Chapter 2

"Did you not hear me!?"

Aurora blinked dazedly, gently prying her mother's claw-like nails away from her face. The stern woman's eyes only narrowed further,

She cleared her throat and tugged the hem of her jacket to conceal the angry red bands around her wrist, "I went to practice and Professor Ken asked me to help her move some stuff to the storage room." Aurora watched as her mother regarded her carefully, she was sure the woman was calculating if her story was genuine. She tugged harder at her jacket, praying that they hid the marks away from her mother's sharp gaze,

When she opened her mouth, Aurora's breathing hitched, her fingers balling into tight fists,

"I don't know why you bother with measly activities like that, you should focus more on perfecting your dance skills rather than helping teachers move boxes," She spat in a disgusted tone, causing Aurora to let out a quiet breath of relief,

At least her mother believed her, this time.

However, the woman wasn't done yet. She shook her head from side to side and muttered in a disappointed voice, "This is exactly why we donate so much money to the school, Aurora. So that you can focus on being the prima ballerina and let the others do the work!" Her mother blew out a deep breath, "Look, darling. You're a star and stars don't do hard work,"

She grabbed her face again. It was hard to not show the pain this time, her mother only squeezed harder, "Your only job is to shine, sweetheart. Do you understand me?" She bobbed her head furiously and her mother smirked at that, releasing her grip on her face. She eyed Aurora from head to toe, revulsion apparent on her features, "Now go get changed, you look disgusting. We don't want you looking that way for your father's party."

She watched quietly as her mother retreated in the direction of the kitchen, the click-clack of her heels accompanying the movements. "Just great." She muttered to no one in particular and then began climbing the steps that led to her room. Once she was in the safety of her room, she made sure to lock the doors and leaned her back against them. She had to take a shower first, it was even a miracle that her mother didn't notice that she still reeked of sex. That would definitely be a catastrophe. She made quick work of undressing and then stepping into the warm shower. As she lathered soap on her skin, her eyes fell on the tiny red marks surrounding her arms and neck,

'Cum for me, flower.'

'Do you like that, baby?'

Memories of their hot sex flooded her mind and her cheeks heated rapidly. Her skin was suddenly tingling with a sweet sensation, her heart racing at the thoughts running in her head. She shook her head to expel the thoughts, dwelling on them right now wouldn't do her any good. It would only leave her horny and hyperactive.

So she raced out of the bathroom and readied herself. Using make-up, she concealed the marks and slid on large bangles to hide the ones around her wrists.

Aurora quietly stared at her reflection in the mirror, pale green eyes stared back at her. Her eyes roamed over her features; an aquiline nose that was a little bit crooked if you looked well, alabaster skin tone that resembled more like white marble, rosy cheeks that made people question what type of blush she used and then her hair,

That was the most unique thing about her. She boasted fiery red waves that tumbled down to her waist, most people compared her to a fire goddess.

Aurora Rochester was stunning and everyone knew that.

With one last satisfied smile at the mirror, she rose and stepped out. The living room was decorated to perfection, colourful balloons hung from every corner of the space and there were streamers lining the walls, paired with a 'Happy Birthday' banner,

"Hey, sweetheart."

She spun on my heels at the voice, eyes connecting with the face of her father. He had chosen a white and black ensemble, matching the Vera Wang's backless gown her mother had chosen,

"Hey," Aurora cooed, leaning into his embrace, "Happy birthday, Dad." She leaned back, moving to peck her mother on both her cheeks. "I'm sorry I didn't get you a gift," She said, referring to her dad and he waved her off, "Oh, it's fine darling. I've gotten the greatest gift already. You."

Her mother 'awwed' and he chuckled, slinging an arm around her shoulder. The maids chose that moment to stroll in, carrying a large birthday cake,

"Wow, that big." She whistled lightly, making my father grin and pat her shoulder lightly.

"Well," Her mother clapped loudly, "Let's start-"

The sound of the doorbell interrupted her and Aurora frowned in confusion. Everyone had equal looks as well, except her mother. There was a cunning grin on her face. "I'll go get it," She moved before anyone could react, black gown swirling behind her.

"Who do you think she invited this time?" Her father sarcastically remarked and she shrugged. "Oh, my god!" She swivelled on hearing that familiar voice, a grin lighting up her face. Sure enough, Clara Traynor waltzed into the living room, looking every bit like a goddess.

"Aunty Clara!" She screamed excitedly, jumping into her open arms. She could barely contain her excitement as she hugged her tightly.

"Oh, love! Look how much you've grown." She pulled back to examine Aurora and she swayed from side to side as Clara smiled proudly at her. "You look wonderful, darling." She pinched her cheeks gently.

Aurora smiled, looking over her shoulders in search of one face in particular. She must have noticed her wandering eyes because she gently bumped her shoulder against Aurora's, "He came with me."

If her grin could get bigger, it did. Then she heard his warm voice, and butterflies swarmed in her belly,

"I hope we aren't too late?" Matt Traynor walked into the room, his signature crooked grin curled on his lips. He tipped his head at her and she smiled in return. She watched as he strolled over to her father, two of them conversing in low tones,

She was stunned speechless, eyes wide and jaw hanging open. In truth, she hadn't seen him in five years since he went to Canada for his business degree. He looked completely different from when last she saw him. He no longer resembled the young boy she knew him as,

He stalked toward her and she held a breath, "Hey, Aurora."

She opened her mouth but no words came out. He cocked a brow at that and heat crawled up her cheeks. She felt a light pinch at her side, causing her to jump in shock. Her mother gave her a hard glare, mouthing at her to do something. "Uh-Hhhi Matt!" Her voice sounded too pitched and her hand rose in an awkward wave.

Matt chuckled and clasped the hand she raised before tugging her into him, "It's so nice to see you. Gosh, you've grown!" He ruffled the top of her hair and she leaned into his chest, inhaling his welcoming scent.

He pulled back first and poked her cheek lightly, a habit that he'd apparently never grown out of. Matt was a childhood friend, their mothers were practically sisters and so, they passed on the bond to their children. They did everything together when they were younger, and in the long run, she found myself falling for him,

She still was and wondered if he would ever stop treating her like his little sister and start seeing her as a woman. They soon fell into a conversation about their school life and she found out that he'd completed his business program and was now moving back to Toronto...permanently.

She stored that little piece of information at the back of her head. It would definitely come in handy.

It was time to cut the cake and everyone surrounded the table, her father clinked a small spoon against his wine glass and she rolled her eyes at that,

"He's about to make a speech," She muttered to herself, thinking no one would hear. When Matt's deep chuckle met her ears, her shy gaze flickered to him,

"I want to make a speech," Her father suddenly announced, causing both of them to snort. Her mother gave her a questioning look and she smiled to assure the woman that everything was fine.

Their gazes fell on the man in front of them and he opened his mouth to begin his speech when the doorbell rang again.

Aurora looked at her mother questioningly but the woman looked just as confused as the rest of them.

"Did you invite someone, Miriam?" Aunty Clara asked, cocking her head to the side.

"No, no. I didn't. Let me check." "No!" Her father's voice boomed, he hastily tucked his phone into his pocket, "I'll go."

The anxious look on my father's made me perplexed, what was going on?

But he zipped out of the room before anyone could say a word. Aunty Clara raised her glass in the air,

"Well, I hope the person behind that door is worth running a perfectly good ambience."

Her mother chuckled but Aurora could clearly see that it was fake. Apprehension began to slowly swirl in her stomach and she turned towards the door when she heard footsteps approaching. Her father walked out but his face was even grimmer,

"Who's your guest?" Her mother sauntered forward, arms opened welcoming.

The strange guest entered the room and it felt like all the air had been sucked out of my lungs. She watched as everyone's reaction morphed from surprise to shock.

Her mother's arms fell limply at her side and her back stiffened like a rod. She didn't need to look at her mother's face to know that the woman was displeased.

Her eyes flickered to the intruder who had a satisfied smile on their face, Aurora shook her head then,

Chaos was bound to ensue.