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.
โAunt Amber!โ Suddenly, a little boy with a bowl-cut of dark hair came running over and latched onto Amberโs leg.
โPumpkin, what brings you here?โ Amber grinned, scooping up Caleb. He felt heavier than before; he must have been sneaking extra snacks lately.
โAmber, Iโve told you so many timesโwhen weโre 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 Dadโs fault!
โThat guy is the absolute worst!โ he exclaimed. โNot 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. โAlright, alright, Caleb. Who brought you here?โ
โIt 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. โWe just had a fight yesterday. I really donโt want to see this guy right now,โ she thought.
She snorted coldly. โWhat are you doing here?โ
Caleb quickly said, โAmber, I asked Hudson to bring me to see you. I missed you.โ He blinked his big, round eyes up at her expectantly.
Amber couldnโt help but kiss his soft cheek. โHeโs just too adorable!โ she thought.
โAunt Amber! Iโve told you so many times, you canโt just kiss me!โ Caleb protested, shyly covering his face. He glared, but with zero intimidationโhe was all bark and no bite, pure cuteness.
โWhy not?โ Amber asked, gently pinching his cheek again.
โBecause youโre a girl, and boys and girls shouldnโt be so close,โ he replied seriously.
โWow, you sure know a lot for someone so young,โ Amber chuckled.
โOf course! Iโm the most popular kid in my whole kindergarten,โ Caleb said proudly, tilting his chin up.
โLetโs get in the car,โ Hudson said, opening the car door. Amberโs car was parked nearby. She shifted the little boy and replied coldly, โNo need. Weโll 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 Amberโs neck and pleaded, โAunt 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 donโt want to ride with you.โ
Amber took a deep breath and smiled. โIโm actually a great driver.โ
Caleb pouted. โThatโs not true! You hit a tree last time!โ
Amber was left speechless.
Hudson walked over and picked up Caleb. โAmber, letโs all go back together. Itโs 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, โJust focus on driving!โ
Caleb, in the back seat, jumped. โAunt Amber, were you scolding him?โ
Amber quickly turned around, remembering the child. โNo, Caleb. I just raised my voice a little, thatโs all. We werenโt arguing,โ she explained.
Caleb shrugged. โOkay.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. โLet go of me, Hudson!โ
โAmber, I know I was wrong. I shouldnโt have pressured you into getting engaged. Iโm sorry. Can you forgive me?โ Hudson pleaded, his gaze pitiful.
However, Amber pushed his face away. โHudson, I donโt want to talk to you right now. I need some space. Let go of meโI want to go home.โ
Panic flashed in Hudsonโs eyes. โNo!โ
Amber clenched her fists. โHudson, what exactly do you want?โ
Seeing her indifferent expression, Hudson felt his heart squeezed tightly. He lowered his head, burying his face in Amberโs neck. โAmber, Iโm scared. Iโm really scared youโll leave me.โ
He knew the age gap was a gulf he couldnโt cross. She was so young and beautiful, and he was terrified sheโd 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 wasnโt what she wanted.
With that thought, Amber pushed him away firmly. โHudson, Iโll say it againโif you canโt change, then thereโs no way for us to be together. I wonโt be your appendage. Iโm 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 worldโnot 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 Siennaโs waist and playfully nibbled her ear, making her gasp.
โHey, what are you doing?โ she blurted out.