Lucky Charm

Aurora nodded, grateful for the gentle out Nana had given her. "That sounds like a good idea, Nana. But before I go, how are you feeling? Have you been taking your medication and resting enough?"

Nana's eyes softened with affection. "Oh, don't worry about me, dear. I'm as fit as I can be at my age."

Aurora gave her a gentle yet concerned look. "I do worry, Nana. You're so important to me. Please take care of yourself."

Nana smiled warmly, touched by Aurora's concern. "I promise, I will. Now go on, get some rest yourself."

Aurora gently pressed a soft kiss to Nana's hand. "I love you, Nana."

Nana held Aurora's hand for a moment longer, her fingers gently lingering as if reluctant to let go.

"I love you too, dear," she whispered, her voice filled with warmth.

Finally, with a soft, reassuring pat on Aurora's hand, Nana let her go, watching as Aurora made her way out of the house. Her heart swelled with the love and care they shared.

As Aurora stepped outside, she glanced back, seeing Nana still at the door, a comforting presence that made leaving just a little bit harder.

Lucas's driver, by contrast, was ready and waiting by the car.

He opened the door for Aurora with a polite nod, and she slid into the back seat, determined to push the heavy thoughts from her mind.

As the car pulled away from the estate and headed toward Sophia's apartment, Aurora's gaze drifted to the necklace resting against her skin.

She gently lifted it from her neck, tracing the intricate diamond design with her fingers. Nana's words echoed in her mind, each one a reminder of the love and hope the older woman had placed in her.

Nana had passed down the heirloom, believing Aurora would carry on the family legacy, bearing the great-grandchildren she longed for. But that dream had been shattered—Lucas's distance, his refusal to even try for children - had torn that hope apart.

Aurora's chest tightened as the reality of the situation settled in.

The thought of breaking the news to Nana about the divorce felt like a betrayal.

How could she tell the woman who had always been a source of comfort and strength that the future she had envisioned for them was no longer possible?

She knew she couldn't keep it from her forever.

Nana would have to know, and if someone else broke the news, it would hurt even more.

Aurora couldn't bear the thought of losing her connection to Nana, even if her marriage to Lucas had crumbled.

The cityscape blurred past the window as Aurora promised to find a way to tell Nana the truth—gently, carefully, in a way that wouldn't break her heart.

It wouldn't be easy, but she owed Nana that much.

Her phone rang, the sudden sound slicing through the quiet.

Startled, she carefully slipped the jewel into her bag and glanced at the screen.

An unknown number flashed back at her.

With a mix of hesitation and curiosity, she answered, "Hello?"

"Hello, is this Aurora?" a brisk, professional voice asked on the other end.

"Yes, this is she," Aurora replied, her heart beginning to race.

"This is Claire Bennett, an Associate Casting Director at Paramount Studios. I'm calling to inform you that you've been accepted for the role you auditioned for. Congratulations! We'd like you to come to the studio tomorrow morning to begin preparations."

Aurora's breath caught in her throat. For a moment, she couldn't believe what she was hearing. It was the same studio she auditioned for, and Julia's flashy presence had ruined it.

"Wait... really? I've been accepted?" She asked, her words tumbling out in a rush.

"Yes, that's correct," Claire confirmed with a hint of amusement in her tone, as if she was used to such disbelief. "We received your audition feedback, and we're excited to have you on board."

Aurora blinked, her mind whirling. "Wow, I just... I didn't expect this. Thank you so much!"

"You're very welcome. I'll send you the details for tomorrow's session. Be sure to arrive by 9 AM sharp," Claire said before hanging up.

As she hung up, a wide smile spread across Aurora's face.

She couldn't believe it—she had actually gotten the part!

The drive to Sophia's apartment seemed to fly by as her mind buzzed with excitement and anticipation.

When the car finally pulled up to Sophia's building, Aurora barely waited for the driver to open her door before she stepped out, practically floating on air.

She waved the driver off with a grateful smile, clutching her phone as if it were a lucky charm.

With a quickened step, Aurora hurried up to the apartment, her heart racing.

As soon as she pushed through the door and dashed into the kitchen, Sophia looked up from her brunch, fork paused mid-air, startled by the sudden commotion.

Before Sophia could react, Aurora was already upon her, flinging her arms around her in a tight embrace. "You won't believe it, Sophia! I got the part! I actually got it!"

Sophia's eyes widened in surprise, her fork hovering above her plate as she tried to grasp the news. "Wait, what part? I don't—"

Aurora pulled back, her face glowing with excitement. "Remember the Paramount Studio where I auditioned before? The one Julia crashed and I didn't get the role? They called me back and offered me the part!"

Sophia's confusion gave way to an outburst of joy. Her face lit up, and she immediately wrapped Aurora in another enthusiastic hug. "Aurora, that's incredible! I knew you could do it! I'm so proud of you!"

With a burst of excitement, Sophia rushed into the kitchen and returned with a bottle of wine and two glasses.

Despite her tight budget and careful management of her finances, Sophia had saved up for a bottle of wine to keep on hand for special occasions, knowing it was Aurora's favorite.

As she poured the wine, laughter and cheer filled the room. They clinked their glasses, savoring the moment and celebrating Aurora's success together.

But even as they celebrated, Aurora couldn't fully relax. A new email notification popped up on her phone. With a mix of excitement and nervousness, she opened it to find the script for her role.

"I'd love to keep celebrating, but I really need to study this script," Aurora said apologetically, her eyes widening with an earnest plea.

Sophia nodded understandingly. "Of course, I totally get it."

"We can celebrate properly another time, maybe when you nail your role," Sophia suggested, her encouragement making Aurora feel grateful.

Aurora gave Sophia a quick embrace. Sophia then gestured to a nearby chair, gently squeezing Aurora's shoulders. "Go on, I'll be here if you need anything."

"Thank you," Aurora replied.

With that, Aurora settled into the chair, immersing herself in the script. The rest of the day and well into the night were spent preparing for the big day ahead.