Aurora stepped out of the car and onto the illuminated driveway, her excitement evident as she arrived at Claire Bennett’s birthday party.
The hotel rooftop sparkled under the evening sky, alive with the murmur of laughter, chatter, and music that mingled with the warm city breeze.
She had expected an intimate gathering but was pleasantly surprised to find it was anything but small.
This was a grand celebration, filled with A-list actors, producers, and directors, some of the most influential faces in the industry.
Her fingers grazed the soft fabric of her gown as she walked.
It was an elegant, flowing dress in deep emerald green, designed to accommodate her pregnancy while still accentuating her natural beauty.
The gown hung loosely around her frame, its delicate layers draping gracefully down to the floor, concealing the small baby bump that wasn’t quite visible yet.
She was grateful for the freedom it gave her, allowing her to blend in with the crowd without drawing attention to her condition.
As Aurora stepped further into the crowd, a sense of nostalgia washed over her. She had missed the energy of parties like this—the buzz of excitement, the glamour, and the effortless mingling.
It reminded her of the days before everything changed, before that fateful night with Lucas.
Back then, she was carefree, living in the fast lane, enjoying late-night parties and spontaneous adventures.
Now, her life was different, her focus entirely shifted toward her growing family and blossoming career.
Still, being here felt good. She felt alive again in a way she hadn’t for years.
Aurora caught sight of Claire across the rooftop, laughing with a group of friends.
Making her way through the crowd, she passed faces she recognized from the industry—actors and actresses she had admired for years.
Some nodded in her direction, a few even stopping her to chat briefly, congratulating her on her recent Academy Award win.
"Happy birthday, Claire!" Aurora called out as she approached her friend, a warm smile lighting up her face.
Claire turned around, her eyes lighting up in surprise and delight. "Aurora! You made it!" she exclaimed, pulling her into a hug.
"Of course I did," Aurora said, her voice sweet and genuine. "I wouldn’t miss it for the world."
Claire stepped back, her gaze taking in Aurora’s attire. "You look stunning, as always."
"Thank you," Aurora said, handing Claire a beautifully wrapped gift. "I hope you like it."
Claire grinned, taking the gift with a wink. "I’m sure I will. Thank you so much!"
As the two women chatted, Aurora felt a sense of ease settle over her. She caught up with Claire, reminiscing about the days they worked together at Paramount Studios and exchanging laughs over old memories.
But, in the back of her mind, Aurora couldn’t shake a small feeling of responsibility.
Despite the lively atmosphere, she was aware of her current state, knowing she needed to be cautious for the sake of her babies.
A waiter approached them, carrying a tray of wine glasses and champagne flutes.
"Would you like a drink, ma’am?" he asked, his voice polite.
Aurora glanced at the sparkling glasses but smiled and shook her head. "No wine for me tonight, but could I have a glass of sparkling water, please?"
The waiter nodded with a courteous smile. "Of course. I’ll be right back."
As the waiter disappeared into the crowd, Aurora took a deep breath, feeling a sense of calm.
She wasn’t here to party like before—this time, she was focused on the people, on meaningful conversations, and making the most of her time without overexerting herself.
Meanwhile, across the rooftop, Julia stood with a glass of wine in hand, her gaze sweeping over the partygoers.
Her lips tightened into a thin line when her eyes finally landed on Aurora, who was chatting and laughing with Claire.
The last time she saw Aurora, she had been humiliated, drenched in foul-smelling water, and stormed off in disgust.
The memory still burned fresh in her mind, and seeing Aurora now, looking effortlessly elegant and composed, fueled Julia’s irritation.
"So, she’s here too," Julia thought, her fingers tightening around the stem of her wine glass. "I’ll make sure she pays for that."
Julia watched Aurora for a moment longer, her eyes narrowing as she recalled the scene.
She clenched her fists at her sides, her anger simmering beneath the surface.
But, as much as she wanted to act, she knew this wasn’t the time.
Tonight, she would process her next move carefully.
Aurora, oblivious to Julia’s gaze, continued mingling with the crowd.
The waiter soon returned, handing her a glass of sparkling water.
"Thank you," Aurora said, her voice soft and grateful.
"You’re welcome, ma’am," the waiter replied before moving on to other guests.
Aurora took a sip, savoring the coolness of the water as she scanned the crowd. She smiled politely at a few familiar faces but kept her interactions brief.
Although she loved the energy of the party, she was mindful of how much longer she could stay.
After all, she still had a responsibility to take care of herself and her baby, and the thought of staying out too late weighed on her mind.
As she glanced around, Aurora’s eyes met Claire’s once more, and they exchanged another warm smile.
Aurora felt grateful to be surrounded by supportive friends in an industry that could sometimes feel isolating.
But then, out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Julia watching her.
Aurora’s stomach tightened momentarily, but she quickly composed herself.
Julia’s presence didn’t surprise her, given the circles they both moved in, but she wasn’t about to let Julia’s past antics dampen her mood tonight.
"Everything alright?"
A deep, husky voice broke through the hum of the crowd, startling Aurora.
She hadn’t noticed anyone approaching, and the sound of it sent a slight shiver down her spine.
She spun around, eyes wide, meeting the gaze of the man standing behind her.
He was striking—long, dark hair falling around his sharp features, his presence commanding without even trying. He was undeniably handsome, with a quiet intensity that made it impossible to look away.
"Sorry to startle you," the man said, a small, apologetic smile tugging at his lips. "I’m Ethan."
Aurora quickly shook off her initial shock, composing herself. "It’s fine," she said with a calm smile, extending her hand. "I’m Aurora Grey."
Ethan’s expression shifted slightly, his smile widening in recognition. "Oh, Grey," he mused. "Alpha Grey’s only daughter."