Chapter Seventy-Two: A Heart's Revelation

Chapter Seventy-Two: A Heart's Revelation

Julian Reed's smile was light and gentle in the morning sun. "I figured you probably hadn't had breakfast yet, so I made you a sandwich. It's light since it's meant for breakfast—I hope you like it."

Even in such small things, he was always thoughtful and considerate. Elena Rivers was deeply moved. The sandwich emanated a delicate, inviting aroma, with fresh, vibrant vegetables that seemed to whisper of happiness. She reached out to take it, her heart blossoming with a sense of warmth and gratitude.

"I have classes today, so I'll be going now." Julian Reed turned to look at Lydia Moore for a moment, smiling softly before leaving. The morning breeze carried the fresh scent of pine away with him.

Elena Rivers stood silently, watching his retreating figure.

Suddenly, Julian Reed stopped, slightly turning his head to ask, "That night, did something happen? Why did Aaron King suddenly decide to expel Lydia Moore from Sakura?"

In the soft, quiet light, Elena Rivers' smile froze on her lips, her heart aching. If he knew the truth, he would surely blame himself. Should she tell him? The crystal glass in her hand held cool, clear water that shimmered in the light, offering no answers.

At 4 p.m., the west-side gymnasium was usually bustling with students who had just finished their classes and were eager to engage in some physical activity. But today, the glass doors of the gym were strangely closed, with a "Do Not Enter" sign hanging prominently. Sunlight streamed through the high windows, casting a spotlight on a lone figure in a black T-shirt at the center of the gym. His silhouette in the empty space was a picture of desolation. He dribbled the basketball furiously, allowing the sweat to drench his hair.

Time ticked by, and Aaron King's body became soaked with sweat, his breathing growing more labored. Yet he seemed oblivious to it all, his mind tangled in memories he wished he could forget, memories that now only caused him numb, dull pain.

The orange basketball thudded against the wooden floor, the sound echoing through the gym, irritating his already frayed nerves. That night, under the dormitory lights, Julian Reed had gently draped a coat over Lydia Moore's shoulders. She had smiled at him with an inexplicable tenderness in her eyes. And there he had stood, feeling like the entire world had betrayed him in that moment.

Angrily, Aaron King raised the ball and leaped, hurling it toward the hoop. As his body descended, he could hear the wind rushing past his ears. The wind on the rooftop had been cold, he remembered. When he had finally found his way there, only to see her nestled in Julian Reed's arms, their figures seemed to blend together, leaving him feeling like an intruder, unnecessary and unwanted. If she liked Julian Reed, why had she bothered with him at all…

The basketball bounced off the backboard and landed back in Aaron's hands. He slammed it down on the floor with all his might, his body swaying slightly with exhaustion. Drops of sweat fell from his chin, spreading across the polished wood.

From the shadows near the gym door, a figure slowly emerged, picking up the orange basketball with clean, graceful hands. The bright light obscured the newcomer's face as he walked toward Aaron King, his amber eyes warm and serene, exuding a calm, gentle aura.

Aaron's hands clenched into fists, a sharp, wary glint flashing in his eyes. "What are you doing here?" His voice was cold, filled with suspicion.

Ignoring the hostility, Julian Reed smiled lightly and said, "I'm here to explain something on Lydia Moore's behalf." He held the basketball in one hand, his movements smooth and elegant.

Lydia Moore? Since when did he refer to her so familiarly? A wave of discomfort washed over Aaron. And what gave him the right to explain on her behalf? Were they already together? The thought made Aaron nearly lose his temper, wanting to attack Julian right then and there. But his last shred of pride kept him rooted in place.

A cocky smile tugged at Aaron's lips as he resumed his usual arrogant demeanor. "She doesn't have anything to do with me. Why should I waste my time on this?" He shrugged nonchalantly and turned to leave, his lazy posture signaling indifference. But only he knew he was running—running from a truth that tore at his heart.

"The night of the audition, I was with Lydia Moore, yes, but it was because Jenny Lin had gone missing, not for the reason you think." Julian's voice was calm as he spoke. When he learned from Elena Rivers that all of Lydia Moore's recent suffering was due to a misunderstanding on Aaron's part, the guilt was overwhelming. That's why he had come here—to clear things up and to confirm something.

At Julian's words, Aaron King froze mid-step, a storm of emotions raging within him—guilt, surprise, and a sudden, overwhelming joy. She had missed the audition because she was looking for Jenny Lin? D*mn it! Why hadn't she explained that to him? But then again, he hadn't given her the chance. That night, when she had grabbed his arm and said she could explain, he had cruelly shoved her away. But he had been so angry at the time…

And what about her relationship with Julian Reed? Was it possible he had misunderstood that too? Maybe they weren't together after all, and he had only been tying himself in knots. A glimmer of hope sparked in Aaron's eyes, a smile beginning to form on his lips—but it quickly froze as Julian spoke again.

"I like Lydia Moore," Julian said suddenly, without a hint of hesitation. His voice was soft but struck Aaron like a hammer blow. Aaron turned slowly, staring at him in disbelief.

Julian's clear eyes shone with happiness, his features softened by a gentle glow. "I like her, so if you don't know how to cherish her, I will take care of her from now on." With a fluid motion, Julian tossed the basketball. It sailed through the air in a perfect arc, swishing cleanly through the hoop. He turned to face Aaron, slipping one hand casually into his pocket, exuding an aura of calm confidence and unyielding strength.