CHAPTER THREE.
1211 Words
The ballroom of the Manhattan Grand shimmered under crystal chandeliers, light refracting off polished marble floors and glass walls that overlooked the glowing city skyline. Everything about the night screamed power, money, and influence, the kind of business party where deals were sealed with smiles sharper than knives and champagne that cost more than most people’s rent.
Aurora stepped inside, her posture flawless, her expression composed.
She wore a midnight-black satin gown this time, backless and fitted, the fabric clinging to her curves like it was made for her body alone. The slit climbed dangerously high on her thigh, revealing smooth olive skin with every step she took. Her long black hair fell down her back in soft waves, glossy and effortless. Minimal makeup, bold eyes, nude lips.
She didn’t need to try.
Ryan, walking beside her in a tailored silver suit with an open collar and dramatic earrings, let out a low whistle.
“Okay, first of all,” he said, pausing mid-step, “who gave you permission to look like that?”
Aurora shot him a look. “Ryan.”
“No, I’m serious,” he insisted, gesturing dramatically. “You look like the kind of woman who ruins men emotionally and financially. I’m proud.”
She huffed softly. “This is a business party, not a runway.”
“Please,” he scoffed. “Half these men are here pretending to care about investments when they’re really just hoping to breathe the same air as you.”
She rolled her eyes but smiled faintly. “Behave tonight.”
“No promises.”
They moved further inside, where Noor stood near a group of investors, elegant in a deep navy gown, her posture calm and commanding. She spotted Aurora immediately and smiled.
“There you are,” Noor said warmly, pulling Aurora into a brief hug. “You look stunning.”
“Thank you,” Aurora replied. “You look powerful.”
Noor chuckled. “That’s the goal.”
They exchanged quick updates, investors to meet, conversations to manage before Noor was pulled away again, already switching into her sharp, professional mode.
Aurora exhaled slowly.
Focus. This night matters.
She accepted a glass of champagne from a passing waiter and turned, nearly colliding with a familiar figure.
The woman from her boutique.
She looked just as poised as before, dressed in a soft champagne colored gown that hugged her tall frame beautifully. Her hair was styled in loose waves, makeup subtle and elegant.
Her eyes widened slightly when she recognized Aurora.
“Oh….hi,” she said quickly, her voice warm. “Aurora, right?”
Aurora blinked, surprised. “Yes.”
“I hoped I’d see you again,” the woman continued with a genuine smile. “Your boutique left quite an impression. I actually came back another day, but you weren’t there.”
Aurora nodded politely. “I travel a lot. I’m glad you liked the pieces.”
“I did,” she said softly. “By the way, I never properly introduced myself. I’m Brielle.”
Aurora inclined her head. “Nice to officially meet you.”
“I wanted to thank you,” Brielle said. “You were kind to me that day. Not many designers are.”
Aurora studied her for a brief moment, her open expression, her relaxed posture. There was no arrogance there. No tension.
“You’re welcome,” Aurora replied honestly. “I believe fashion should feel personal, not intimidating.”
Brielle smiled wider. “That explains why your designs feel so… human.”
Aurora found herself softening slightly. “Are you enjoying the party?”
“Yes,” Brielle said, then laughed lightly. “Though I’m terrible at networking. I keep hiding near the bar.”
Aurora smirked. “You’re doing better than you think.”
A waiter passed by just then, brushing too close.
It happened in a blink.
Brielle turned suddenly, her elbow catching the stem of her wine glass. Red wine arced through the air and splashed directly against Aurora’s black satin gown, staining the fabric near her waist.
The room seemed to pause.
Brielle gasped. “Oh my God….Aurora, I’m so sorry. I wasn’t looking, I…..”
Aurora looked down at the stain, her jaw tightening for just half a second before she inhaled slowly.
“It’s fine,” she said calmly. “Accidents happen.”
“But your dress…..”
“I’ll clean it,” Aurora assured her. “Don’t worry.”
Brielle looked genuinely distressed. “Please let me help. There’s a restroom nearby.”
Aurora nodded. “Alright.”
They headed toward the ladies’ restroom, Ryan already hovering.
“I swear,” he muttered, “this party is cursed.”
Aurora chuckled faintly. “Wait here.”
She stepped into the restroom alone, the soft lighting reflecting off marble counters. She moved to the sink, blotting the stain carefully with damp paper towels.
Breathe. It’s just a dress.
The door opened behind her.
She froze.
She didn’t need to turn to know who it was.
“I thought you’d still be here.”
Rex’s voice was low, familiar, too close.
Aurora straightened slowly and faced him, her reflection meeting his in the mirror.
“This is the women’s restroom,” she said coolly. “You shouldn’t be here.”
“I needed to talk to you.”
She laughed once, sharp and humorless. “That’s funny. Because I didn’t.”
He stepped closer, stopping just behind her. “You look incredible tonight.”
“Don’t,” she warned quietly.
“I mean it.”
She turned fully now, hazel eyes flashing. “Why are you here, Rex?”
His jaw tightened. “You vanished after the boutique.”
“I was busy.”
“With me?”
“With my life,” she snapped. “Something I rebuilt without you.”
Silence stretched between them, thick and heavy.
“She didn’t mean to spill the wine,” he said finally.
“I know.”
“She likes you.”
Aurora lifted a brow. “And?”
“And she’s not your enemy.”
Aurora scoffed softly. “I didn’t say she was.”
He studied her face, eyes dark. “You’ve changed.”
She met his gaze without flinching. “So have you. You just hide it better.”
Another step closer. Too close now.
“You don’t hate me,” he said quietly.
Her heart stuttered. “You don’t get to decide that.”
“If you did,” he continued, voice rougher now, “you wouldn’t still look at me like this.”
She swallowed. “Like what?”
“Like you remember.”
Her breath caught despite herself.
“This is a mistake,” she whispered.
“Then tell me to leave,” he said softly. “And I will.”
She opened her mouth.
No words came.
The door creaked open suddenly.
Aurora stepped back instantly.
“Hey,” Ryan’s voice echoed, suspicious. “Aurora? You okay in there?”
She cleared her throat. “Yes. Coming.”
Rex straightened, masking everything behind his composed expression.
Aurora brushed past him without another glance.
As she walked out, heart pounding, she knew one thing with terrifying certainty. This was only the beginning.
- Writer
