THE BILLIONAIRE I HATED.

The early morning sun of New York City slanted through the tall glass windows of Aurora’s boutique, casting long golden streaks across the polished wooden floors. The air smelled faintly of leather, fresh coffee, and the delicate scent of roses someone had left in a vase on the counter. Aurora adjusted the sleek emerald green gown hugging her curves, the fabric glinting softly under the sunlight. Every detail mattered as a fashion designer, she knew people noticed everything, the cut of her dress, the shine of her heels, the subtle gold accents in her accessories. She had to look perfect. Her phone buzzed, breaking the quiet. She glanced at it. Noor. She picked up immediately. “Morning, boss,” Noor’s calm, and even voice came through, carrying the faint undertone of concern that always seemed to seep through when Aurora’s schedule threatened to swallow her whole. “Morning,” Aurora replied, sliding into the high-backed chair behind the counter. “How’s Laila this morning? She’s giving you a hard time already?” Noor laughed softly. “She’s already redecorated the playroom. And yes, she’s already critiqued your newest line. Said the silk blends in the dresses are ‘too soft’ for modern luxury.” Aurora smiled despite herself. “A fashion critic at age five. That explains so much about her mother.” “You’re lucky she’s more polite than me,” Noor replied with a chuckle. “Speaking of polite, the Milan shipment has arrived, and everything needs to be inspected before tonight’s launch event. You’ll want to check fabrics personally, especially the leather trims. They’re temperamental.” Aurora nodded, tapping a finger on the counter. “Thanks, Noor. You always have everything covered.” As she ended the call, the boutique door chimed. She looked up and immediately spotted Ryan, practically bouncing on the balls of his feet, pink and purple hair catching the sunlight like neon flames. “Auroraaa!” he exclaimed, arms wide. “The city missed you, and frankly, I missed reminding you how fabulous you look.” “I’m flattered, really,” she muttered dryly, brushing past him. “But unless you plan on folding clothes today, I’m busy.” Ryan didn’t miss a beat. “Busy is exactly why you need a night out tonight! I’ve got VIP passes to the hottest club in Manhattan, and yes, they’re mine, and yes, they include your name on the guest list because, well, I have influence, obviously.” Aurora groaned, massaging her temples. “Ryan, I have a presentation tonight, meetings, and a hundred emails. I don’t have time for clubs, flashing lights, and….” “You do too,” Ryan interrupted with a grin, twirling a fake mustache with his pinky. “And if you don’t, then you’re officially boring, and I refuse to let that happen.” Before Aurora could reply, the boutique door chimed. Aurora glanced up, expecting another client or one of her assistants. Instead a manly figure, one which she knew all too well, walked in. The air shifted. It was subtle, almost imperceptible, but she felt it immediately, Rex. Taller than she remembered, broad-shouldered, effortlessly confident, the Greek god everyone in New York whispered about in private. Brown hair styled perfectly, black eyes piercing, tailored navy suit that seemed sculpted for him alone. And the faint scent of expensive cologne hit her, sharp, intoxicating, stirring a memory she had tried for years to bury. Rex’s black eyes scanned the boutique before settling on Aurora, lingering just a moment too long. The woman , standing beside him, smiled politely at Aurora, her posture effortless, as if the boutique and this moment already belonged to her. Aurora straightened, her hands lightly resting on the counter. “Welcome. What can I help you with today?” she asked, her voice calm, professional, masking the sudden flutter in her chest. The woman spoke first, soft but confident. “Hello. I’ve heard so much about your boutique. I and my boyfriend thought it would be good to browse together.” Aurora’s gaze flicked to Rex, whose smirk was subtle, almost teasing. “I see,” she said evenly, forcing herself to sound neutral. “Well, we have a new collection just in. Everything is hand selected and carefully curated.” Rex’s gaze didn’t leave her. “I’m sure it’s impressive,” she said smoothly. “I’ve always appreciated quality and good taste.” Aurora felt a tightness in her chest, the old ache from high school flooding back. Every glance, reminded her of how easily he had shattered her trust once. The woman wandered over to a rack of silk dresses. “These are beautiful,” she said, running her fingers over the fabrics. “The texture, the cut… every piece has a story.” Aurora allowed herself a small nod. “Exactly, each piece is designed to feel alive, to move with the wearer. That’s what I focus on, clothing that tells a story without words.” Rex leaned casually against the counter, black eyes on Aurora. “Always the perfectionist,” he murmured, almost to himself. “Some things never change.” Aurora’s lips pressed into a thin line. “I could say the same about you,” she replied sharply, keeping her composure. “Though I suppose some habits are harder to shake.” The woman’s gaze flicked between them, sensing the tension, but she didn’t comment. “I like that dynamic,” she said lightly, touching a soft chiffon gown. “It makes the pieces feel… alive, like you said. Passion behind the craft is everything.” Aurora gave a faint smile, appreciating her understanding. At least someone here could separate her from the chaos Rex brought. Aurora clenched her fists behind her back, forcing herself to ignore the tension coiling in her stomach. “I’m glad someone understand,” she said evenly, keeping her voice steady. “Now, are we shopping, or is this just a social visit?” She asked politely. The woman glanced at Rex, a small smile tugging at her lips. “A little of both, perhaps,” she said, then turned to Aurora. “I’d love to explore more of the collection if you have time.” Aurora nodded slowly, forcing herself to focus. “Of course. I’ll show you the newest pieces, carefully selected fabrics, seasonal colors… everything you’ll want to see.” As Aurora led them deeper into the boutique, she couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched. Rex’s gaze followed her every move, sharp and calculating. And beside him, his girlfriend smiled, oblivious, confident, perfect. Ryan, still leaning casually against a display near the entrance, grinned like he had front row seats to a drama he could barely wait to comment on. “Ohhh… the tension is palpable,” he said, smirking. “I could almost hear the sparks from here.” Aurora shot him a sharp look. “Ryan, this is a boutique, not a theater. And don’t distract me.” “Hey, I’m just appreciating the scenery,” he teased, his eyes flicking between her and Rex. “Though I must say… he’s grown into that Greek-god thing nicely. I get it now why he broke your heart.” Aurora’s chest tightened, and she clenched her fists lightly behind her back. Don’t let him see. Don’t let him know it still affects you. “Ryan,” she said carefully, “just… behave.” Meanwhile, the woman beside Rex ran her fingers along a silk gown, her movements graceful, poised, almost too perfect. “She’s… very professional,” Rex murmured under his breath, though Aurora caught it. His voice, low and smooth, made her heart skip even as anger flared. Aurora forced a small smile, keeping her tone even. “The pieces speak for themselves”. The woman’s fingers brushed the fabric, lifting it slightly. “It’s exquisite,” she said softly. Ryan, clearly unable to contain himself, leaned forward. “You two know each other?” he asked innocently, eyes sparkling. Aurora stiffened. “We… have history,” she said carefully, hoping the vague answer would satisfy him. Ryan raised an eyebrow. “Ahhh, I see… very mysterious,” he teased. “But let me guess, big, dramatic or heartbreak kind of history ?” Aurora groaned softly and rubbed her temples. “Ryan, not now. Please.” Noor’s voice came next, calm but steady, as she stepped into the boutique. “Aurora, you promised we’d inspect the Milan shipment today. Have you started?” Aurora straightened immediately, grateful for the interruption. “Not yet. I… have guests,” she said carefully, nodding toward Rex and the woman. Noor’s green eyes flicked toward Rex, then the woman, her expression unreadable. “I see,” she said softly, placing a hand on Aurora’s shoulder. “Don’t forget though, we still have to inspect the shipments” Aurora swallowed and nodded . “Thanks, Noor.” Ryan, never missing a beat, whispered theatrically, “Control… hmm…“ Aurora shot him a warning glance. The woman finally lifted her gaze, studying Aurora with faint curiosity, though her expression gave nothing away. Aurora stiffened, measuring every word, every movement. She refused to show weakness. She was the designer, the host, the one in control here. Aurora tried to focus, gesturing to another rack. “Here. This section is my favorite. Spring-summer collection, handpicked fabrics, seasonal colors… every detail is precise.” The woman moved closer, her fingers grazing the garments. “I see why,” she said softly. “Everything feels… intentional. Thoughtful.” Her phone buzzed quietly in her pocket. She reached for it, it was a message from Audrey, her sister. “Hey, I’m moving to New York next month! Can’t wait to be closer to you ” Aurora smiled. Typing back: “I can’t wait either! Busy day here, but we’ll celebrate soon.” Ryan grinned, leaning back dramatically. “Celebration? Count me in! I live for these moments of normalcy between your chaos and fashion genius life.” Aurora chuckled softly, shaking her head. “Ryan, you’re impossible. Aurora straightened her back, squared her shoulders, and reminded herself. Focus on your work, Aurora. But as she continue to show her customer other pieces and adjusted the folds perfectly, she realized this encounter was far from over. And deep down, she already knew it would change everything.