**Stars Refuse To Blink by Asa River Knox**
**Aurora’s POV**
A gentle rap on the door breaks the spell of my wandering thoughts, pulling me back to the present. When I swing the door open, I find one of the housemaids standing there, her face adorned with a warm and welcoming smile. “Mr. Andrei would like to see you in his office, Miss Aurora,” she informs me with a tone that is both respectful and inviting.
A flutter of nervous excitement stirs in my stomach—not the kind that feels unpleasant but rather a tingle of anticipation. “Okay. Thank you,” I reply, trying to keep my voice steady.
As I follow her down the corridor, the silence envelops us, the plush carpet beneath our feet absorbing the sound of our steps. I find myself tugging at the sleeves of my shirt, a small attempt to smooth the anxious fluttering in my chest. The air is thick with a mix of anticipation and uncertainty, and I can feel the weight of the moment pressing down on me.
When we arrive at Andrei’s office, I notice that the door is already slightly ajar. As I step inside, he looks up from a folder sprawled across his desk, and the moment our eyes meet, his expression transforms. It softens, as if the sight of me brings him a moment of relief.
“Aurora,” he greets me, rising to his feet. “Please, have a seat. If you want,” he adds quickly, as if sensing my hesitation.
I take a seat in the chair across from his desk, sinking into the cushions as I try to ease the tension in my body. He settles back into his own chair, a small, encouraging smile gracing his lips.
“How did your first day go?” he inquires, his voice laced with genuine interest.
I nod, feeling a mixture of pride and uncertainty. “It was okay. Kind of long. But… I made a lot of friends,” I admit, my heart swelling slightly at the thought of the connections I’ve begun to forge.
His smile widens at my response. “I’m glad to hear that.”
A brief silence hangs between us, filled with an unspoken understanding. Then, he reaches for another folder, opening it slowly, his eyes scanning the contents before returning to meet mine.

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