Claimed by My Bully Alpha Chapter 172

Aurora’s P.O.V

Two agonizing hours of holding still in front of the mirror later, I’m finally ready. The shimmering white gown I’ve chosen falls neatly to my knees, its boat neckline simple yet elegant, a quiet statement against the extravagance Maya tried to impose on me with her dress.

I smile faintly at my reflection, running my fingers over my mother’s pendant resting at the base of my throat. It’s the only piece of jewelry I wear, and it feels like a shield, grounding me. This is Caroline’s day, after all. I don’t want to stand out, certainly not to draw attention to myself, not even on my special day. 

The artist, finally satisfied, gives me a curt nod and begins packing up her kit. I glance at the mirror once more, catching the delicate curls framing my face and the delicate floral headband Maya had insisted I wear.

“It suits you,” she had said with a grin, and I suppose she was right. The artist leaves with a brief farewell, and I take a deep breath, smoothing the fabric of my dress. 

“Excuse me,” I say to the maid lingering by the door. “Do you know where Caroline is getting ready? I’d like to check on her before everything begins.” 

The maid dips her head, her voice soft. “Miss Caroline is in the east wing, the second room on the left. Would you like me to escort you, Miss Aurora?” 

I nod my head quickly. “Yes, please. That’ll be great.” My heels click softly against the floor as I step into the hallway, the sound echoing faintly in the quiet house. 

Caroline’s day. That’s what I keep telling myself as I make my way toward her. It doesn’t matter if I have butterflies in my stomach or if my mind keeps racing ahead, imagining what the next few hours will bring. This is her day, and I’m determined to make it perfect for her.

The maid was efficient, though she seemed to avoid my gaze, her footsteps swift and deliberate as she led me up the grand staircase. I followed her, the sound of our shoes echoing faintly against the high ceilings. When we reached the upper floor, I caught a glimpse of the cafeteria, though it had been completely transformed. The usual rows of tables and chairs were gone, replaced by elegant drapes and strings of fairy lights. A team of caterers moved about, setting up what looked like an extravagant feast.

My chest tightened as I stared at the scene. I couldn’t help it—envy crept in, uninvited and sharp. My birthdays had always been a taboo subject, no special meals and not even the faintest of celebrations. This was something else entirely. 

“Miss Aurora,” the maid called softly, pulling me from my thoughts.

I shook my head to rid myself of the thoughts. No, this was my best friend’s birthday and I wasn’t about to go ruining the mood.

She gestured toward a room down the hallway, her hand on the polished brass doorknob. She didn’t say much, just held the door open as I stepped inside. 

The air in the room seemed lighter, or maybe it was just me. My breath hitched the moment my eyes landed on Caroline. She stood near the window, bathed in the soft afternoon sunlight. Her dress—oh, her dress—was the color of the ocean at twilight, deep and rich and shimmering with sapphires and pearls that caught the light with every movement she made. Her hair was swept up elegantly, a few curls cascading over her shoulder. For a moment, I felt flustered, almost out of place. 

“Caroline,” I said, my voice betraying the awe I felt. “You look… you look absolutely stunning.” 

She turned toward me, her lips curving into a small, pleased smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.

“Thank you, Aurora,” she said, though her tone was cooler than I’d expected. Her eyes traveled over me, and the smile faded entirely. “But why on earth didn’t you wear the red dress?” 

I blinked, glancing down at my simple attire. “I—I didn’t think it was necessary. It’s your day, Care, not mine,” I said, feeling self-conscious under her sharp gaze. 

Her frown deepened, and she shook her head. “Aurora, we gave you that dress for a reason. It’s gorgeous, and it would have looked perfect on you. This…” She gestured vaguely toward me. “This isn’t it. You’re my closest companion here. You should stand out too, not fade into the background.” 

I swallowed hard, unsure of what to say. “I didn’t want to draw attention away from you.” 

“Don’t be ridiculous,” she snapped, though there was no real malice in her voice—just frustration.

“You couldn’t, even if you tried. But now you’re here, and we don’t have much time. I’m going to send someone to bring that dress up. I want you to wear it.” 

I sighed, rubbing the bridge of my nose as I faced Caroline. Her stubbornness was relentless, a trait I admired and despised in equal measure. "Caroline, enough," I said firmly, my voice carrying the weight of finality.

"This is your day. Your parents have gone through so much trouble to make it perfect for you, and I am not about to ruin it by getting into an argument. Do you understand me?"

Her lips pressed into a thin line, her fiery eyes challenging mine, but I held my ground. She opened her mouth to protest, but I cut her off with a sharp shake of my head.

"No, I won't hear it. Not another word about this. We've already been over this a dozen times, and my answer hasn’t changed. This is your day and the only person who needs to shine today is you. Your parents—" I paused, taking a breath to keep my tone even, "—have done so much to make this day special for you. Please, let me have this dress on. It suits me and it’s comfortable. That’s all I care about."

Her arms crossed over her chest, and she looked away, muttering something under her breath that I couldn’t quite catch. I sighed again, softer this time, and reached into my pocket.

"Caroline," I said, my tone gentler now, "I’m serious. Let’s not fight. I came here to celebrate you, and that’s what I intend to do."

I pulled out the tiny box and held it out to her. Her eyes darted to it, and for a moment, I saw her guard drop, replaced by curiosity and something that looked suspiciously like excitement. "This," I said, placing the box in her hand.

"Is my present for you. It’s nothing extravagant, but... it’s from the heart."

She hesitated, her fingers brushing over the smooth surface of the box before she glanced up at me.

"You didn’t have to get me anything," she murmured, her defiance replaced by a softness that I had come to associate with her.

I chuckled, shaking my head. "Of course, I did. It’s your day, remember? And for once, can we just let it be about that? No drama. No arguments. Just... you being happy." I met her gaze, willing her to understand how much I meant it.

"Please, Caroline. Let’s keep it simple."

For a long moment, she stared at me, the tension between us lingering. Then, finally, she nodded, a small, reluctant smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Fine," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

I smiled back, relief washing over me. "Good. Now, open it already. I want to see your face when you do."