Chapter 405
Posted on August 02, 2025 ยท 1 mins read
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Chapter 405

Four years of college had slipped by quietly, and Amber was no longer the headstrong young lady she once was. Her dark hair cascaded down, and the pale yellow hem of her dress fluttered in the breeze as she gazed at the school. Amber let out a sigh. Time really does fly.

โ€œAunt Amber!โ€ Suddenly, a little boy with a bowl-cut of dark hair came running over and latched onto Amberโ€™s leg.

โ€œPumpkin, what brings you here?โ€ Amber grinned, scooping up Caleb. He felt heavier than before; he must have been sneaking extra snacks lately.

โ€œAmber, Iโ€™ve told you so many timesโ€”when weโ€™re outside, call me by my real name!โ€ Caleb pouted, folding his little arms.

He was three, and had just started kindergarten. The other kids had discovered his nickname and were secretly giggling at him. He fumed. It was all Dadโ€™s fault!

โ€œThat guy is the absolute worst!โ€ he exclaimed. โ€œNot only does he fight me for Mommy every single day, but he also gave me such an embarrassing nickname!โ€

Amber pinched his soft, fair cheeks and smiled indulgently. โ€œAlright, alright, Caleb. Who brought you here?โ€

โ€œIt was me.โ€ Hudson stepped forward, dressed in a simple white shirt. He removed his sunglasses, revealing his sunny, handsome face.

The moment Amber saw him, her expression instantly turned cold. โ€œWe just had a fight yesterday. I really donโ€™t want to see this guy right now,โ€ she thought.

She snorted coldly. โ€œWhat are you doing here?โ€

Caleb quickly said, โ€œAmber, I asked Hudson to bring me to see you. I missed you.โ€ He blinked his big, round eyes up at her expectantly.

Amber couldnโ€™t help but kiss his soft cheek. โ€œHeโ€™s just too adorable!โ€ she thought.

โ€œAunt Amber! Iโ€™ve told you so many times, you canโ€™t just kiss me!โ€ Caleb protested, shyly covering his face. He glared, but with zero intimidationโ€”he was all bark and no bite, pure cuteness.

โ€œWhy not?โ€ Amber asked, gently pinching his cheek again.

โ€œBecause youโ€™re a girl, and boys and girls shouldnโ€™t be so close,โ€ he replied seriously.

โ€œWow, you sure know a lot for someone so young,โ€ Amber chuckled.

โ€œOf course! Iโ€™m the most popular kid in my whole kindergarten,โ€ Caleb said proudly, tilting his chin up.

โ€œLetโ€™s get in the car,โ€ Hudson said, opening the car door. Amberโ€™s car was parked nearby. She shifted the little boy and replied coldly, โ€œNo need. Weโ€™ll go back ourselves.โ€

With that, she started walking toward her car. Hudson gave Caleb a quick wink. Caleb instantly understood.

He threw his arms around Amberโ€™s neck and pleaded, โ€œAunt Amber, it was Hudson who brought me here. Can we all go back together, please? Aunt Amber? Mom says safety comes first, and you just got your license. I donโ€™t want to ride with you.โ€

Amber took a deep breath and smiled. โ€œIโ€™m actually a great driver.โ€

Caleb pouted. โ€œThatโ€™s not true! You hit a tree last time!โ€

Amber was left speechless.

Hudson walked over and picked up Caleb. โ€œAmber, letโ€™s all go back together. Itโ€™s getting late, and Caleb needs his nap soon.โ€

In the end, Amber got into the car. Hudson kept glancing at Amber, and she finally snapped, โ€œJust focus on driving!โ€

Caleb, in the back seat, jumped. โ€œAunt Amber, were you scolding him?โ€

Amber quickly turned around, remembering the child. โ€œNo, Caleb. I just raised my voice a little, thatโ€™s all. We werenโ€™t arguing,โ€ she explained.

Caleb shrugged. โ€œOkay.โ€

When they reached the Hart family house, Caleb dashed inside and vanished. Amber was about to follow when Hudson grabbed her wrist, pulled her into his arms, and trapped her in a corner. His lips hovered dangerously close, aiming for a kiss.

Amber shoved him away hard, a deep frown on her face. โ€œLet go of me, Hudson!โ€

โ€œAmber, I know I was wrong. I shouldnโ€™t have pressured you into getting engaged. Iโ€™m sorry. Can you forgive me?โ€ Hudson pleaded, his gaze pitiful.

However, Amber pushed his face away. โ€œHudson, I donโ€™t want to talk to you right now. I need some space. Let go of meโ€”I want to go home.โ€

Panic flashed in Hudsonโ€™s eyes. โ€œNo!โ€

Amber clenched her fists. โ€œHudson, what exactly do you want?โ€

Seeing her indifferent expression, Hudson felt his heart squeezed tightly. He lowered his head, burying his face in Amberโ€™s neck. โ€œAmber, Iโ€™m scared. Iโ€™m really scared youโ€™ll leave me.โ€

He knew the age gap was a gulf he couldnโ€™t cross. She was so young and beautiful, and he was terrified sheโ€™d leave him for someone else.

Amber froze, her hand hovering, about to push him away. She was starting to realize just how possessive and controlling Hudson really was. He kept her from doing so many things, always wanting to follow her. It felt like she had no freedom. That wasnโ€™t what she wanted.

With that thought, Amber pushed him away firmly. โ€œHudson, Iโ€™ll say it againโ€”if you canโ€™t change, then thereโ€™s no way for us to be together. I wonโ€™t be your appendage. Iโ€™m about to go abroad to pursue my professorship in mathematics. There are so many things I want to accomplish in my life. My time should be spent devoting myself to the pursuit of knowledge and making a difference in the worldโ€”not just revolving around you.โ€

With that, Amber turned and walked into the house without looking back. Hudson stood there, dazed, before finally leaving.

Meanwhile, inside the house, Julian wrapped his arms around Siennaโ€™s waist and playfully nibbled her ear, making her gasp.

โ€œHey, what are you doing?โ€ she blurted out.


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