The CEO’s Hidden Love Midnight Temptations and Deep Desires

Since Aurora wasn't looking for anything more with Quentin, nor was she trying to patch things up with Craig, she didn't see a reason to be vague or secretive about anything.

What she didn't realize was that both men-on either end of that call-paused at the same time.

Then Quentin chuckled, breaking the silence. "Hey, no worries. If you ever need anything, just give me a shout, okay?"

"Sure,” Aurora replied, "If anything comes up at the studio, just text me."

"You got it."

After hanging up, Aurora slid her phone into her pocket like it was the most natural thing in the world. Then she looked up at Craig and said gently, "You haven't eaten a thing all day. I know you don't feel hungry now, but soon enough you'll crash. Let me run out and grab you something-maybe a burger or a sandwich?"

Without waiting for his answer, she turned to go.

Suddenly-she felt a hand tighten around her wrist.

She looked back. "Hmm?"

"Aurora, I..." Craig started, but the rest of his words caught in his throat, like someone had super-glued his vocal cords together.

Sometimes, he really hated how his own mind worked. Why couldn't he just say what he felt, like other guys did? Instead, he always got stuck in his own head.

"Relax," Aurora reassured him, prying his fingers gently off her wrist. "I'm just getting you some food. I'll be back before you know it."

She wasn't about to just leave him here alone-divorced or not. After all, they had been married, and no matter how things ended, that still meant something. At least, that's how Craig saw it. The truth was, he didn't have a girlfriend now, and that's the only reason Aurora was here helping out.

If he did have someone new? Aurora would've just sent her condolences and left. She was the type who knew where to draw the line.

With nothing left to say, Craig let her go.

He watched her walking away, fists clenched at his sides, head bowed.

"Craig!"

A familiar voice called out.noveldrama

He looked up, startled-it was Magnolia, with her dad, Walter, right behind her.

Walter strode over and clapped

Craig on the shoulder. "You

should've told me something this big was going on! I only found out when I stopped by your shipping company to talk about that acquisition and your assistant said you weren't there. Tried calling, but you didn't pick up, so I thought, heck, I'll just grab Magnolia and drive down to the funeral home to see if you're around."

Craig forced a weak smile. "It's just family stuff. Didn't want to bother anyone."

"Oh, come on! After all these years, you still think we're strangers?" Walter waved

a hand dismissively. "Anyway, I'm sorry for your loss, Craig."

"Thanks."

Magnolia stepped forward too. "Craig, Amelie spent so long in the hospital. She was never really free. Maybe now, she's at peace. Don't be too hard on yourself, okay?

Craig didn't look at Magnolia. He just muttered, "I'm fine. You two should go home."

"No way! You can't handle this alone. Magnolia and I will stick around, help out however we can. The shipping business can wait."

"Yeah, Craig! Dad and I are here for you. We're not leaving you to deal with this by yourself."

"I really don't-" Craig started to

protest, but then, from the corner of

his eye he saw Aurora coming back from the convenience store across the street, a paper bag of food in her hand.

She clearly recognized Magnolia, too.

им

Aurora hesitated for a split second, then turned on her heel and walked away, groceries still in hand.

Craig's brow furrowed. Without another word, he hurried after her.