he was dismissing her as if it meant nothing.

"Maverick, look at me and say that again." Tina's voice trembled as she faced him, eyes glistening with tears. "You're saying I'm not good enough. In what way? My education? My family?

"I've worked so hard to be worthy of you. I'm even in line to lead the Hacker family. And Aurora? What does she have? She's just a pretty face. A Trophy wife!"