A Life Reclaimed

CHAPTER FOUR

AURELIA'S POV

I took a glance at my tear-stricken face in the mirror before I entered the bathroom. I looked tired and drained.

I couldn't continue wallowing in my pain.

I studied my face. Aurelia was really beautiful. I wondered why she hadn't gone far in her career.

“Well, since I'm now a supermodel I'll make the most of it”. I stared at myself once more.

“In fact, I'll use this to get my revenge. I just need to improve my career. No more Briella Frey, she's dead. I'm Aurelia Celeste.”

I stared at my reflection and smirked.

I'm coming for you, Ambrose.

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“Are you sure you're ready to come back to work dear? The agency isn't rushing you”. Layla said as the cave drive was to the agency.

She was worried that I had not fully recovered, but I had been at home for almost two weeks. I was tired of staying indoors. Besides, I needed to start working if I wanted my revenge plan to go smoothly.

“I'm fine Layla”. I reassured her again.

“If you say so, "What about your wonder boy?” She asked.

“I broke up with him”. I replied

“Wait for real?”

“Yes, for real. Why is that so hard to believe?”

“Well, given the nature of your guys' relationship, I thought you would all come back together again. "I don't know how the agency will take it, but honestly, your opinion and feelings matter more here,” she said as she rubbed my shoulders and smiled at me.

I felt very safe with Layla. She was like a mother to me. She was always there when I needed her, unlike my own mom, who wanted to get rid of me so badly she practically sold me off in the guise of a wedding.

I was my parents' only child, but I wasn't showered with affection. Well, of course, they bought me the latest toys, clothes, accessories, but they were never present. Especially my mother.

They were always busy as they were part of the elite of society. You'd think my life was perfect, but it was far from perfect, actually.

The maids would be the ones to show up to my school presentations and even my high school graduation.

With Layla, I could express myself and not get shut down for being too loud and not being lady-like. She didn't have any children and, apparently, when she became my manager, she took me as her daughter as Aurelia lost her parents in high school.

She had been with her for the longest. And now that I was living Aurelia's life, she would be with me too.

“Thank you for everything Layla”. I said and hugged her.

“Don't mention it, my dear”. She said as she hugged me back.

We got to the agency and everyone kept welcoming me back and asking if I was okay. I thanked all of them for their kind wishes.

There was this one girl that kept staring at me menacingly like she would bite my head off any moment from now.

I asked Layla about her, and she told me she was the second best-ranked model in the agency.

“Oh wow, who's the first?”. I asked

“Aurelia Celeste”. She said with a smile.

Then it clicked. No wonder she kept staring at me that way.

After a busy day of meeting the executives, planning meetings and fitting new clothes, I went to get some food.

The girl cornered me in the hallway as I came down from the elevator.

“Look what the cat dragged back in. Thought you'd still be in the hospital by now”

Geez what was her problem.

“So, can you move? You're in my way”. I said as I pushed her aside and walked away.

“I see you're still bitter because of Dylan, huh”. She said behind me.

Bitter? Dylan? I actually forgot that guy existed.

“I don't know what you're talking about”.

She smirked and walked towards me.

“You don't? You're probably in denial. I mean, who wouldn't be if their boyfriend was busy chasing another girl who's said to be below them? Aurelia 0, Tiffany 1”. She said and cackled.

Oh, so she was the one he cheated on.

I sighed.

“Listen to Tiffany or whatever you call yourself. I don't care if you and Dylan are together now. You can have him. He's trash anyway. Proves that you'll always be second to me. After all, you were his second option”. She gasped.

“How dare you talk to me that way!”. She shouted,

“Aren't you ashamed of yourself? All this for Dylan? He's not even worth the stress or effort you're putting in right now. "Get a life, baby girl” I said, and walked away, leaving her in utter shock.

Aurelia had crazy people around her, and it seemed like she was the type that people could walk over.

I couldn't blame her though. I was like that before. But it was time to change.

Whatever that girl was going on about didn't concern me. I had other things to deal with other than grown-ups acting like high school kids.

Very pathetic

Some publications were going around about me and Dylan's break-up and the fact that he had already moved on with Tiffany. Obviously, people bashed Tiffany. It seemed she had been open about her dislike of me before the breakup.

I honestly didn't care. But it did help with publicity, believe it or not, because of the news my name was in everyone's mouth and I planned to keep it that way for a very long time.

I still didn't know exactly what I was going to do to Ambrose, but I knew I had to make my career even bigger to get recognition.

I just needed some time, and before I knew it, an opportunity presented itself.

I was given an offer to model for an upcoming brand. Now most models would reject the offer because the brand was still small. But I knew that if I took it I'd be able to grow the brand and I would be known for that brand. Like a tag. Everywhere you see it you think of Aurelia.

Genius

I took it without hesitation.

“Are you sure?” Layla asked.

I nodded in approval. She trusted my verdict and didn't hammer on the issue further.

A meeting was scheduled with the brand manager, and I was so excited.

Things were finally looking up.