My One-Night Stand Is My Billionaire Stepbrother.

"If you keep staring into space, Aurora, I'll assume you've already finished today's workload." My boss's sharp voice cut through the office, pulling me back to reality. I looked up from my computer to find Mrs. Henderson standing beside my desk, her arms folded across her expensive navy blazer. She wasn't shouting, but somehow her calm voice always managed to make everyone nervous. "I'm sorry," I said quickly. "Sorry doesn't finish reports." She dropped another thick file onto my desk, and the impact made my coffee cup rattle. "I need these typed, printed and on my desk before five." I glanced at the clock on the wall, it was already half past four. "...Before five?" She raised an eyebrow. "Is there a problem?" Every sensible answer that came to mind disappeared the moment I remembered my bank account. Two hundred and eighty-three dollars. Rent was due in five days, electricity followed a week later. Finding another job wasn't exactly easy, especially when I hadn't even been here for three months. I forced a smile. "No, ma'am." "I didn't think so." She turned on her heels and walked away without another word. The moment she disappeared into her office, I let out a long sigh and rested my forehead against my desk. "You know," the receptionist whispered as she passed my cubicle, "one day she's going to retire, and I'm throwing the biggest party this office has ever seen." I laughed quietly. "Please invite me." "You're buying the cake." "If I can afford one." She grinned before hurrying away. I looked back at the mountain of paperwork in front of me. This wasn't where I imagined I'd be six months after graduating. I'd dreamed of working in publishing, or marketing. Anywhere that would let me create something meaningful. Instead, I spent my days organising spreadsheets, answering emails that weren't mine, and pretending not to hear my boss complain about things that had nothing to do with me. Did I hate the job? Absolutely. Could I quit? Absolutely not. Being miserable was cheaper than being homeless. My phone vibrated inside my handbag. It was Sophie calling. I smiled despite myself. Sophie had been my best friend since university. She had this unbelievable talent for appearing exactly when I needed a reason to smile. I rejected the call. Thirty seconds later, she called again. I answered with a sigh. "If this isn't an emergency, I'm blocking your number." She gasped dramatically. "How dare you?" "I'm working." "I know." "So why are you calling?" "Because tonight is important." I frowned. "Tonight?" "The gala." My eyes widened. "Oh..." "I told you about it last week." "I know, but…" "No excuses." I glanced toward my boss's office. "I can't talk now." "You'll come, right?" "I said I can't talk." "Aurora." "I'll see you at home." Before she could argue, I ended the call. I slipped my phone back into my bag just as Mrs. Henderson stepped out of her office again. Perfect timing. By the time I finished the last report, every muscle in my body ached, the office had almost emptied, and the cleaners had started vacuuming the corridors. Outside, the evening sky had turned shades of orange and purple. I clocked out, slung my handbag over my shoulder and walked toward the subway station. The train was crowded as usual. People stared at their phones, some slept. Others argued quietly over phone calls. I leaned against the window and watched the city blur past. Sometimes New York felt alive, other times, it simply felt lonely. The smell of garlic and onions greeted me the moment I opened the apartment door. "I'm home," I called. "In the kitchen," Mum replied. I kicked off my shoes and walked inside. Our apartment wasn't luxurious, but it was warm. There were framed family photos on the walls, fresh herbs growing on the windowsill and the comforting smell of dinner filling every corner. It felt like home. Before I reached the kitchen, another familiar voice echoed through the apartment. "There she is!" Sophie rushed toward me and pulled me into a hug. "You look exhausted." "I feel exhausted." She studied my face. "Bad day?" "Mrs. Henderson." "That explains everything." I laughed. Mum appeared from the kitchen carrying three glasses of juice. "Sit down first." The three of us settled in the living room. Only then did I notice the elegant black envelope resting on the coffee table. A silver wax seal gleamed beneath the light. My stomach tightened. "What is that?" Sophie's smile returned instantly. "Your ticket to one unforgettable night." I frowned. "The gala?" She nodded excitedly. "My boss can't make it anymore, so he gave me permission to bring someone else." I already knew where this was going. "No." She blinked. "I haven't even asked yet." "You don't need to." She crossed her arms. "Why not?" "Because I'm not going." "Aurora..." "I have work tomorrow." "So?" "I don't have a dress." "We'll fix that." "I don't belong at events like that." Her smile faded. "You keep saying that." "Because it's true." Before Sophie could argue again, Mum quietly placed her hand over mine. "When was the last time you did something for yourself?" I looked at her. "I..." She smiled gently. "Life has become nothing but work and bills for you." Sophie nodded. "Exactly." I stared at the invitation again. A masquerade gala. One night. Maybe that was all it would be, one beautiful night before reality found me again. I slowly picked up the envelope. "...Fine." Sophie's scream nearly shattered my ears. "I knew you'd say yes!" Less than two hours later... I stood beneath the glittering chandeliers of the Kingston Grand Hotel, wearing a silver mask that hid half my face. Elegant music floated through the magnificent ballroom. Women in breathtaking gowns laughed as waiters carrying champagne moved gracefully between guests. I had never seen so much wealth gathered in one room. Suddenly, I felt painfully out of place. "I'll be right back," Sophie whispered before disappearing into the crowd. I nodded absentmindedly. Maybe I should have stayed home. I turned the corner too quickly. My shoulder slammed into someone. The champagne glass slipped from my fingers. Red wine splashed across an expensive black tuxedo. The entire ballroom fell silent, and my heart stopped. Slowly, very slowly, I looked up into a pair of cold grey eyes hidden behind a black masquerade mask. And for the first time that night, I wished I had never accepted Sophie's invitation.