Chapter: 773

Startled, Aimee stepped back, nearly losing her balance.

Nikolas was sound asleep, hands clutching his clothes tightly, curled up in the seat. Aimee couldn't fathom why he had appeared here or how long he had been sleeping in the car.

Seeing him like this stirred mixed emotions within her.

Aimee sighed, contemplating leaving quietly without disturbing him.

Just then, her neighbor, laden with shopping bags, bumped into her.

The neighbor waved energetically and called out, "Aimee! You're back!"

Her neighbor's greeting was quite loud enough, enough to stir Nikolas from his sleep.

Aimee refrained from turning back, waving in response before preparing to leave.

"Aimee!" Nikolas’ voice broke through.

Turning slowly, she asked, "Nikolas, are you here because of me?"

“Of course," Nikolas replied, looking a bit dazed. His eyes showed remnants of sleep, yet it didn't detract from his charm.

In this familiar neighborhood, people came and went, their curiosity drawn to Nikolas.

To them, he was like a celebrity.

“What's up?" Aimee pulled him aside, careful to avoid drawing any unwanted attention from her parents.

"I need to talk to you," Nikolas said, eyeing her hand tugging at his sleeve, his demeanor surprisingly composed.

“Alright, spill it."

“I came to talk to you about taking responsibility," Nikolas said, his arms folded as he looked at Aimee. "As grown-ups, we should own up to our choices."

“What do you mean?" Aimee was taken aback. "Are you seriously asking me for money for the return ticket?"

If that was his angle, her opinion of him would plummet further.

"Why is the ticket coming to your mind?" Nikolas seemed a tad annoyed. "When you asked me back at the hotel, I thought you were into me and wanted something more, so I agreed."

"That's not true!" Aimee protested.

She had only asked if he would sleep with her that night.

"You never said it outright, but I'm old-fashioned. I only get intimate with someone I'm serious about. So, if we did that, you're now my girlfriend."

Aimee let out an exasperated sigh, rolling her eyes at his boldness.