"You look beautiful, Aurora."
"Thanks, Mom," I replied softly, hiding my confusion behind a faint smile.
Why was she suddenly being nice? Was it guilt? Strategy? I didn't know, and frankly, I didn't care I wasn't going to fall for the act. I adjusted my diamond-studded wristwatch and braced myself for whatever this day had in store.
"You are entitled to the Rolls-Royce," Dad said, his tone booming with pride. "You'll be assigned a personal driver since you haven't learned how to drive yet. His name is Bruce. He's been with us for decades he'll take care of you."
Of course. My father loved making grand announcements like this. Every word was just another display of his wealth and dominance.
"Thank you."
"But what about him?" I asked, tilting my head slightly toward Jake. Jake's brows rose, clearly stunned by my question. "Have you forgotten my name, Miss Aurora?" he asked, half-smirking. "Uhm… just eat your food," I mumbled, avoiding his stare. But I turned back to Father. "Yeah, so about him?"
"You want me to buy him a car too?" Dad asked, nearly choking on his black coffee. "Isn't letting him and his mother live here enough? Feeding them? Clothing them? You want me to reward him as well?"
"But, Dad—"
"Enough!" His voice was firm, ice-cold. "You've been pampered too much, Aurora. You think money can bend the world to your will."
I locked eyes with him and said coolly, "You also know why you're doing all this. Don't you? So it's either you get him a car… or I expose everything to the world."
Silence.
"Are you blackmailing me?" he asked, his face slowly darkening. "No, I'm just reminding you of what's at stake." He clenched his jaw. "Then I won't."
I smirked. "Fine. Then bear the consequences."Why can't you share your car with him?" he asked, faking reason. "I thought you were best friends?"
"Yuck." I rolled my eyes. "I thought that was a girl thing. Can we not? "I don't want to," I added sharply. "That's enough, Charles," Mom finally cut in. "Jake will get a car per Aurora's request."
Jake stood up quickly. "No ma'am, that won't be necessary. Aurora, please, I'll manage really." But she ignored him. "Rose!" Dad snapped. "Since when did you start backing this girl? "You should've thought twice before making your useless mistakes."
"Jake," she continued, brushing off the insult, "you can drive, right?" "Yes, ma'am."
"Good. You may choose any car from the garage."
Jake bowed slightly. "Thank you, ma'am."
"Why all the thanks? What's going on around here?" Sadash said, stepping into the dining room with her signature authority. "It's nothing, Sadash," I said quickly.
"Yeah, Sadash," Jake added. "Ma'am just gave me a car."
"Thank you so much, Madam," Sadash said, placing her hand on her chest with gratitude.
"It's fine, Sadash," Mom said. "Now you two get going. Don't be late."
I was already heading out when I heard her voice again. "Aurora?" "Yes? "Won't you give me a goodbye kiss?" I hesitated, then leaned in and gave her a quick peck on the cheek. "Bye," I muttered, and walked away.
Bruce stood by the gleaming black Rolls-Royce in the circular driveway like a scene from a royal movie. "Good morning, Miss. I am at your service," he said, bowing slightly.
"Hi, I'm Aurora," I said shyly. "Of course I know," he chuckled. "I've watched you grow into the strong, beautiful woman you are. I'm proud to be your driver."
"Thanks, Uncle Bruce. Let's get going."
He opened the door, and I slipped into the buttery leather interior. The ride to Oxford University was smooth, almost too smooth I was too lost in my thoughts to appreciate it. I'd spent my entire life sheltered, homeschooled in private chambers with tutors. This… this was different. For the first time, I was stepping into a world I hadn't been prepped for.
When we pulled up to the main campus entrance, my eyes widened. Oxford was exactly how it looked in the magazines ancient stone buildings veined with ivy, students moving around in chic, intellectual style, some dressed like models, others with an effortless vintage flair. The environment exuded power, prestige, and the pressure to be perfect.
As I stepped out of the car, I instantly felt a shift. All eyes were on me. People stared.
"Who is that? "Is she royalty? "She looks loaded. "She's gorgeous." I could hear the whispers and feel the judgment crawl across my skin like ants. I wasn't used to being seen this much. I wrapped my arms around myself and stood still.
I rolled my eyes, but my legs finally moved.
For the first time in my life, I wasn't watching the world from behind my mansion windows. I was in it. Unfiltered. Unshielded. Exposed.