Aurora's eyes narrowed, and she calmly slipped her hand into her purse.
"You think we're both broke?" she said, her voice cool and composed. "I'll pay."
The landlord's sneer faltered for a moment, but he quickly masked his doubt with another mocking laugh. "Oh yeah? Let's see it, then. Show me how you're going to pay five months' rent when you showed up in a cab like some charity case."
Without another word, Aurora pulled out her phone and opened her banking app.
Her fingers moved swiftly over the screen, transferring the full amount directly to the landlord's account.
Within seconds, his phone pinged, and he hesitantly checked it.
The landlord's eyes widened in shock as the notification popped up on his screen: the full five months of rent, paid in one go.
His face turned pale as he stared at the massive amount that had just been deposited, as if he couldn't believe it.
The thugs, standing around awkwardly, exchanged confused glances.
They had been expecting a scene, maybe even a fight, but this?
They never thought Aurora would have the money, let alone drop it so easily.
Aurora smirked, her expression calm and confident, as she slipped her phone back into her purse.
"Satisfied?" she asked, her voice dripping with quiet authority. "Or do you need more proof?"
The landlord swallowed hard, suddenly looking like he regretted every snide remark he had made.
He glanced back at the thugs, who were now awkwardly shuffling their feet, unsure of what to do.
The power dynamic had shifted entirely.
"N-no," the landlord stammered, his confidence completely shattered. "That's… that's fine."
Aurora turned to Sophia, giving her a reassuring nod. "Let's get your things and go."
Sophia, still stunned by what had just happened, felt a rush of relief wash over her.
She blinked away the tears forming in her eyes and nodded, quickly gathering the rest of her belongings with Aurora's help.
As they packed up the last of her things, the landlord stood frozen, unable to say another word.
He could only watch as the two women loaded Sophia's bags into the waiting cab.
His regret was evident, the realization that he had treated someone capable of paying the rent with such disrespect weighing on him.
The thugs, now uncomfortable and out of place, stepped aside, watching silently as Aurora and Sophia climbed into the cab together.
The landlord, his face still flushed with embarrassment, could do nothing but stand there as the cab doors shut.
As the cab pulled away, the landlord and the thugs were left in stunned silence.
The landlord rubbed the back of his neck, his mind reeling.
He had thought Aurora was just another poor woman, but Aurora had proven him wrong—so wrong.
The money had been nothing to her.
She had paid it like it was a drop in the ocean, and now, he was left with a bitter taste in his mouth, regretting every moment of his arrogance.
Inside the cab, Sophia finally let out a shaky breath, glancing over at Aurora with awe and gratitude. "I… I don't know what to say. Thank you. I don't know how I'll ever repay you."
Aurora smiled softly, placing a comforting hand on Sophia's arm. "You don't have to repay me. Just promise me you won't let people like him push you around again."
Sophia nodded, tears brimming in her eyes once more, but this time, they were tears of relief.
As they settled into the cab, the cab moved down the busy street, causing the silence between Aurora and Sophia to grow comfortable.
The tension of the earlier confrontation was gone, replaced by a quiet sense of victory.
Aurora watched the city pass by from her window, her mind already working on what came next.
This wasn't just about helping Sophia; it was about deepening the trust and connection that made their friendship truly special.
After a few more minutes, Aurora leaned forward and told the driver, "You can stop here."
Sophia glanced out the window, her brows furrowing in confusion. "Where are we?"
The driver pulled the cab to a halt in front of a massive house, a stunning estate that dwarfed everything around it.
It wasn't just big; it was grand, almost like a mansion with high walls and an elegant iron gate that led to a garden path.
Sophia blinked in disbelief as she stepped out of the cab. "Aurora… what is this place?"
Aurora stepped out as well, a small smile playing on her lips. "Come on. You'll see."
The driver unloaded their bags, carefully setting them by the entrance as Aurora led the way up the path.
Sophia hesitated for a moment, her eyes wide, taking in the beautiful exterior of the house.
She had never lived anywhere remotely close to something like this.
"This… this is huge," Sophia muttered, almost in awe, as she followed Aurora inside.
The door opened with a soft click, and the moment Sophia stepped in, her breath hitched.
The house was even more stunning on the inside—spacious, with high ceilings and large windows that flooded the rooms with natural light.
Elegant furniture was tastefully arranged in the living area, and the whole place exuded a sense of luxury and comfort.
"Where are we?" Sophia asked again, turning to face Aurora. "Why are we here?"
Aurora turned to her, her expression soft but determined. "I was going to get this apartment for myself," she began, walking over to the large windows that looked out onto the garden, "but after everything that's happened... I've changed my mind."
Sophia's brows furrowed in confusion. "What do you mean?"
Aurora took a deep breath before turning to face her. "I want you to stay here with me, Sophia."
Sophia's eyes widened, her mouth opening and closing as she struggled to find the words. "Wait, are you serious? You want me to stay here? With you?"
Aurora nodded, her smile widening. "Yes. I want to help. You don't have to worry about rent or anything like that. Just… stay."
Sophia blinked, the shock still washing over her.
She had never imagined something like this.
After everything she had been through, the idea of living in a place like this with Aurora—felt almost too good to be true.
"I… I don't even know what to say," Sophia stammered, her voice trembling with emotion. "This is incredible. You're incredible."
Aurora chuckled softly, walking over and placing a hand on her shoulder. "You don't have to say anything. Just settle in and make yourself at home. This is our place now."
Sophia's eyes filled with tears, but this time, they were tears of joy.
She had never expected to find this kind of support, let alone from someone like Aurora, who had gone above and beyond to help her when she needed it most.
With a shaky laugh, Sophia wiped her tears and looked around again, her eyes shining.