Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 1213

Billy shook his head. “No, I’m not tired at all. Just thinking about being with you makes everything worth it. And honestly, I’m the one who should apologize. I made you wait for me all this time.”

He looked down at the woman in his arms. His eyes were sincere, his voice steady. “Aurora, I promise I’ll never make you wait again.”

Aurora met his serious gaze and couldn’t help but smile. “You dummy…” she teased, her voice soft and full of affection.

She wrapped her arms around his shoulders, stood on her tiptoes, and kissed him first.

For so long, their relationship had been a blur, stuck somewhere between friends and lovers. They cared about each other, but always held themselves back. Now that marriage was on the table and both families had said yes, there was no reason to hold back anymore.

That first kiss was electric. It was like years of pent-up feelings finally bursting free. Billy pulled her closer, holding her so tightly it was as if he wanted to become a part of her. The usual coolness in his handsome face was replaced by warmth and deep emotion.

Aurora felt it too. Her heart was full to the point of aching. All those lonely years, the times she almost gave up hope, came rushing back. The emotion stung her eyes, making them turn red.

Billy noticed right away and instantly pulled back, looking at her with panic and worry. “What’s wrong? Did I hurt you? Why are you crying?”

For once, the always-composed Billy was completely flustered by her tears.

Seeing him so anxious, Aurora’s sadness melted away. She shook her head, wiped her nose, and said, “I’m just happy. I’m happy you chose me. You’re braver than I am, Billy. I almost gave up once, but I just couldn’t let you go. Billy, I like you. I’ve liked you ever since that first moment I saw you when we were kids.”

One look was all it took for her to be hooked for life.

Billy relaxed, realizing she wasn’t hurt, just overwhelmed. He looked at her and grinned. “Really? You just like me, Aurora?”

He gently brushed away her tears. “It’s different for me,” he said softly. “I love you. Aurora, I love you so much. I’d give up anything for you, anything, just to be with you.”

To Billy, being the head of the Brown Group meant nothing compared to this woman. He would give up everything, just to stand by her side. And now, looking at her, he knew it was all worth it.

Aurora couldn’t stop the tears from flowing. She hugged him tighter, her joy spilling over. “Billy, how are you this amazing? I don’t think I could ever let you go…”

Billy kissed her tears away, one by one, his laughter gentle and warm. “Is that so? Then I guess I’m the lucky one. You better hold on tight to me, Aurora. Wherever you go, I’m going with you. You’re stuck with me for life…”

The more he spoke, the more Aurora cried, until Billy’s heart ached for her. He held her for a long time, comforting the woman everyone else saw as tough and unbreakable.

“Haha, just goes to show how determined Sarah’s brother is when he sets his mind to something.”

“Honestly, the Brown family moving their business back home last year probably helped. This outcome with Ms. Robinson isn’t a surprise.”

“Yeah, true…”

Audrey put away her phone and sighed. “Wow, everyone’s paired up except me.” She wondered when her turn would come, when she’d finally be with someone she liked.

Walter Wilson was sitting across from her. When he heard her, he looked up, confused.

“You talk like I’m not single too.” He raised an eyebrow. “We’re both flying solo, aren’t we?”

Audrey was supposed to be there for work, but his reaction made her laugh. She nodded, grinning. “That’s right. I forgot I have another single person right here. So, Mr. Bachelor, seeing everyone else fall in love, do you ever feel like giving it a try? If neither of us have someone, maybe we should just team up.”

There was something in Audrey’s words, a hint of hope and curiosity, that only she knew.