Chapter Three
1082 Words
Aurora
I ran the rest of the way home, my pulse still unsteady. Lucas’s words echoed in my mind, but more than anything, I was confused.
Who was that man?
Why did he help me and leave without a word?
Shaking my head, I pushed the thoughts aside and slipped inside the small apartment. The familiar scent of lavender—Mom’s favorite air freshener—lingered in the air.
The sound of Lily’s soft snores greeted me as I entered our shared room.
I peeled off my clothes, stepping into the hot shower, letting the warmth wash away the lingering fear from earlier.
My muscles ached from the long day, but exhaustion wasn’t a luxury I could afford. Not yet.
After toweling off, I pulled Rachel’s dress from the closet. It was a simple black dress. Nothing extravagant, but clean and presentable.
I stood in front of the mirror. The reflection staring back at me hardly looked like the version of myself I was used to seeing. I was in the plain black dress, hastily ironed, which clung to my frame, and my unruly hair was pinned back into something that resembled an updo.
My eyes, though tired from endless shifts and sleepless nights, still held the faint glimmer of determination.
“Aurora, you look beautiful, sweetheart,” my mom’s voice croaked from the doorway.
I turned, offering her a weak smile. She was propped up weakly against the doorframe, The sight of her always tugged at my heartstrings.
“I don’t know about beautiful,” I said, tugging at the hem of my dress. “But at least I don’t look like I’ve been attending to customers all day.”
Mom chuckled softly, a sound that immediately lifted the heavy atmosphere in our small, dimly lit apartment. “You’re always so hard on yourself, Emma. You’re a fighter.”
“And tonight, you’ll show them all that you’re more than just a girl working multiple jobs. You’ll make it through like you always do.”
I moved closer to her, kneeling to brush a few stray hairs from her forehead. “I’m not going there to impress anyone, Mom. It’s just a catering gig. One more job so we can make rent this month and avoid Joe.”
“Your father, not Joe.” She corrected sternly.
“Whatever Mom, he's not my father maybe he is in blood but not in character,” I said desperate for her to drop the topic.
She studied me for a moment but didn’t push further.
“Okay, Aurora.” Mom said.
I picked up the black heels and slid them on.
Just as I was adjusting the straps, a sleepy voice piped up behind me.
“Wow, Sissy, you look so pretty.”
I turned to see Lily rubbing her eyes, staring at me with childlike wonder.
I forced a smile. “Thanks, Lily. How was Mom today? Was she stable?”
Lily sighed dramatically. “Relax Aurora she was totally okay.”
I let out a breath of relief. “Good. Please, give her the medicine. And don’t forget to lock the door after I leave, okay?”
“You got it, Aurora. Have fun!” she replied me with a wide grin that warmed my heart.
I kissed her forehead and slipped out the door, flagging down a taxi.
As I arrived at the gala, I stepped onto the grand entrance, the dazzling chandeliers reflecting off the polished floors.
The air smelled of expensive perfume, wine, and something floral. The chatter of high-society guests blended into a hum, like the background noise of a world I didn’t belong to.
I paid the driver and made my way toward where the manager was addressing the staff.
“Please, in all you do today, be respectful and know your place. These people need exceptional service, is that clear?”
“Yes, sir.”
With that, we dispersed.
My heart pounded in sync with the low buzz of the charity gala, but it wasn’t from excitement just exhaustion.
I balanced a tray of champagne glasses on my hand, slipping into the sea of elegantly dressed guests, each one radiating wealth and status.
And somewhere in this vast room… was the man who had saved me.
I just didn’t know it yet.
“Aurora, focus,” I muttered under my breath, adjusting the white apron around my waist. The agency had called me last minute to fill in for a waitress who’d fallen ill.
A few hours of suffering through high heels and forced smiles couldn’t be worse than watching my father stagger home drunk again. Besides, I couldn’t afford to say no.
“Champagne, miss?” I offered with a forced smile, holding the tray out to an older couple near the edge of the room.
The woman took a glass without acknowledging me, My chest tightened. I didn’t belong here. Not even in the capacity of a waitress.
As I weaved my way through the guests, my eyes darted to the enormous clock near the entrance. Only an hour in. Just keep your head down, Aurora. Focus on the task, get paid, and go home.
Suddenly, a hush fell over the crowd, rippling outward like a slow wave. Curious glances followed the direction of the main doors.
I straightened my back, unable to resist glancing too. A man entered, along with an older woman in a wheelchair. She was very beautiful, and elegant despite her frailty, her soft smile carrying warmth.
His presence on the other hand was entirely different, he commanded the room without uttering a word.
My tray wobbled for a split second, and I steadied it quickly.
Who was this man?
The woman greeted people around her with a wide smile. That must be his mom.
I ignored the frenzy going on in the room and continued serving wine.
But as I made my way past the crowd near the staircase, I felt something hard or rather someone bump into me.
My tray tilted, and before I could steady it, two champagne glasses toppled, crashing to the floor with a loud, shattering sound.
My face flushed. I dropped to my knees, gathering the glass as quickly as I could, but I could feel eyes on me, the burn of embarrassment crawling up my skin. Of all places, why here?
“Watch where you’re going,” came a voice from above, cold and cutting.
I looked up, my heart sinking further.
- Writer
