Aurora's Realm
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I proceeded downstairs, clutching the hem of my gown nervously. Grandpa stood waiting at the foot of the stairs in his black tuxedo. He looked younger somehow, his eyes alight with pride. The warmth of his gaze, filled with excitement and anticipation, made me smile. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad after all.
"My dear, be confident. You're my granddaughter. Don't let anyone's wicked antics get to you today. Remember who you are," Grandpa whispered in my ear.
A small surge of confidence stirred within me—at least for tonight.
We arrived at the venue sooner than I expected. A sinking feeling crept into my chest, whispering that maybe it had been a mistake to come. Xander didn't even know I was coming. A small part of me tingled with excitement at the thought of seeing him, but the rest of me was weighed down with guilt—the guilt of knowing he'd always be remembered as the twin brother of the mute heiress.
Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes, and I blinked them back furiously. Just then, Grandpa's hand slipped into mine, steady and reassuring. I can do this, I told myself.
The banquet hall opened up before us—a vast, glittering space. Crystal chandeliers gleamed in the four corners, while a magnificent golden one dominated the center, showering the room in warm light.
I inhaled deeply and began walking the red carpet beside Grandpa. Flashes erupted as paparazzi captured our every step. Some leaned forward, eager to throw questions, but the weight of my family's reputation held them back. None of them dared.
Then, across the hall, I saw him. Xander. The instant his eyes landed on us, his face broke into a radiant smile. My heart clenched—he was happy to see us. I had thought he resented me, but I was wrong. My older twin brother still loved us, perhaps more than anything.
He strode over, embracing Grandpa warmly before turning to me and pulling me into his arms. The lump in my throat nearly gave way, but I swallowed it down—I couldn't ruin his suit with my tears.
"Rory, you actually came," he said, his voice thick with surprise and joy. "I thought you wouldn't… honestly, since you never came for the other ones."
I looked up at him, smiling through the storm of emotions, and simply nodded.
"Well, now that you're here, I'll show you around." Before I could protest, he was already tugging me along.
I couldn't deny it—seeing my brother after two years filled me with a quiet, unexpected joy. At least one of us deserved to be happy.
Xander led me around every corner of the room, proudly introducing me to all his business partners. By the time the event reached its midpoint, I was already drained. My smile felt tight, my feet ached, and I gratefully slipped into the chairs prepared for us. These heels are going to be the end of me, I thought with a quiet sigh.
Across the hall, I caught sight of Xander laughing with his two best friends. For a moment, I simply watched him—so at ease, so alive. Then his gaze flicked toward me, and he pointed in my direction. Instantly, all three of them turned their eyes on me. Heat rushed to my cheeks, and I quickly looked forward, though I couldn't stop myself from sneaking glances in their direction.
When they began striding toward me, my stomach twisted in nervous knots.
"Rory," Xander said, his voice bright with pride, "I'd like you to meet my best friends, Lucas Bennett and Julian Carter. Lucas, Julian—this is my beautiful twin sister."
Both of them smiled, warm and inviting.Then, the one on the right stepped forward introducing himself first.
"Hi, Aurora. I'm Lucas Bennett. I've heard a lot about you from Alex. It's really nice to finally meet you in person," he said with a warm smile, extending his hand.
I returned the smile and slipped my hand into his for a gentle shake. Before I could do much, Julian stepped forward just as I eased my hand free from Lucas's.
"Alex, your sister is even more beautiful in person," Julian began with a mischievous grin. "Hi, I'm Julian. Don't mind me. Just so you know, your brother's boring. He has no life—he's always working and—ouch, man!" he yelped when Xander pinched his ear.
"Well, everything Juli said is true. Alex is really boring," Lucas added, chuckling.
Xander huffed in mock annoyance while I couldn't hold back a soft laugh. In that moment, I understood perfectly why they were his best friends. They were funny, easygoing, and made the room feel a little lighter.
Just then, a stir rippled through the hall. People began parting at the back entrance, making way for a man who walked in with effortless command.
He looked like a god—no, the god of beauty. His eyes were a piercing, crystalline blue, his jawline cut sharp enough to rival stone, and he carried an aura of dominance that seemed to bend the room around him.
The moment he appeared, Xander and his friends drifted from my side to greet him. From the ease of their conversation, it was clear they knew him well. Julian cracked a joke that made everyone laugh—everyone except the man himself. He only offered a faint smile, restrained but magnetic.
Curiosity prickled in me, and I moved toward Grandpa, nudging him as my eyes silently asked the question burning in my mind.
"That," Grandpa said knowingly, "is the CEO of Blackwood Companies. He took over at nineteen and has been expanding ever since. He's a business partner of your brother. Kids these days… growing up so fast, and so knowledgeable."
The Blackwood? My heart skipped. As in the famous Blackwood family—the dynasty dominating the business world? My eyes widened as Grandpa's words sank in. A wave of pride swelled inside me. My brother was tied to that legacy.
Needing a moment to collect myself, I slipped away to get some water. But the instant I reached for a glass, I felt it—an intense gaze pressing against me. Slowly, I turned, and my breath caught. The CEO himself was watching me.
Heat spread through my chest, nausea and nerves twisting together. I wanted to disappear, hide under one of the tables, anything to escape those eyes.
And then—too soon—he was striding toward me beside Xander.
"Rory, I know you're tired," Xander said cheerfully, "but I'd like you to meet my friend and business partner, Dominic Blackwood. Dominic, this is Aurora, my twin sister."
I nearly strangled him with my eyes. Of all people, he had to casually introduce me to the Dominic Blackwood? My heart was pounding so loudly I was sure they could hear it. He was too perfect, too breathtaking—like some Greek god carved into living flesh.
I forced a smile, stretching out my hand.
"Hi, I'm Dominic Blackwood. Nice to meet you," he said smoothly, his voice deep, measured. He shook my hand firmly, then released it as quickly as he'd taken it, turning away with Xander at his side.
I stood frozen, staring after them. I couldn't speak to him even if I tried, but heaven help me—I wanted to see him again. Even if his presence was utterly, dangerously overwhelming.