bAlpha /b

Chapter b206 /b

bAurora’s /bPO.V

Two agonizing hours of holding still in front of the mirrorter, I’m finally ready. The bshimmering /bwhite gown I’ve chosen falls neatly to my knees, its boat neckline simple yet elegantb, /ba bquiet /bstatement against the extravagance Maya tried to impose on me with her dress.

I smile faintly at my reflection, running my fingers over my mother’s pendant resting at bthe /bbbase /bbof /bmy throat. It’s the only piece of jewelry I wear, and it feels like a shield, grounding me. This is Caroline’s day, after all. I don’t want to stand out, certainly not to draw attention to myself, not beven /b

on my special day.

The artist, finally satisfied, gives me a curt nod and begins packing up her kit. I nce at the mirror once more, catching the delicate curls framing my face and the delicate floral headband Maya had

insisted I wear.

“It suits you,” she had said with a grin, and I suppose she was right. The artist leaves with a brief farewell, and I take a deep breath, smoothing the fabric of my dressb. /b

“Excuse me,” I say to the maid lingering by the door. “Do you know where Caroline is getting ready? I’d like to check on her before everything begins.”

The maid dips her head, her voice soft. “Miss Caroline is in the east wing, the second room on the

left. Would you like me to escort you, Miss Aurora?”

I nod my head quickly. “Yes, please. That’ll be great.” My heels click softly against the floor as I step into the hallway, the sound echoing faintly in the quiet house.

Caroline’s day. That’s what I keep telling myself as I make my way toward 1. It doesn’t matter if I have butterflies in my stomach or if my mind keeps racing ahead, imagining what the next few hours. will bring. This is her day, and I’m determined to make it perfect for her.

The maid was efficient, though she seemed to avoid my gaze, her footsteps swift and deliberate as she led me up the grand staircase. I followed her, the sound of our shoes echoing faintly against the high ceilings. When we reached the upper floor, I caught a glimpse of the cafeteria, though it had beenpletely transformed. The usual rows of tables and chairs were gone, reced by elegant drapes and strings of fairy lights. A team of caterers moved about, setting up what looked like an extravagant feast.

My chest tightened as I stared at the scene. bI /bcouldn’t help it–envy crept in, uninvited and sharp.

My birthdays had always been a taboo subject, no bspecial /bmeals and not even the faintest of celebrations. This was something else entirely..

“Miss Aurorab,/b” the maid called softly, pulling me from my thoughts.

bChapter /bb206 /b

bI /bshook my bhead /bto rid myself of the thoughts. bNo/bb, /bthis was my best friends Rothery and I w about to go ruining the mood.

She gestured toward a room down the hallway, Iver hand on the polished brass doorknob. She didici say much, just held the door open as 1 stepped inside.

The air in the room seemed lighter, or maybe it was just me. My breath hitched the moment my eyesnded on Caroline. She stood near the window, bathed in the soft afternoon sunlight. Her drew–ioh/i, her dress–was the color of the ocean at twilight, deep and rich and shimmering with sapphires and pearls that caught the light with every movement she made. Her hair was swept up elegantly, a few curls cascading over her shoulder. For a moment, I felt flustered, almost out of ce.

“Caroline,” I said, my voice betraying the awe I felt. “You look… you look absolutely stunning

She turned toward me, her lips curving into a small, pleased smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes,

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