THE BILLIONAIRE's HIDDEN HEIR

"Where are you now, everyone is here!" Natasha's voice echoed through the phone, laced with a hint of concern and excitement. "I'm sorry, I was running a bit late, but I'll be there," replied Aurora, her voice trembling slightly as she tried to composed herself. "Make it faster, Rory! We're waiting for you!" Natasha urged before the call dropped. Aurora stared blankly at the message on her phone - the rejection letter from the prestigious Artisan's Guild, her third attempt thwarted. Devastation washed over her like a tidal wave. Her gaze wandered around her cluttered studio, paint-splattered canvases stacked haphazardly, brushes scattered everywhere, and half-finished projects collecting dust. The space reflected her chaotic emotions. With a heavy heart, Aurora gathered her bag and checked out of the studio, the weight of her disappointment settling in. She deliberated whether to attend Natasha's party, but the promise she made lingered in her mind. "I'll just make an appearance, say hello, and slip away," she thought, trying to muster the courage to face the crowd. Aurora hailed a taxi and slid into the backseat, gazing out at the vibrant city of Ashwood, its neon lights and towering skyscrapers a stark contrast to her own dimming aspirations. The city's beauty only highlighted the ugliness of her own struggles. As the taxi navigated through the bustling streets, Aurora's thoughts drifted to the party she was reluctantly attending. She had hesitated, knowing her friends from the prestigious Bellvue Academy would be there, flaunting their successes. The thought of facing them, still stuck in her stagnant life, made her stomach twist with anxiety. The clouds outside seemed to echo her turmoil, their low rumble a warning of an impending storm. Aurora sighed, wishing she could turn back time and head home, escaping the impending awkwardness. But she had promised Natasha, and a part of her didn't want to let her friend down. As the taxi stopped at a red light, Aurora caught a glimpse of herself in the rearview mirror. Her eyes looked sunken, her skin pale, and her hair lacked its usual luster. She felt like a shadow of her former self, lost in the sea of Ashwood's bright lights. The taxi moved forward, and Aurora's gaze returned to the cityscape. She couldn't help but compare herself to her peers, who seemed to have effortlessly climbed the social ladder. Rachel, the class valedictorian, was now a renowned lawyer. Mike, the star athlete, had become a celebrated sports commentator. And then there was Aurora, still struggling to find her place in the world. The taxi pulled up to the party venue, a luxurious mansion in the heart of Ashwood. Aurora took a deep breath, steeling herself for the night ahead. She would put on a brave face, make an appearance, and then slip away, escaping the painful reminders of her own stagnation. As Aurora entered the grand ballroom, the vibrant nightlife enveloped her. The air pulsed with the rhythmic beat of music, and the chatter of the elite crowd filled the space. She scanned the room, her eyes locking onto the reserved table where her friends were seated. As she approached, snippets of conversation drifted towards her, like whispers on the wind. She recognized the voices, her friends, and her heart sank. "I don't know why Natasha invited her," one friend said, their tone laced with disdain. "She's always been...different." "Natasha's always been generous," another friend replied. "But really, Aurora? She's hardly the kind of person you'd want to associate with." Aurora's grip on her clutch tightened as she heard Natasha's response. "She's my best friend, and I won't abandon her just because of her circumstances." The conversation continued, each word a dagger to Aurora's heart. "I heard she's running some struggling studio left behind by her mother...and that the area is going to be redeveloped. She's literally living on borrowed time." "And have you seen her? She looks like she's been kissed by bad luck. Natasha should be careful not to get too close to her." Aurora's eyes stung as she approached the table, her presence sudden and unexpected. The group fell silent, their faces frozen in shock, as if caught in a guilty pleasure. Natasha's eyes widened, a mix of surprise and embarrassment, as Aurora stood before them, her heart heavy with the weight of their words. "Aurora, darling!" Natasha exclaimed, as Aurora took her seat. The other two friends, Rachel and Victoria, exchanged a look, their faces pinched in distaste. Rachel, who had been vocal about her dislike for Aurora, spoke up. "I can't believe she actually showed up," Rachel sneered. "Doesn't she know she's the odd one out here?" Aurora's eyes flashed with anger, but she smiled sweetly. "So, should I hang myself because I'm not on the same level as Natasha, the daughter of a rich man? Or should I be ashamed because I didn't marry an old man for money like some people?" Rachel's face reddened, her eyes bulging. "Are you referring to me?" Aurora's mocking tone cut deep. "Oh, I was just stating the obvious. I didn't know you could be hurt by the truth, Rachel. You're so fragile." Furious, Rachel slapped Aurora across the face, the sound echoing through the room. The music and chatter ceased, all eyes on the unfolding drama.