Chapter 105. Dress Shopping

Aurora’s POV

The waiting car gleamed in the driveway, its polished surface reflecting the warm morning sunlight. I hesitated for a second before stepping forward, trying to steady my nerves.

The door of the car opened, and that’s when I saw her—Caroline’s mother, Moira. She was stunning, her blonde hair catching the light like spun gold, her green eyes sharp and assessing. I smiled politely, but as her gaze landed on me, I caught the slight falter in her expression, a twitch at the corner of her mouth that she quickly masked with a practiced smile.

“Caroline,” she began warmly, her voice lilting, “and Aurora, darling, you look lovely as ever.” Then her eyes slid to me, and the warmth dimmed. “And why are you here?”

Before I could say a word, Caroline jumped in, her voice a little too cheerful. “Mom, this is—”

“I invited her,” Maya interrupted, stepping forward confidently. “Aurora’s birthday is coming up too, and I thought it would be nice for he