006

Aubrey's POV

"He has received your invitation, young lady, Aubrey," Charlotte, my assistant, said with a slight bow.

I nodded and took a sip of my coffee, crossing my legs. "That's all, Charlotte," I said, waving my hand dismissively.

Charlotte nodded and turned to leave. The maids cleared the tray off my front and walked out one after the other.

I let out a deep sigh as I lay in bed, staring at the ornate ceiling. A smirk spread across my face, and I chuckled to myself.

"I can't wait to see the look on Dario's face when he finds out who I really am," I thought, imagining the shock and surprise that would be written all over his face.

I widened my eyes, trying to picture the exact expression he would have. Suddenly, I burst out laughing at the thought of how Alissa and Emma would react. They would be completely shocked and caught off guard.

"They won't know what hit them," I said to myself, grinning mischievously. "This is just the beginning."

I woke up to the sound of Aurora's cheerful voice. "Wakey, wakey! Good morning, young lady Aubrey!" she chimed, her sweet tone was music to my ears.

I stirred lazily in bed, yawning like a child. "Morning, Aurora," I replied, smiling sleepily.

Aurora gestured towards the bathroom. "Your bath is ready. I've drawn a warm bath for you, complete with rose petals."

I nodded, still feeling a bit groggy. "Thanks, Aurora."

I dragged myself out of bed and shuffled to the bathroom. As I entered, I was greeted by a breathtaking sight. A bathtub filled with warm, fragrant water and a bed of roses floating on the surface. I couldn't help but let out a contented sigh as I sank into the water.

"Bliss," I murmured, biting my lip as I settled in.

As I soaked in the tub, I sipped a cocktail and watched a romantic comedy playing on the small TV screen mounted on the wall. The warm water and relaxing atmosphere soon worked their magic, and I felt my muscles unwind.

After what felt like an eternity, I finally emerged from the bathroom, feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. As I wiped the water droplets from my body, the door opened and Sapphire, the world-renowned designer, walked in. She was accompanied by a team of assistants, who carried hangers laden with stunning, one-of-a-kind outfits.

Sapphire's face lit up with a bright smile as she caught sight of me. "Our jewel is back!" she exclaimed, rushing over to envelop me in a warm hug.

I rolled my eyes good-naturedly. "I'm still not going to model for you, Sapphire."

Sapphire pouted, her lips pursed in a playful expression. "You're heartless, Aubrey. I just can't let your perfect figure go to waste."

I stuck out my tongue at her, laughing. "You're too persistent, Sapphire. Can't you just let me breathe?"

Sapphire grinned mischievously. "Let's get you dressed up, then. I have just the perfect thing for you."

I chuckled softly. "You always have the perfect thing. Isn't that why you're world-best?"

Sapphire laughed. "Yeah, you can say that."

I stared at myself in the mirror, wondering why Sapphire was rushing to get me ready. "Relax, the party isn't until evening," I said with a smile. "We have all the time in the world."

Sapphire scrunched up her face. "Don't give me that, little lady. Emilia made sure I arrived early to get you started."

I pouted, giving Sapphire my best cute face. She couldn't resist it. "Awwnnn," she said, blinking. "Okay, you got me!" Sapphire raised her hands in surrender, laughing.

"Don't worry, Grandmother Emilia won't suspect a thing." I smiled and handed her the remote control. "Here, watch N*****x and chill while I get ready."

I stepped out, walking towards the ballroom.

The hall was abuzz with activity, the sound of hammers and drills filling the air as the decorators scurried about, putting the final touches on the grand ballroom.

I stood at the entrance, watching as my grandmother, the formidable matriarch of our family, supervised the proceedings with an eagle eye.

"Grandmother, everything looks perfect," I said, admiring the elegant arrangements of flowers and candelabras.

My grandmother turned to me, a hint of a smile on her face. "I'm glad you think so, dear. I want tonight to be unforgettable."

Aunt Rachel, Henry's mother, walked up to us, a look of concern on her face. "Mother, are you sure we've covered everything? The guest list, the catering, the music...?"

My grandmother waved her hand dismissively. "Don't worry, dear. I've taken care of everything. Tonight will be a night to remember."

I grinned, feeling a sense of excitement and anticipation. "Tonight was going to be a night to remember, indeed."

As I sat in my room, sipping a glass of rich, full-bodied red wine, I gazed out the window at the breathtaking sight below. The Carver mansion was ablaze with light,

The sound of laughter and music drifted up to me. I could feel the excitement and anticipation building, like a palpable force that pulsed through the air.

I took another sip of my wine, feeling the smooth, velvety texture glide down my throat. As I watched, a sleek, black limousine pulled up to the entrance, revealing a glamorous couple who posed for a moment on the red carpet, smiling and waving for the cameras.

The woman was a vision in silk and diamonds, her slender figure hugged by a fitted, red gown that showcased her curves to perfection. Her companion, a tall, dark-haired man with piercing blue eyes, looked every inch the billionaire, his tailored tuxedo fitting him like a glove.

As they disappeared into the throng, I spotted another couple making their way up the walk. This time, it was a young woman with long, curly brown hair and a bright, sunny smile, accompanied by a tall, blond-haired man with a strong jawline and piercing green eyes.

They looked like they belonged on the cover of a fashion magazine, and I found myself wondering who they were, and what their story was.

As the evening wore on, the mansion continued to fill with the cream of society, all of them eager to see and be seen. I watched, fascinated, as they mingled and chatted, their laughter and conversation filling the air.

As I continued to observe the scene below, my gaze shifted to the Fowler family, who had just arrived in a limited edition limousine. They were trying way too hard to keep up appearances, but it was clear that they were struggling.

Not with their company on the verge of bankruptcy. I chuckled softly, enjoying pitiful faces.

Sofia had a fake smile plastered on her face, but her eyes looked strained and anxious, clutching onto Darío for her dear life. I was surprised to see Diego. He sat in his wheelchair, looking weary but still dignified.

And Dario? He was nervous, fidgeting with his tie and trying to play it cool, but I could sense the tension simmering beneath his polished exterior.

I chuckled to myself as I watched them. They looked like they were trying too hard, like they were pretending to be something they're not. Even with their expensive clothes and jewelry, they still looked...off. Like they didn't quite belong in this world of luxury and opulence.

I continued to watch as Dario helped Diego into the mansion, Sophia following closely behind. Alissa and Emma staggered after, feeling out of place.

I set my wine glass down and stood up, smoothing out my dress. It was time for me to make an appearance. I was the hostess, after all. And I was going to make sure that everyone knew it.