Sunday mornings in the Rodriguez residence were usually quiet.
The golden rays of sunlight streamed through the tall glass windows, illuminating the elegant living room with a warm glow. Outside, the city was slowly waking up, but inside the luxurious apartment everything felt calm and peaceful.
Aurora Rodriguez sat comfortably on the large cream-colored couch, one leg tucked beneath her as she scrolled through her phone. A cup of freshly brewed coffee rested on the small table beside her, its aroma filling the air.
For most people, Sunday was a day to relax, sleep, and escape the chaos of the week.
Aurora fully intended to do exactly that.
Unfortunately, peaceful mornings rarely lasted long when her best friends were around.
"Aurora!"
The sudden shout echoed through the apartment, breaking the silence.
Aurora sighed softly and rubbed her temples. She didn't even need to look up to know who it was.
"Good morning to you too, Olivia," she replied calmly.
Olivia Ashford appeared at the entrance of the living room moments later, looking both dramatic and slightly irritated. Her long hair was tied in a loose ponytail, and she was holding two different dresses in her hands.
"You promised you would help me choose an outfit today!" Olivia complained, waving the dresses in the air.
Aurora glanced at them briefly before returning her attention to her phone.
"You have an entire wardrobe bigger than my bedroom," she said lazily. "I'm sure you can survive without my professional fashion advice."
From the kitchen, a soft laugh followed.
Celeste Anderson leaned against the counter, watching the scene unfold with amusement. She held a glass of orange juice in her hand and shook her head.
"Olivia asking Aurora for fashion advice is like asking a cat to swim," Celeste said.
Aurora raised an eyebrow.
"I heard that."
Celeste grinned.
"Good. I meant for you to."
Olivia groaned dramatically and dropped onto the couch beside Aurora.
"You two are terrible friends."
Aurora finally locked her phone and looked at her.
"Correction," she said calmly. "We're honest friends."
Celeste walked over and sat across from them, crossing her legs comfortably.
"I think the real question is," she said thoughtfully, "why you need a special outfit for a Sunday."
Olivia immediately sat up straight.
"Because," she said proudly, "tonight is important."
Aurora frowned slightly.
"Important how?"
Olivia blinked.
"Did you forget?"
Aurora stared at her blankly.
"That answers my question."
Celeste chuckled softly.
"Aurora forgets everything that isn't related to exams or coffee," she said.
Olivia threw her hands in the air.
"Unbelievable! Aurora, tonight our families are having dinner together."
Aurora blinked.
"Oh."
"That's it?" Olivia said in disbelief. "Just 'oh'?"
Aurora shrugged lightly.
"It's just dinner."
Celeste leaned forward with a mischievous smile.
"Not just dinner," she corrected. "Mr. Adrian is coming too."
Aurora paused.
That caught her attention.
"Adrian?" she repeated.
Olivia nodded proudly.
"Yes, my wonderful, handsome, extremely intelligent older brother."
Aurora rolled her eyes.
"You forgot extremely arrogant."
Olivia ignored her.
"He just returned from his business trip yesterday."
Aurora picked up her coffee and took a small sip.
She literally listens a lot about Adrian Ashford almost everyday.
The eldest son of the Ashford family. Successful, confident, and apparently very intimidating.
Olivia talked about him often.
Mostly in a proud, slightly annoying way.
"I'm sure he's thrilled about a family dinner," Aurora said dryly.
"Oh, he loves them," Olivia replied sarcastically.
Celeste laughed.
"I can't wait to see the chaos tonight," she said.
Aurora tilted her head.
"Chaos?"
Celeste smiled knowingly.
"Three powerful families gathering in one place? Something interesting is bound to happen."
Aurora wasn't sure if she should be excited or worried.
Before she could reply, soft footsteps echoed from the hallway.
Lyra Rodriguez appeared at the entrance of the living room, looking half asleep.
Her long hair was messy, and she was wrapped in an oversized hoodie.
She stared at the three girls with clear annoyance.
"Why are you all so loud this early?" she muttered.
Aurora smirked.
"It's eleven in the morning."
Lyra glared at her.
"Early."
Celeste waved cheerfully.
"Good morning, Lyra."
Lyra gave her a small nod before walking toward the kitchen.
"Try not to destroy the apartment before lunch," she said before disappearing again.
Olivia burst into laughter.
"I like your sister."
Aurora sighed.
"She tolerates you. That's different."
The three friends sat quietly for a moment before Celeste suddenly leaned forward.
"So," she said curiously, "what do you think Adrian is like?"
Aurora raised an eyebrow.
"I think the most annoying person "
Olivia immediately spoke up.
"He's amazing."
Celeste smirked.
"You say that because he's your brother."
"No," Olivia insisted. "He's actually amazing."
Aurora rested her chin in her hand.
"Is he scary?"
Olivia looked offended.
"Of course not."
Celeste tilted her head.
"I heard he once fired three employees in one meeting."
Olivia paused.
"…Okay, maybe a little scary."
Aurora laughed softly.
"Well, that sounds comforting."
Olivia pointed at her.
"You better behave tonight."
Aurora raised both hands.
"I always behave."
Celeste and Olivia stared at her in silence.
Then they both burst out laughing.
"You?" Celeste said. "Behave
Aurora smiled innocently.
"I have no idea what you're talking about."
Olivia shook her head.
"This dinner is going to be a disaster."
Aurora leaned back against the couch, feeling strangely relaxed despite the upcoming event.
She was excited inside because she would see him after so many days.
Family dinners between the Ashfords, Rodriguez family, and Anderson family weren't unusual.
Their parents had known each other for years. They had faced every challenges together .
Still, something about tonight felt different.
Maybe it was the way Olivia kept talking about Adrian.
Or the way Celeste looked so curious.
Or maybe it was just the strange feeling Aurora couldn't quite explain.
Celeste suddenly stood up.
"Well," she said energetically, "if we're meeting powerful businessmen tonight, I should probably start preparing."
Olivia nodded seriously.
"Yes. We must represent the younger generation with dignity."
Aurora stared at them.
"You're both being dramatic."
Celeste grabbed Olivia's arm.
"Come on. We're going shopping."
Aurora blinked.
"Shopping?"
"Yes," Olivia said firmly. "And you're coming with us."
Aurora groaned.
"I regret waking up today."
Celeste laughed.
"Too late now."
Olivia pulled Aurora up from the couch.
"Let's go."
Aurora allowed herself to be dragged toward the door, shaking her head.
Sunday mornings were supposed to be peaceful.
But somehow, whenever Olivia and Celeste were involved, peace was impossible.
Still, as the three friends stepped out of the apartment together, Aurora couldn't shake the feeling that tonight's dinner would change something.
She just didn't know what yet.
Somewhere across the city, preparations were already taking place.
And by the end of the night, new connections would form.
Old friendships would deepen.