Aurora stared at the deep green dress through the mirror with an examining gaze. The bodice was tight fitting and the silk length flowed to the ground seamlessly gathering like a pool around her feet. Her hair was done by her stylist and the lady had chosen an intricate chignon with two curly strands framing her face and finishing the look with decorated sliver pins.

She hadn't even heard the door open so she was surprised when she saw her mother standing behind her. Miriam wrapped her arms around Aurora's shoulders and placed her chin on the cervix of her neck.


"You look ethereal," She whispered, pulling back to place a diamond choker around her neck, "Like a painting."

Aurora smiled, her fingers lightly touching the glittering gems that now adorned her collar. She wondered why her mother needed her to be extra preppy tonight, it only Matt's family and by this point, they were literally considered part of them. She would've preferred a simple look but her mother insisted on this.

"Let's go down, your father is waiting," Miriam took her wrist, gently pulling her towards the door.


Aurora noticed that her mother was matching with her, she too had donned on an emerald outfit but hers was a two piece kind, the skirt flowing down to her ankles.

They walked downstairs to meet her father who was truly waiting on both of them. Aurora turned her face away when he proceeded to kiss her mother, their displays of affection usually weirded her out but it could be because she was so used to them fighting that the prospect of seeing them getting along was foreign to her.


Her father had insisted on driving tonight, so she was left to occupy the back seat alone, watching the boisterous streets that was filled with the usual night crawlers. They finally arrived at the restaurant and a valet was given the care of their car while they walked in.

"Shouldn't you call Aunt Clara and ask if she's on her way down?" Aurora queried and they both paused, her mother providing the answer.

She smiled sweetly, tapping the edge of Aurora's nose playfully, "Oh, hun, they're inside already."

Her parents led the way in after submitting their cards to the hostess who then ushered them to their table. She spotted them first, resisting the urge to wave at them, her mother would throw a fit if she acted in that 'undignified' manner.

"Clara!" Her mother cooed, exchanging kisses on the cheeks with the woman.

The table was arranged in such a way that each chair were opposite a person and hers was facing Matt. She begrudgingly took the spot after greeting her aunt and uncle,

"Aurora has become even more beautiful than the last time we saw," William Traynor, the man never seemed to age a day, commented, his blue eyes twinkling with mirth.

The entire table bursted into raucous laughter and she shifted uncomfortably on her seat.

"She has always been a gorgeous girl," Aunt Clara said with a dismissive wave, throwing her a not so secretive wink.

Aurora chuckled nervously, something prickled at her face and her eyes went up to meet the man across from her. Matt had an indifferent expression but there was certainly something strange in the way he was staring at her.

"Alright, enough of the chatting," William bellowed, adjusting his time, "Let's eat."

Another round of laughter echoed and her mother waved over to the hostess who was standing in the far corner with a pleasant smile. She watched as she called out their order, with Aunt Clara's help of course and in a few minutes, their table was filled with all kinds of delicacies.

The conversation was dulled out, the sound of forks and knives scraping against the China was the only noise filling the air. Aurora twirled the pasta around in her fork,

The meal reminded her of the last date she spent with Ryan. He'd prepared pasta too and although this one was excellent, it paled in comparison to Ryan's skills.

"Aurora, dear, is the food not to your liking?"

Her head snapped up and she blinked twice. Aunt Clara was smiling but there was a worried crease between her brows,

"Uh-Yes, I mean it is but I-"

Miriam placed her palm atop hers and she flinched slightly, folding her fingers into a fist. Her mother chuckled,

"You know how these youngsters are, forever picky with how much they eat," She shot Aurora a look that discreetly convened that she should go along with the rouse, "Besides, she's a prima ballerina so she has to watch her weight."

"Oh."

"Yes, Clara."

"Well, that makes sense, you should still try and eat, love. One good meal won't hurt from time to time."

"I-" Her mother dug her nails into her skin and she faltered, "Of course."

She forced a tame smile, quickly pulling her hand away from her mother's to grab the wine glass. She took a small sip, enjoying the tangy taste that followed.

At least, the wine was good.

Aurora made to grab the napkin but her fingers collided with Matt's and she froze, he too stiffening. Their gazes met for the second time that night and something familiar flashed in his eyes.

She didn't know how to feel about him, ever since their last night he hadn't even made an attempt to call or text her. It hurt that he thought so little of her but she was surprised that she didn't dwell on it too much.

Maybe her undying feelings for the boy was finally fizzling out.

"Sorry," He muttered lowly, picking up the napkin and handing it to her, "You should take it."

Aurora smiled, taking it from his fingers and using it wipe her mouth. Aunty Clara clapped, gaining their attention and she turned,

"Aren't you two so cute?"

Her father and William nodded, proud smiles on their faces. William cleared his throat again, exchanging eye contact with her mother and she frowned,

What was that about?

"Since we're all here, I think this is the best time to make this announcement," The way everyone's face lightened with excitement only caused her frown to deepen, "Miriam, would you do the honour?"

Her eyes flickered to her still grinning mother who had straightened on her seat. Miriam threw her a warm glance but Aurora was only feeling more unnverved by the second. Her gaze flickered to Matt who has paled considerably, looking like wanted to be anywhere but there.

"Aurora, we've decided on fixing an engagement between you and Matt. The official ceremony will hold three days from now and then the wedding will be scheduled to hold-"

The rest of her mother's words dulled into a ringing sound, the glass in her hold slipped from her hand and clattered to the fall, shattering into a million pieces.

She barely moved even as everyone panicked around her, even Matt had jumped this feet, spearing her with a concerned look. Two waiters has rushed to their table, telling her not to move an inch.

Some of the wine had spilled into her dress and her mother was busy wiping off the stain with a napkin.

"What do you mean engagement?" She asked slowly, but loud enough for everyone to hear and they did because they all froze.

Her eyes flickered from one face to the other, they didn't look so guilty which meant that they had planned it for a long time. When her gaze fell on Matt, something shifted in her chest.

The expression on his face. The way his hands were fisted tight. He too had known about this and yet he was going along with it?

Her mother placed a hand on her shoulder, "You and Matt have known each other since childhood, you've been in love with him ever since. It was evident that you two were eventually going to get married-"

She turned so fast, her bones popped with the movement, "You can't just decide something like that for me!" Her gaze went to Matt again, "Aren't you going to say something? Tell them that you don't want this!"

"Oh, honey," Aunty Clara began softly, her golden eyes pitying, "Matt agreed to this too. He agreed to marry you."