Chapter 43

Seraphina's POV Aurora Blackwood stood before me with a perfect smile—just like the one on the magazine cover—but behind her bright green eyes, there was a flash of ice. A dress worth seven thousand dollars... who else but someone who was used to getting everything easily would treat it like casual wear? “I’m sorry,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady even though heat was rising to my cheeks. “But I tried this dress on first. I’ll buy it.” Aurora laughed softly—like silver bells dipped in poison. “Oh, dear,” she hissed, her voice laced with condescension. “It’s not about who touches it first. It’s about who owns it when they wear it.” Her eyes slid slowly over my body, critical, as if assessing whether I was worthy of touching the fabric. I could feel her judgment like claws on my skin. “You think this dress looks better on you?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady, even though my heart was pounding. She smiled cynically. “Of course. I’m an actress, dear. I wear things. The cam