The distant azure sea repeatedlypped against the shore, and Aurora, ncing at the time, realized it was gettingte. She touched up her makeup, thoughts of her evening date prompting her to start towards the familiar ce. She had deliberately spread a rumor earlier, certain that Susan would now be clinging to Hayden, or perhaps, quietly trailing him without alerting him. The "old ce" they referred to was actually a restaurant, which to others might just seem like an upscale dining venue.


    For Aurora, however, this restaurant was a ce of great surprises. It was right here that Hayden had confessed his love long ago. Standing at the entrance of Grand Everstone, she stared at the familiar yet foreign sign. The name of the restaurant resembled sweet nothings and tender words between lovers, yet sadly, sweet nothings couldn''t withstand the harsh reality.


    They had once vowed to grow old together and dreamed of having many lovely children, making a lot of foolish yet sweet promises. Now, recalling these words only brought Aurora to ridicule. Standing here, she could almost remember how her face had once beamed with a radiant smile, dering she would marry none but him. Entering the lobby, the cool air inside was a refreshing escape from the outside heat. "Miss, how may I assist you?" asked the waiter warmly. "I need a table for two," she responded. "We have a couple''s booth avable. Right this way," the waiter said, leading the way. Aurora merely smiled bitterly at the mention of the "couple''s booth." As they passed through the lobby, her gaze was drawn to a white piano, a reminder that Hayden had once yed a piano piece for her here. She adored watching him y the piano. The thought of Hayden brought back vivid memories of years spent on a ship. A young man in a white shirt ying the piano on board, his fingers dancing swiftly across the keys.


    For a long time, she remembered that image, until she saw a ssic movie, "The Legend of 1900." It felt familiar, yet she couldn''t quite ce where she had seen a simr scene before. Her fondness for Hayden was undeniably influenced by his piano ying. Pianists often had beautiful fingers and an elegant demeanor. She once thought she loved Hayden.


    Now, she considered that it might not be the case. It was highly probable that her deep-seated impression of Julian ying the piano as a child had influenced her. Meeting Hayden, who resembled that long-forgotten boy, left a profound impression on her soul. Perhaps the person she truly loved was that boy in white, and Hayden was merely his shadow.


    This realization startled Aurora.


    "No, it can''t be," she thought. At least back then, she truly loved Hayden.


    "Miss, what''s wrong?" The waiter turned back, noticing Aurora staring intently at the piano.


    "Nothing. Has this piano been here for a long time?" Aurora asked thoughtfully. "Indeed, it has been here for a very long time, but business hasn''t been great these past two years. We no longer employ a pianist," the waiter replied, somewhat disheartened. The pianist in the lobby had once added a beautiful touch to the scenery. What a shame there was no pianist here now.


    "Really?" Aurora withdrew her gaze, realizing that everything had already changed.


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    "Miss, this way, please." The waiter was ready to lead her further.


    However, Aurora had already stopped. "I would like to sit here. It''s unupied, right?"


    "Of course, it''s avable," replied the waiter as he pulled open the curtain for her. This was the very spot where she and Hayden had first sat together. Subsequently, every time they met here, they chose this spot. Hayden, thoughtful as ever, would always reserve it in advance.


    Over the past two years, the restaurant''s business had declined, so they could sit here without a reservation. Aurora ordered her meal. "I''m waiting for someone. Please serve the food once we''re ready."


    "Of course, miss," the waiter said, drawing the curtain closed for her.


    She had thought that returning here would be heartbreaking, yet apart from some nostalgia, she felt little sadness. Her seat was next to the window, offering a view of the street. Across the street, a new restaurant had opened, its bright lights and upscale decor outshining this once-popr spot. No wonder business here was slow. It seemed the new establishment was to me. People often preferred the new to the old in partners and restaurants alike, craving novelty.


    Aurora rested her head in her hands, sinking into the sofa to rest with her eyes closed. Now, whenever she thought of Hayden, she couldn''t help but think of Julian. Until Julian pointed it out, she hadn''t realized that ever since he mentioned how Hayden imitated him, everything seemed to stem from the deep impression Julian had left on her in her childhood. Subconsciously, she had seen Hayden as a stand-in for Julian, which exined her attraction.


    Had Hayden been just a substitute for Julian all these years?


    The more she thought about it, the more confused she became. Yet, she also remembered how Hayden''s gestures had moved her heart. Even a kiss on her forehead could thrill her for a day. How could such feelings be fake?


    As she was lost in her thoughts, Hayden arrived earlier than nned. He opened the curtain to see Aurora, sunk into the sofa, wearing a ck miniskirt. Her long legs were casually crossed, modestly covering the view below while wearing ck stiletto heels. She supported her head with her hand, her eyes slightly closed, her face lightly made up except for the bright red lipstick. The ring on her hand and her earrings sparkled faintly. Hayden couldn''t take his eyes off her. She had changed so much!


    When he had seen her in the restroom earlier that day, he was immersed in the joy and excitement of her return. Now, observing her closely, he realized she was no longer the yful, adorable girl who used to tug at his sleeve. She had fully transformed into a sophisticated and irresistibly charming woman, no man could escape her allure.


    "Miss, shall we serve the dishes now?" asked the waiter.


    Aurora slowly opened her eyes and nced at Hayden, showing little emotion on her face. "Yes."


    The space was left to just the two of them, and she made no move to rise, still lounging on the sofa. Supporting her head with one hand, her gaze lightly fell on Hayden''s face, her red lips slightly parting. "You''re here."