5

Lord Vancroft paced anxiously back and forth in his study. Martha stood before him, deep lines etched on her face.

"This girl... this isn't Aurora," Lord Vancroft said, his voice trembling with worry. "Her behavior, her words... it's like she's a completely different person."

Martha nodded. "I think the same, my Lord. That old... that old Aurora was cruel and spiteful. This girl... this girl is compassionate, helpful."

"She must have lost her memory," Lord Vancroft murmured. "That terrible incident... it might have caused brain damage."

Fear flickered in Martha's eyes. "What if her memory returns, my Lord? What if that old Aurora comes back?"

Lord Vancroft fell silent. The possibility frightened him too. The old Aurora had been ambitious and uncontrollable. This new Aurora, however... was like a ray of hope.

Meanwhile, Aurora entered a chic restaurant on a bustling street in town. She sat down at a solitary table and gave her order to the waiter. She remembered nothing of her past, but she was determined to enjoy this new life.

As she ate, a familiar figure approached her. It was Oswald, handsome but with cold eyes. The man the old Aurora had been madly in love with.

"Aurora?" Oswald said, his voice trembling with surprise. "Why are you ignoring me? I've been calling you for minutes."

Aurora stared blankly at the man. "Excuse me, I don't recognize you."

Oswald's face flushed with anger. "What do you mean you don't recognize me? I'm Oswald! Oswald who loves you like crazy!" He was mocking the girl here. In fact, the opposite was true.

Aurora frowned. "The Oswald I know was very arrogant and treated others badly. You don't resemble him at all." Aurora had read this from a diary.

Oswald became even angrier. His voice began to rise, and people around them turned to look.

Just then, Prince Rohan intervened.

"You have no right to treat the lady this way, sir," the Prince said, his voice stern and warning.

Oswald paused for a moment when he saw Prince Rohan. Faced with the Prince's noble bearing and authoritative demeanor, he was forced to back down.

Martha quickly entered the restaurant and rushed towards Oswald. "Please excuse us, sir. Lady Aurora had an unfortunate accident and lost her memory. That's why she doesn't remember you."

Oswald's anger suddenly turned to astonishment. "Lost her memory? How... how can this be?"

"We'll talk about this later, sir," Martha said, trying to steer Oswald away. "We need to take Lady Aurora and leave now."

Aurora looked at Prince Rohan with gratitude. "Thank you for your help, Prince Rohan."

Prince Rohan smiled kindly. "It's nothing, Lady Aurora. I am always ready to help."

As they walked down the street, Prince Rohan asked Aurora how she had lost her memory. Aurora shrugged. "I don't remember anything. It's as if I suddenly woke up in this foreign body."

Prince Rohan frowned curiously. "This is very strange. I have never encountered this type of memory loss before."

Aurora and Prince Rohan chatted for a while longer. Aurora was impressed by the Prince's intelligence, kindness, and understanding.

When they returned to the manor, Lord Vancroft greeted them at the door. "Aurora, I have important news for you."

Aurora and Prince Rohan exchanged glances. The expression on Lord Vancroft's face was serious.

"A grand ball will be held soon. All noble families and young princes seeking marriage are invited."

Aurora's heart quickened. This was an opportunity to meet new people and perhaps find a place for herself in this world.

"Your attendance at this ball is mandatory, Aurora," Lord Vancroft added. "It is a tradition of our family."

Aurora nodded. "I understand, Father."

Prince Rohan smiled at Aurora. "Then I shall see you at the ball, Lady Aurora."

Aurora's cheeks flushed slightly. "Of course, Prince Rohan."

Lord Vancroft cast a cold glance at Prince Rohan. "Let's go inside now. It's getting dark."

As they entered the manor, Aurora felt a mixture of excitement and vague anxiety within her. This ball could change her life completely.

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