A GOLDEN EMPIRE

CHAPTER EIGHTY-SEVEN

AURORA SITS OUTSIDE BY THE POOL, basking in the sun. Her birthday gala was a success. She is now eighteen and thriving. Now it's time for another Los Angeles Prep staple event: senior prom. She has to find a dress soon. Maybe Nadia, the family's personal stylist, can find some gowns for her. Justin purchased their tickets the day they went on sale. (Considering they went on sale three weeks into the winter semester- a week after winter formal happened)

Aurora adjusts her oversized PRADA sunglasses, letting the warmth of the California sun seep into her skin as she stretches out on the chaise lounge. The pool water sparkles under the midday light, a perfect reflection of her mood—serene, yet brimming with anticipation. Senior prom. The last grand event before graduation. The last chance to make memories before they all scattered to different parts of the city for college/business ventures. Of course, in true Los Angeles Prep fashion, it wasn't just any high school dance—it was a full-blown spectacle, complete with a red carpet, professional photographers, and designer gowns that could rival the Met Gala.

She lifts her phone from the small table beside her and scrolls through messages. The Empire group chat is buzzing with discussions about prom themes, after-party locations, and, of course, who's wearing what. Avalon had already secured a custom gown from a Parisian designer, while Adrianna was contemplating a vintage couture look. Aurora wasn't worried. Nadia would take care of her. She always did.

Setting her phone down, she sighs in contentment. Eighteen, thriving, and with the city at her feet. Senior year was turning out to be everything she had imagined—and more.

Aurora leans back, letting her silk robe slip slightly off her shoulder as she tilts her head toward the sun. She can already picture it—walking into prom, cameras flashing, whispers of admiration trailing behind her. It had to be perfect. She had to be perfect.

The ornate French doors behind her slide open, and the rhythmic click of designer heels echoes against the marble floor. She doesn't have to turn around to know who it is.

"Aurora, darling, we need to talk about your dress," Nadia announces, her voice smooth and efficient as always. "Prom is less than two weeks away, and we need to secure something exclusive before the fashion houses are bombarded with last-minute requests."

Aurora finally lifts her sunglasses, glancing over at the impeccably dressed stylist. "I was hoping you'd say that. What are we thinking? Paris? Milan?"

Nadia smirks. "Both. I have a few designers who are willing to create something custom. But first, are we aiming for timeless elegance or something that will make everyone stop and stare?"

Aurora doesn't hesitate. "I want to own the night."

Nadia's grin widens. "I thought so. I'll send over some sketches by the end of the week."

As the stylist disappears back inside, Aurora picks up her phone again, scrolling through social media. Everyone was already speculating about prom—who was going with whom, what the theme would be, where the after-parties would take place. The pressure was on, but Aurora thrived in moments like this.

A message from Justin appears at the top of her screen.

JUSTIN
pretty dove, what color are we going with for prom? Need to make sure I'm coordinating.

She bites her lip, considering. It was their first and last prom together—if they were going to do this, they were going to do it right.

AURORA
Let's go classic. Black and gold.

His response is almost instant.

JUSTIN
Perfection. Just like you.

Aurora rolls her eyes playfully but she can't help the small smile that tugs at her lips. Prom was just another night in their glittering world—but she had a feeling this one would be unforgettable.

The sun begins its slow descent, casting a golden glow over the estate as Aurora remains by the pool, envisioning prom night in vivid detail. The grandeur, the flashing cameras, the envious stares—it would be a night to remember.

Just as she's about to head inside, her phone buzzes again. This time, it's Avalon calling.

"Aurora, tell me you've at least started thinking about the after-party," Avalon says the second Aurora picks up.

Aurora smirks. Of course Avalon would be more focused on what came after prom than the event itself.

"I've been busy," Aurora replies, stretching her legs in front of her. "But don't worry. If we're throwing it, it'll be at the most exclusive spot in the city."

Avalon hums in approval. "That's the energy I like to hear. We need a venue that screams untouchable. Somewhere only we can get into."

Aurora twirls a loose strand of hair around her finger, mind racing through possibilities. An upscale penthouse? A private club? Maybe a celebrity's estate? She'd have to make a few calls.

"I'll handle it," Aurora promises. "Just be ready to shut it down."

"Always," Avalon says, satisfied. "Oh, and have you heard? Brighton and Adrianna are officially going together."

Aurora raises a brow. "Officially?"

Avalon lets out a dramatic sigh. "He finally asked her today. After she spent weeks pretending she wasn't waiting for him to."

Aurora laughs. Adrianna would never admit it, but everyone knew she had been expecting Brighton to step up.

"Good for them," Aurora muses, standing up and stretching. "One more couple to add to the Los Angeles Prep power list."

Before Aurora can say anything else, she hears another voice calling her name from inside the house.

"Aurora, honeybear!" It's Juliette. "Come inside. We need to finalize your VOGUE interview schedule."

Avalon whistles on the other end of the line. "Senior year just keeps getting better for you."

Aurora smirks, sliding her sunglasses back on as she heads toward the house. "Of course it does. It's my year."

And with prom, after-parties, and a VOGUE feature on the horizon, she was just getting started.