Mag-log inAurelia’s POVWhen the official ceremony ended and the distinguished guests, relatives, and executives began to leave, the entire mood shifted. The chandeliers dimmed, the lights turned golden, and the soft hum of violins was replaced by bass-heavy beats that vibrated through the floor.The after-party had begun.Oliver was safely tucked away in the suite with the babysitter Julien had assigned, so I could finally let go.Cassia had changed into her third outfit, a glittering silver mini dress that shimmered with every step she took, hugging her like liquid starlight. She looked like she owned the night. And honestly, she did.The MC was a burst of energy, witty, spontaneous, and shamelessly entertaining. “This,” he said, waving his microphone like a wand, “is the part where we forget about work, politics, and polite smiles. Let’s make the bride regret wearing heels!”The crowd roared, and from that moment, it was chaos in the best way.Cassia dragged me to the center of the dance fl
Aurelia’s POVWith everything finally settled, it was time to shift my focus to something brighter, Cassia’s wedding.Preparations began in full swing, dresses and invitations flying through my inbox faster than I could keep up. But when I checked the company’s stock that week, it was finally up by 3%. After months of damage control, we were rising again. The relief hit deep. At least soon, Isolde’s shadow would fade completely soon.Between work, fittings, and endless vendor calls, I barely saw Julien. But missing him had its perks, I found myself sneaking into his office one afternoon, pretending to discuss a report. We ended up tangled against his desk, laughing between hurried kisses. We had quick sex that was needed.The wedding was set in Paris, romantic, of course. Cassia kept insisting she wanted something small, but I knew better. Cassia and “small” could never coexist. Even her version of “minimal” meant crystal chandeliers and imported flowers.When the day finally came,
Aurelia’s POV“I can’t believe this,” I whispered, still trying to process it all, after we were seated.“I know, right?” Cassia said, grinning ear to ear as she popped a bottle of champagne. The cork shot across the living room and hit the wall with a soft thunk. We all laughed.The sweet fizz of victory filled the air as she poured everyone a glass. Lawrence, ever the composed one, set his phone aside and looked more relaxed than I’d ever seen him.“Thank you so much for taking this case, even with your wedding around the corner,” I said, smiling at him with genuine gratitude.He gave me a small but proud smile. “It’s my job. And you’re my client, though I’ll admit, seeing justice actually work for my fiancée’s friend, was the best wedding gift I could’ve asked for.”Julien leaned back on the couch beside me. “I can finally sleep at night knowing that man is behind bars and can’t hurt you anymore,” he said quietly.I met his gaze and smiled. “Me too.”Then I turned to Lawrence again
Aurelia’s POVBetween the court preparations and Cassia’s wedding plans, life became a whirlwind of emotions, papers, fabrics, and flower samples all blending into one chaotic harmony.Meanwhile, Oliver had settled into a rhythm that amazed me.The chauffeur handled his drop-offs and pickups from school, but one day, I ran late. I came home, heart pounding with guilt, only to find the house faintly smelling of toast and soap.Oliver had taken the spare key from the flower vase, let himself in, showered, folded his clothes into the laundry basket, made toast, and was now sitting at the dining table, brow furrowed, tongue slightly out as he solved his math homework.I stood there for a long moment, just watching him. My little boy, the same one Grant had tried to twist into his reflection, was now humming softly to himself.“Mom?” he said, catching me staring.I blinked and smiled, “You’ve grown too fast.”He grinned.From that day, I made small changes around the house, things to make
Aurelia’s POVThe next morning, the air felt different, lighter, clearer. For the first time in weeks, I woke up without dread pressing on my chest.The chauffeur arrived, his usual polite smile in place. Oliver was clutching his lunchbox, chattering about a school project.“You’ll no longer be taking him to his father’s house,” I said firmly.“Yes, ma’am. Mr. Julien already informed me,” he replied with a respectful nod.I smiled, relief washing through me. “Thank you. I’ll be picking him up myself today.”“Yes, ma’am.”As they drove off, I stood outside for a second, watching the car disappear down the street. At work, the hours blurred by. Before closing, I texted Julien:‘I’m heading to Grant’s place to get Oliver’s things.’His reply came almost instantly.> ‘You’re not going alone. I’ll be right behind you.’A smile tugged at my lips. Of course he’d say that.When I told Cassia, she dropped her pen and grabbed her bag. “Oh, no way! You’re not having all the fun without me.”By
Aurelia’s POVI forced a trembling smile, my eyes already misty as I walked up to Grant. The moment he saw me, his expression softened, but only for a second before the usual smugness crept back in.“Hey,” he said casually, pulling me into a brief hug that felt more like a performance than comfort.“Thank you for agreeing to meet me,” I murmured, my voice low and tired as I sat down. I placed my phone on the table, screen unlocked, camera facing down, just enough for him to notice that I was recording. He looked at it, before sitting.“Of course,” he said, leaning back. “You want anything?”I shook my head and sniffled softly. “No, I’m fine.”“Poor thing,” he said with a mock pout, shaking his head. I hesitated, playing with the edge of my napkin. “Do you… do you still want us to work this out?”He clicked his tongue and leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. The shift in his tone was immediate, arrogant, entitled, familiar.“You’ll need to stop this whole power woman thin







