Chapter Seventy-Four: The Family's Legacy

Chapter Seventy-Four: The Family's Legacy

"Ethan Knight, Ethan Knight..." Lydia Moore mumbled unconsciously as she slowly opened her eyes. Outside, the sky had already fallen into the depths of night. Elena Rivers put down the book she had been reading and handed her a glass of warm water.

Lydia sat up and took the cup, feeling the warmth spread through her hands and into her heart. "You've been taking care of me all this time. It must have been so exhausting for you. Thank you!" Since she had fallen ill, Elena had been the one to prepare her meals and take care of her every need. Now that she was almost fully recovered, Lydia felt a deep sense of gratitude and a determination to repay Elena's kindness in the future.

Elena didn't respond, merely offering her a gentle smile. Over the past few days, Lydia's health had gradually improved, and her complexion had grown rosy and vibrant, making her even more beautiful than before. The transformation that Agnes had started, combined with the rest and care Lydia had received, had brought out a new brilliance in her, making it hard to connect this radiant girl with the plain, unremarkable Lydia Moore of the past. It was clear that her time at Sakura had given her a complete metamorphosis.

"Oh, and I should thank Julian Reed too. If it weren't for him, I'd probably still be getting tormented by those people. He really is such a kind, friendly senior—someone truly worthy of respect." Lydia praised him with genuine admiration, oblivious to the subtle change in Elena's expression.

Elena knew that the person Lydia truly cared for was someone else—someone she often called out for, even in her sleep: Ethan Knight. To her, Julian was merely a senior she admired. If Julian ever found out the truth, it would surely break his heart, just as it pained Elena to know that Julian's affections were for Lydia. A shadow passed over Elena's eyes as she softly said, "I'll go get your medicine." She offered a sad smile before turning away, her figure tinged with a quiet sorrow.

Lydia had just finished taking her medicine when her phone, tucked under her pillow, suddenly began to vibrate. She picked it up and saw that the message was from Aaron King. *I'm outside your dorm. Come down.* It was a simple sentence, but it sent ripples through Lydia's heart. Without a second thought, she jumped out of bed and rushed to the door.

"Where are you going at this hour?" Elena asked, grabbing her arm. "It's Aaron King—he's waiting for me outside. I need to go down," Lydia replied, unable to hide her excitement.

"Haven't you been through enough?" Elena frowned, clearly displeased.

"No, it's different this time. I believe in him. He wouldn't call me out like this unless it was important. Maybe he's finally forgiven me." Lydia's eyes sparkled with hope. "Please, Elena, let me go. I promise I'll take care of myself."

Elena hesitated, unable to refuse the earnest plea in Lydia's eyes. Reluctantly, she let go, watching as Lydia disappeared out the door. A sense of foreboding settled in her heart, as if something significant was about to happen.

The cool moonlight bathed the earth in a thin veil of mist, casting shadows along the deserted path outside the dorm. A white sports car was parked by the roadside, and a tall, handsome figure leaned against it, arms crossed over his chest. His dark, obsidian eyes flickered beneath his long lashes, his posture slightly disheveled yet still exuding an untouchable nobility. As the sound of hurried footsteps reached his ears, the boy's head snapped up, and his eyes brightened with a crystalline glow upon seeing who it was. All the emptiness and unease vanished in that instant, replaced by a clear, growing joy.

Lydia was so eager that she didn't notice the uneven stones underfoot, causing her to stumble forward. Just as she braced herself for a fall, strong arms wrapped around her waist from behind, pulling her back into a firm chest that smelled faintly of alcohol. Lydia blushed instantly.

Her body was so soft, carrying that familiar scent of fresh green leaves. Holding her like this, Aaron King felt an unprecedented sense of happiness, as if she would always be by his side, never leaving. He couldn't help but tighten his embrace, drawing her even closer.

He buried his head in the crook of her neck, inhaling the faint minty scent of her hair. When she squirmed uncomfortably in his arms, Aaron mumbled, "Don't move. Just let me hold you like this for a while." His voice was gentle, like a soft, intimate murmur. Lydia stood still, unsure of what to do with her hands as they hovered awkwardly in the air. What on earth had gotten into him?

The silvery moon was obscured by a veil of gray clouds, and the dim light from the streetlamp cast long shadows over them. Time seemed to stretch out, each second lingering in the stillness. As he caught the faint scent of medicine on her, Aaron finally broke the silence. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have ignored your explanations. If it weren't for me, you wouldn't have fallen ill. From now on, I won't let anyone hurt you." He had always believed he would never apologize to anyone, let alone make promises, but with her, the words came so naturally. What kind of spell had she cast on him that made all his impossibilities become possible?

The proud, untouchable Aaron King was apologizing to her? He was acting so strange tonight. Lydia stared at him for a moment before replying, "No, it's fine. Honestly, I've been eating well and getting plenty of sleep these past few days. If anything, Elena and Julian are the ones who've had it rough."

It was meant to be a light-hearted comment, but it triggered an unexpected reaction from Aaron. His hands tightened on her shoulders as he awkwardly asked, "Do you…like Julian Reed?" He swore, if she answered yes, he might actually strangle her.

"Huh? You've got it wrong. Julian is like an older brother to me. I respect and admire him, but it's not romantic. It's more…familial," Lydia explained truthfully.

So, she didn't have feelings for Julian. Hearing her response, Aaron finally relaxed, the light returning to his eyes. He smiled dumbly, patting her head like a happy child. Lydia looked up at him, puzzled, and in the soft, hazy moonlight, she suddenly noticed a scrape on his forehead. "Did you get into a fight? Why don't you take better care of yourself? You know you're not invincible, you idiot!" she scolded, pouting.