Chapter 8: Fitting Day

Aurora walked through the grand halls of the Lancaster Mall, the luxury shopping complex owned by her family. Today, she had an appointment at the most prestigious bridal boutique in the city for her gown fitting. The boutique was famous for its exclusive designs, often catering to high-profile clients, and Aurora had no doubt she'd find something that suited her taste.

She was alone. Her mother had been pulled into an important meeting, but that didn’t bother her. Aurora had always had a good eye for fashion—she didn’t need anyone’s approval to choose what looked best on her.

A staff member with a polished smile approached her as she stepped inside.

"Good afternoon, Miss. Do you have a reservation?"

"Yes, I’m here for my fitting," Aurora replied.

"Of course! Please follow me."

The woman led her into the boutique’s showroom, where rows of wedding gowns were elegantly displayed. Some were sleek and simple, while others sparkled with intricate beadwork and embroidery.

"All these designs were made by Ms. Angela Stanfield, one of the world’s leading designers," the staff explained.

Aurora’s lips curved slightly. She knew Angela from college; they had been good friends before Aurora left her family behind for Ethan. That was a lifetime ago.

"Thank you," she murmured before turning her attention back to the dresses.

Her gaze landed on a breathtaking white gown at the center of the room. It was perfect—elegant yet regal, striking the right balance between modern and classic.

"This one," she said, almost instinctively. "I want to try it on."

Just as the staff reached for the dress, the boutique’s glass doors swung open. A voice—light, amused—broke through the air.

“Ms. Steele! We are so delighted to have you here!” the boutique manager, Nica, greeted enthusiastically.

Aurora turned toward the entrance, her breath hitching as her eyes landed on Vanessa Steele.

Vanessa.

The woman Ethan had cheated on her with.

And she wasn’t alone. She was accompanied by Catherine White, another wealthy socialite.

Aurora’s expression remained neutral, but her fingers curled slightly. She hadn’t seen Vanessa since the day Ethan tossed her aside like trash. She exhaled slowly, turning back to the staff.

"I’d like to try this gown now."

Before she could move, Vanessa’s voice rang out.

“Wait.”

Aurora stiffened. She already knew where this was going.

“I knew you looked familiar,” Vanessa said, a slow smirk forming. “Aurora, right?”

Aurora clenched her jaw. She didn’t want to engage, but ignoring Vanessa would only provoke her more.

“Yes.”

Vanessa crossed her arms, tilting her head mockingly. “What are you doing here? You look a little lost.”

Aurora rolled her eyes. “I’m not lost. And frankly, it’s none of your business what I’m doing here, Vanessa.”

Vanessa’s smirk widened. “Oh, really? Says the woman who used to beg for Ethan’s attention. Let me guess—you heard about our wedding and came here to ruin it?”

Aurora’s stomach twisted, but she didn’t let it show. So, it was true. Ethan and Vanessa were getting married.

She exhaled sharply, shaking her head. “Whatever you and Ethan are planning has nothing to do with me. I don’t care anymore.”

Vanessa scoffed. “Right. You expect me to believe that?”

"You can believe whatever you want," Aurora said coolly. "But I’m not here because of Ethan. I’m here because I’m choosing my own wedding gown."

Vanessa’s smirk dropped. “What?”

Aurora smiled slightly, watching Vanessa’s moment of disbelief.

"I’m getting married."

Catherine laughed. “Wait—this is the woman you were talking about, Vanessa?”

Vanessa sneered. “She’s probably making it up.”

"Believe what you want." Aurora shrugged, unwilling to explain herself.

Catherine giggled. "And even if she is getting married, she obviously can’t afford anything here. Wasn’t she just Ethan’s secretary?"

Vanessa grinned, playing along. “Maybe she found another rich man to scam.” She leaned in mockingly. “Tell me, Aurora, who’s your sugar daddy this time?”

Aurora’s head throbbed, but she refused to take the bait.

“It’s none of your concern, Vanessa. Say whatever you want—I don’t care.”

She turned to leave, but Vanessa stepped in front of her, flipping her hair dramatically.

"Wait. I want that gown." She pointed directly at the dress Aurora had chosen.

The staff hesitated, clearly uncomfortable. "But… Miss Aurora has already selected this dress."

Vanessa scoffed. “And? Do you know who I am?”

The manager, Nica, shifted nervously. “Miss Steele, we do have many other beautiful gowns—”

"I don’t want another gown," Vanessa snapped. “I want that one.”