Chapter 6
“What the hell…” someone couldn’t help but snicker, “Who gives handmade scarves in 2025? What is this, a craft fair?“]
“That cheap yarn is gonna make Mr. Harper break out in a rash.“[]
“Who is this girl anyway? How’d someone dressed like she shops at Goodwill get past security?“[]
Aurora’s face went ghost–white, instinctively stepping backward.[]
Kieran’s expression turned murderous.]
He picked up the scarf and wrapped it around his neck right in front of everyone.]
“I absolutely love this gift.” His voice wasn’t loud, but it silenced the entire room. “Handmade gifts with real heart behind them mean infinitely more to me than expensive store–bought garbage.“[
Then he grabbed Lorraine’s watch and said coldly: “As for this piece of shit–expensive as hell, but zero heart behind it.“[]
The sound of the watch crashing into the trash can was deafening.
The entire ballroom went dead silent for a beat, then exploded in shameless ass–kissing:
“Mr. Harper’s absolutely right! Handmade stuff has soul!“]
“That watch was so generic–this scarf has incredible character!“]
“Miss, you’re incredibly talented!“]]
Lorraine stood frozen, feeling like all the blood in her body had frozen solid.[]
She’d spent three entire months on that watch, flying to boutiques in multiple countries, comparing dozens of styles before choosing the perfect one.]]
And now it was rotting in the trash, just so he could protect Aurora’s feelings.[]
Actually, thinking about it–how many times had she watched this exact same bullshit play out?[]
He’d blow off million–dollar deals for Aurora but couldn’t remember Lorraine’s birthday. He’d stay up all night nursing Aurora through a cold but wouldn’t even text when Lorraine was burning up with fever. He’d fly halfway around the world because Aurora was feeling sad but couldn’t time for a simple dinner with his own wife.]
Every single fucking time, he’d choose Aurora without hesitation–just like he’d trashed Lorraine’s gift without a second thought.
Lorraine touched her chest, where her heart used to race for him. Now it felt dead as stone.
Turns out you really can love someone until there’s nothing left to give.]
All those butterflies, all that hope, all that agony–it had been slowly ground to dust by his choices, one rejection at a time.[]
She wouldn’t hurt for him anymore. Her heart was finally empty.[]
For the rest of the night, everyone swarmed Aurora like she was fucking royalty.[]
The same guests who’d been trashing her cheap scarf minutes ago were now kissing her ass like their lives depended on it.]
Lorraine stood in the corner with a bitter smile.]
That’s how this world worked–one word from Kieran and everyone would worship whoever he told them to.]
spare
Whatever. After the divorce, Kieran would probably move Aurora straight into the Harper mansion anyway. Tonight was just a preview, getting people used to seeing her as his real woman.
As the party wound down, guests started heading out.]
Lorraine stood by the entrance saying goodbye to everyone with that perfect hostess smile, like she was still the flawless Mrs. Harper.
When the last guest left, she finally exhaled, but when she turned around, Kieran and Aurora were standing by the door.
It was pouring outside, rain coming down in sheets, cold wind whipping water through the entrance.
Aurora shivered and sneezed.[]
Kieran immediately frowned and draped his suit jacket over her shoulders.[]
“I’m still so cold…” Aurora was practically vibrating.[]
Kieran’s eyes scanned the room and locked onto Lorraine.
She was wearing a cashmere shawl, soft beige fabric that caught the light beautifully.
“Give Aurora your shawl.” His tone was flat.]
Lorraine’s fingers went rigid, her face draining of color.]
“This was my grandmother’s–“[]
“I know your dead grandmother made it by hand.” Kieran cut her off. “Aurora just needs to borrow it for a bit. Why are you being so fucking selfish?“]
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