The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 1388

He gave them a slight smile.

The young men, however, looked as if they'd seen a ghost. They quickly averted their gaze, not daring to look at him for fear of invoking his protector's wrath.

Leonard watched it all unfold, his expression impassive, his eyes dark and heavy. He had lost his power and become a pariah, and Aurora was no longer willing to even be seen with him. Yet Stella had brought a "bodyguard" as her date to a formal gala, seemingly unconcerned about how it would degrade her own status.

To ensure Joshua wouldn't be bullied again, she had publicly defended him, completely ignoring the stares and whispers, willing to shoulder a bad reputation for his sake.

In contrast, when Aurora had seen him approaching her, she had said, "Leonard, wait for me in the back garden. I'll come find you in a bit." While she hadn't explicitly avoided him, the distance was clear.

At the time, he hadn't thought much of it. In fact, he had considered it a sign of special treatment that Aurora, who always admired strength, hadn't changed her attitude toward him despite his fall. But now, his heart felt heavy with an inexplicable tightness.

…

The back garden was serene, with a central fountain casting crystalline droplets into the air, adding a cool touch to the night. He heard the light patter of footsteps behind him, followed by a woman's clear, gentle voice.

"Leonard."

Aurora stood there in a magnificent beige gown that accentuated her graceful figure. She tilted her head slightly, and a pair of diamond earrings shimmered, catching the light. Standing under the covered walkway, she was breathtakingly beautiful, like the moon reflected in a tranquil pond—an ethereal image that seemed as if it would shatter at the slightest touch.

Unaware of the change in Leonard's demeanor, she asked softly, "Leonard, did you need to see me about something?"

"Why didn't you ask me to be your escort to the gala tonight?" he asked directly.

A heavy silence fell between them. Of course she would still be attending galas.

Leonard looked at her, a humorless smile playing on his lips. "Aurora, are you ashamed of me too?"

Aurora knew she could no longer feign ignorance. She sighed softly. "Leonard, I thought you understood me. If I truly looked down on you, I wouldn't have spent so much time talking with you in the garden back then."

She met his gaze, her expression serious. "Leonard, we are both pursuing the same goals. I know that recent events have affected you, but I believe in your ability. You will surely overcome this challenge."

Leonard understood. Aurora was reminding him of his place.

After a long silence, he finally said, "I understand. You should get back to your business."