Chapter Seventy-Three: The Ultimate Choice

Chapter Seventy-Three: The Ultimate Choice

The two stood in silence, the only sound in the gymnasium being the soft thud of the basketball bouncing on the floor.

As twilight settled over Sakura Campus, the rosy hues of the setting sun cast a gentle glow over everything. By the flowerbed, two girls were engaged in idle chatter. "Did you hear about that girl who was getting bullied? I think she's sick now," one of the short-haired girls remarked. "Yeah, her name's Lydia Moore, right? I heard she's been really strong through all of it. And rumor has it Julian Reed has been visiting her at the dorm every day while she's been sick."

"Really?" The short-haired girl gasped. "She's so lucky! Honestly, if Julian Reed were taking care of me, it'd be worth being sick for a month! Do you think they're dating?" The other girl shook her head. "I'm not sure, but they might be. Julian's kind to everyone, but I've never seen him this close to any other girl before."

"Wow, it's like a Cinderella story with a prince charming. So envious!" The two girls drifted off into their fantasies, oblivious to the handsome boy sitting on the other side of the flowerbed. His icy gaze flickered as he stood up, the deepening shadows melding with the approaching dusk.

In the city, the night transformed the urban landscape into a sea of lights, the glow of the lamps giving everything a pearly sheen. The bustling commercial district in the heart of the city shimmered with flashing lights, the crowds flowing like rivers. Parked outside a bar named "Lure" were various models of luxury cars. "Lure" was one of the most upscale bars in the city, known for its expensive drinks, top-notch service, and high-end clientele—mostly wealthy young people and seasoned socialites on the prowl.

From the moment Aaron King entered the bar, every woman's eyes were glued to him. But he paid them no mind as he sat at the bar, downing drink after drink. His face was cold and brooding, keeping anyone from daring to approach him. "I like Lydia Moore." "I like her, so if you don't know how to cherish her, I will take care of her." "It's like a Cinderella story with a prince charming—so envious."

...The voices echoed in Aaron King's head, pounding until he felt like his skull might split open. He had come here intending to drink himself into oblivion, but the burning sensation of the alcohol only made him more acutely aware, the searing pain in his chest nearly unbearable. His hand, gripping the glass, had turned deathly pale, the dark lashes casting shadows over his eyes that spoke of vulnerability and desperation.

"Are you here alone? Need some company?" A sultry woman with long, glossy black hair sidled up to Aaron, placing a bold hand on his shoulder. She smiled seductively, leaning close to whisper in his ear, "I think I've fallen for you."

In the dim light, Aaron's pale face made his crimson lips seem even more striking, like a poppy's fatal allure. He smirked, lifting her chin with a wicked glint in his eye. Leaning in close, he whispered against her lips, "Fallen for me? What is it you like? This face, this body, or...my family's wealth?" His teasing touch on her earlobe sent a shiver down her spine.

Just as she was beginning to lose herself in his spell, Aaron's expression suddenly darkened. "Get lost! I never want to see you again," he barked, his voice cutting through the haze like a knife. All women were the same—vain and shallow—except for her. But she was in love with someone else, not him.

The woman, unwilling to give up, tried to cling to him, only to be grabbed by a sleazy-looking man in a suit who yanked her away. Startled, she quickly broke free and moved to the other side of Aaron. The man, enraged, shouted, "You dare to come here and flirt with some pretty boy behind my back? Just wait till I deal with you!"

His gaze shifted to Aaron, who remained with his back to the man, completely indifferent. The suited man, like a rabid dog, started barking threats, "Hey, punk! You dare flirt with my girl? Do you even know who I am? I'm…" Before he could finish, a glass of whiskey was suddenly thrown in his face, drenching him and leaving him stunned.

The previously noisy bar fell silent as everyone watched the scene unfold. Many silently cheered. Leo Liu, the first son of the Nantian Group, was notorious in the area for his thuggish behavior, but no one dared to challenge him. What he didn't know was that the "pretty boy" he was insulting was none other than Aaron King, heir to the prestigious Kingston Group.

"I don't care who you are. Don't test my patience," Aaron King said coldly, casting a chilling glance at Leo Liu before resuming his drink.

"You're dead!" Leo Liu shouted, grabbing a bottle and charging at Aaron. Aaron's eyes narrowed dangerously as he effortlessly dodged the attack. In one swift motion, he grabbed the bottle from Leo Liu's hand and smashed it over his head.

"Blood! Blood! Someone get him!" Leo Liu screamed, clutching the back of his bleeding head. A dozen burly men, presumably his bodyguards, rushed at Aaron from all directions. Chaos erupted in the bar, with people screaming and scrambling as neon lights flashed wildly and the atmosphere turned violent.

Meanwhile, beneath the black silk of the night sky, the moon cast a cool light over the scene. In her bed, Lydia Moore slept peacefully, a smile tugging at her lips.

She was dreaming of him again—the boy who had vanished at the corner of the street, where pink and white petals floated in the air, the handsome, heart-stopping figure of her memories. He was the boy who had sat on the square where white doves circled, a figure as beautiful as a painting. In the still light, feathers floated gently, and he turned slightly toward her, saying he hated people without confidence, a faint glow illuminating his features.

Ethan Knight, do you know? Because of what you said, I've become strong and brave enough now. Even though it's really hard sometimes, as long as I think of you and the dreams I've been holding onto, no challenge or setback can stop me. I will never give up. The boy's tall, slender figure grew faint, dissolving into the clear afternoon sunlight.