Chapter 27

AURORA. Rebecca had gone all out. Birthday party? More like a gala event. The grand ballroom shimmered under the warm glow of chandeliers, and the entrance into it was framed by towering double doors adorned with intricate carvings. Glistening crystal chandeliers dangled from the ceiling, casting a cascade of radiant light that danced across the room. The centerpiece of the ballroom was a vast expanse of polished hardwood on which swirling couples currently danced. In its center, a gleaming grand piano stood, and a man with long hair sitting on the seat played expertly. Gilded chairs were arranged in perfect symmetry around tables adorned with fine china, sparkling crystal, and exquisite floral arrangements that perfumed the air with their delicate scent. Rich people might make me sick, but one thing was certain: they knew what luxury was really about. I should have invited Lolita and Justin; they would have blended in like butter. This was the sort of thing they enjoyed, acting o