The Final Blueprint

She dreamed of a courtyard where children would play football, not sit on their phones (though, admittedly, Aurora herself sometimes got stuck on social media). She wanted to create a community center where they could hold movie nights (showing old good comedies so everyone would laugh until they cried, not modern «dark» films that make you want to howl at the moon).

Sitting over the plan for the playground, Aurora suddenly remembered her own «yard» – a abandoned wasteland behind the house where she grew up. The only entertainment there was the game «Build Your Own House.» They, dirty and ragged, imagined themselves as architects and builders, erecting whole palaces from garbage and ruins. Cardboard boxes became walls, torn rags – curtains, and shards of glass – sparkling chandeliers. It was their refuge, their fantasy world where they could forget about hunger, beatings, fear.

Aurora shuddered, pushing away the intrusive memories. Now she had her own, real home. A spacious apartment with an ocean view, expensive furniture, paintings by contemporary artists. Everything she had dreamed of as a child. But sometimes, looking at this luxury, she felt like an impostor, as if she had stolen this life, as if she didn’t deserve it. And then she would dream of the wasteland again, dirty and ugly, but so familiar and dear.

Tears welled up in her eyes. She quickly wiped them away, scolding herself for sentimentality. She would not allow a single child to repeat her fate.

Suddenly, the phone rang. The screen showed the name Marcos, her eternal assistant, who constantly lost, forgot, and confused things, but was devoted to her to the core.

– Aurora, we have a… slight hitch here, – Marcos mumbled, – The developer… well, this fat cat… he decided… uh-uh… in short, he refuses to finance the project! Says it’s too expensive.

Aurora’s heart sank somewhere in the region of her stomach. «Hope» – on the verge of collapse?

– Thank you, Marcos, – Aurora replied, trying to remain calm, – Call him. Tell him I want to meet with him today. And yes, Marcos, this time, please, don’t leave my phone on the table at the café.

Aurora leaned back in her chair. The «fat cat» had decided to play the greedy monopolist. Well, let the game begin. Aurora Pereira never gave up without a fight.

Aurora knew António Ferreira inside out. Beneath the glossy mask of a successful developer hid a ruthless businessman ready to do anything for profit. His charity events were just carefully thought-out PR moves designed to mask cynicism and greed. In his soul, he despised those who were not part of his narrow circle of the chosen – those not born with a silver spoon in their mouth, those who couldn’t boast a lineage tracing back to the very roots of Portuguese nobility.

She had met with him before on other projects, but each time she felt almost physical disgust at his slippery, condescending tone, at the lecherous gaze that slid over her figure as if appraising goods at a market.

The meeting was scheduled in his luxurious office on Avenida da Liberdade – a street that itself was a symbol of Lisbon’s luxury and the power of money. Aurora deliberately dressed in her strictest suit – a dark blue trouser set from Rosa & Teixeira, which perfectly emphasized her slender figure but gave no occasion for frivolous comments. She wanted him to see her as a professional, an architect with principles, not just a beautiful woman. After all, gender discrimination still flourished in Portuguese society, especially in the conservative world of construction and real estate.

Ferreira met her at the entrance to his office with a strained smile and exaggerated cordiality. His ironed Armani suit fit impeccably, and the expensive Patek Philippe watch on his wrist spoke eloquently of his status.

– Aurora, dear! How glad I am to see you! Come in, sit down. What will you have – coffee, tea, perhaps something stronger? Porto? – his voice held a cloying sweetness.

– Coffee, thank you, – Aurora replied dryly, trying not to show her irritation. – Let’s get straight to the point, António. Marcos informed me that you are refusing to finance the «Hope» project. May I know the reason?

Ferreira leaned back in his huge Poltrona Frau leather chair and folded his hands on his stomach, as if appraising her. Behind his back opened a panoramic view of Lisbon, as if the city lay at his feet.

– The reason is simple, dear. Money. Dinheiro, as we say in Portugal. Your project is too expensive. I am a businessman, not a philanthropist. I need my investments to bring profit. After all, I am responsible to my shareholders.

– But we discussed the budget at the initial stage! You agreed to my terms. What changed? – Aurora felt her voice becoming firmer.

– Circumstances changed. The real estate market is like the ocean, Aurora. Calm today, storm tomorrow. I found more profitable projects, – Ferreira replied evasively, avoiding direct eye contact. – But I am ready to offer you a compromise.

Aurora became wary. She knew nothing good could be expected from Ferreira. This «compromise» would most likely turn into another humiliation and an attempt to cut her project beyond recognition.

– What compromise? – her voice held steel.

– I am ready to continue financing, but with some changes, – Ferreira took a thick folder from the desk drawer and handed it to Aurora. A predatory gleam flashed in his eyes. – First, we cut the budget by twenty percent. Second, we abandon the eco-friendly materials and solar panels. Third, we simplify the apartment layouts and reduce the area of the children’s playground. Fourth…

Aurora didn’t even bother to listen to the end. She quickly scanned the documents. Ferreira wanted to turn her dream – a complex of affordable housing designed with soul and care for people – into a faceless box, devoid of any individuality and comfort. He wanted to turn her «Hope» into another ghetto where poor people would live in cramped and squalid conditions.

– You want me to build a ghetto, António? – she asked with contempt, looking him straight in the eyes. – I didn’t sign up for that.

– Don’t be dramatic, dear. It’s just business. No need to be such an idealist. If you don’t agree, I’ll find another architect who will be more accommodating. There are plenty of them. After all, the crisis has forced many architects to lower their appetites.

– You think I’m scared? – Aurora resolutely rose from her chair. – You don’t know me well, António. I’d rather refuse the project than betray my principles.

– That’s your choice, – Ferreira shrugged, displaying complete indifference. – But remember, Aurora, in this city everything is connected with money. Dinheiro, as I already said. Without it, you are nobody. You can be talented, beautiful, smart, but without money you are just dust underfoot.

– I prefer to be nobody than to be like you, – with these words Aurora turned around and left the office, leaving Ferreira alone in his luxurious cage.

She walked along Avenida da Liberdade, feeling everything inside boiling with anger and indignation. She felt betrayed and used. But even stronger was her determination to fight for her project, for her dream.

What would she do next? How could she save the «Hope» project from the greed and cynicism of António Ferreira?

Suddenly, her gaze fell on the window of the David Rosas jewelry store. Inside, diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and gold sparkled like stars in the night sky.

Aurora froze in front of the jewelry boutique window as if hypnotized. Diamonds, sapphires, emeralds… Precious stones of all shapes and sizes sparkled under the bright light, shimmering with all the colors of the rainbow. She had never felt an attraction to jewelry, considering them a symbol of superficiality and ostentatious wealth. But today, looking at this dazzling brilliance, a thought crossed her mind: what if her salvation lay precisely in this world of luxury?

A memory flashed in her mind, like a spark igniting a long-abandoned hearth. A dusty, old leather-bound chest hidden in the attic of her grandmother’s dilapidated house on the outskirts of Porto. There, among yellowed photographs and lace doilies smelling of naphthalene, lay treasures she had long forgotten – her mother’s jewelry.

She remembered her grandmother’s vague stories that these jewels had some value, that they were once worn by ladies from high society. But as a child, Aurora was more interested in fairy tales than her grandmother’s memories. Now, in a desperate attempt to find a way out of the financial dead end her project was in, she realized that these forgotten treasures could be her last hope.

Aurora resolutely turned and headed to the nearest café. She urgently needed to make a plan to avoid making any impulsive decisions. «Impulsiveness is a bad advisor,» her grandmother used to tell her in childhood. Ordering a double espresso, she took out her phone and began frantically googling «jewelry auctions Lisbon.»

A few hours later, Aurora sat hunched over her blueprint-cluttered desk, illuminated only by the dim light of a desk lamp. On the laptop screen, a page from the Christie’s auction house glowed. Her heart was beating wildly in her chest, tapping out an alarming rhythm.

She found a suitable auction – «Exquisite Jewels,» scheduled to take place in two weeks. The lot list featured names that sounded like music: Art Deco diamond necklaces, ruby earrings by Cartier, emerald brooches that once belonged to Portuguese aristocrats… Treasures that could fetch a fortune.

Aurora took a deep breath, trying to calm the trembling in her hands. «This is madness,» she whispered to herself. She could lose everything – not only the project into which she had poured her soul, but also the memory of her mother, enclosed in these old jewels. But she also knew she couldn’t calmly watch her dream crumble, watch families in need of affordable housing remain without hope for a better life.

The decision ripened instantly, like a fruit overflowing with ripeness. She would put her mother’s jewelry up for auction. It was her desperate, crazy, but only possible chance to save the «Hope» project.

At that moment, there was a knock on the door. Three short, confident knocks.

– Come in, – Aurora said, trying to sound confident, though everything inside was trembling with fear.

Kenan stood on the threshold. His eyes showed anxiety mixed with love.

– Aurora, what happened? Marcos said you left Ferreira’s office, slamming the door and shouting something about moral principles. Is everything alright?

Aurora looked at Kenan. He was her anchor, her quiet harbor in the stormy ocean of life. She knew she could trust him as herself. He had always supported her ambitions. But she was afraid to tell him about her plan. Afraid he would think her insane, say it was too risky.

– Everything’s fine, Kenan, – she tried to smile, but it came out as a strained semblance. – Just a little professional discussion with Ferreira. Nothing serious.

Kenan frowned. He knew Aurora too well to believe this lie. He approached her, took her hands in his, and felt how strongly she was trembling.

– Aurora, I see that something is wrong. You can’t hide it from me. Please, tell me what happened. I’m here to support you.

Aurora looked into his eyes. They reflected unconditional love, care, and a readiness to share any burden. She realized she could no longer hide the truth.

Haltingly, stammering, she told Kenan about the meeting with Ferreira, his cynical offer, and her crazy decision to auction her mother’s jewelry.

Kenan was silent, only squeezing her hands tighter. When she finished, he pulled her to him and hugged her tightly.

– I understand, Aurora, – he said quietly, stroking her hair. – I understand how important this project is to you. I’m proud of you for not giving up. You are the strongest woman I know.

Aurora felt the tears she had been holding back for so long finally stream down, burning her cheeks.

– But, Aurora, – Kenan continued, pulling back and looking into her eyes, – I don’t want you to do this alone. I want to help you.

– But how? – Aurora sobbed. – I have no more ideas.

Kenan smiled mysteriously.

– I have something you don’t know about. Let’s look at these jewels together, and I’m sure we’ll find a way out. You’re not alone in this, remember?

Aurora nodded, a lump in her throat preventing her from uttering a word. She allowed Kenan to gently lead her deeper into the room, to the old velvet-lined walnut chest that held her mother’s treasures. «Treasures» – a strong word, of course, but for Aurora these trinkets were priceless.

Kenan lifted the lid, and the room filled not so much with a bright glitter, but with a soft, time-muted shimmer of antique gold and the restrained radiance of precious stones. It was as if a little fairy was sleeping in the chest, sending out rays of light to soothe the troubled mistress. Kenan picked up one of the necklaces, a thin gold chain with a pendant in the form of a Maltese cross inlaid with small rubies.

– They are beautiful, – he said quietly, as if afraid to wake that very fairy, – But are you sure you want to do this? These aren’t just trinkets, it’s… memory, you understand?

Aurora hesitated. Yes, she was burning with her project, dreaming of creating affordable housing that would become an oasis of hope for the needy, but was she ready to part with the only thing that connected her to her mother? With the things she remembered from childhood? It was like selling a piece of her soul at auction.

– I have no other choice, – she whispered, feeling tears gathering in her eyes.

Kenan set the necklace aside and turned to Aurora, squeezing her palm in his hand.

– Perhaps there is, – he said with a mysterious smile that made butterflies flutter in Aurora’s stomach. «Full of surprises, as always,» she thought, rolling her eyes. – You know, my grandfather was a hereditary jeweler in Istanbul. He passed on to me not only the family business, which I, by the way, shamelessly abandoned for IT, but also some useful knowledge. Let’s take a closer look at these things. I have a feeling there’s more here than just gold and stones.»

Aurora looked at Kenan with growing hope. Sometimes it seemed to her that he was not just her boyfriend, but some kind of Eastern genie ready to fulfill any wish.

– What do you mean? – she asked, crossing her fingers for luck.

– I think, for starters, we should get a proper appraisal, not run headlong to the first pawnshop. It might turn out that this necklace is from the time of Queen Maria II, and this bracelet belonged to some Turkish princess! Who knows what stories this little chest holds. And maybe I have a couple of phone numbers of collectors for whom such artifacts are not just luxury items, but real works of art. They are more likely to buy all this for a fabulous sum than some reseller.

Kenan took her face in his hands, gently looking into her eyes.

– Besides, darling, – he added, squinting slyly, – I’ve always said I’d invest in your project. And if necessary, I’m ready to pull out of my wide trousers… that is, from my bank account, a tidy sum so you don’t have to part with these family heirlooms. After all, every self-respecting businessman should have some charitable venture.»

Aurora felt her heart fill with warmth and gratitude. She didn’t know what she would do without Kenan. He was not only handsome and successful, but also incredibly kind and generous.

– You’re ready to do that for me? – she asked, looking into his eyes, full of love and admiration.

– Silly, – he replied, smiling tenderly. – I’m ready to do anything for you, Aurora. You remember? And for your brilliant architectural ideas, of course.

He gently kissed her forehead, and at that moment Aurora felt that everything would definitely be alright. She had Kenan, who would always support her, she had her beloved project, which she would definitely bring to life, and she had hope, burning in her heart brighter than ever before.

Chapter 6Family Heirlooms

Aurora buried her face in Kenan’s shoulder, seeking comfort in his embrace. His warmth spread through her body like a sip of spicy Turkish coffee on a cold day. «You’re the best,» she whispered, feeling tears welling up.

Kenan snorted smugly but immediately hugged her tighter: «I know, darling. But, as they say in my homeland, ’tears are good fertilizer, but they shouldn’t be overused.» Let’s finish with this treasure, and you can get back to your blueprints. I’m already dreaming about this ’ideal house’ of yours!»

He sighed theatrically and stepped back from Aurora, opening the ancient chest made of darkened wood. The velvet lining inside, once scarlet, had now faded to the shade of old wine. Inside, like Ali Baba’s treasures, gold necklaces, bracelets with sparks of precious stones, pearl earrings resembling frozen tears, and rings with patterns as if from Eastern fairy tales shimmered.

«Wow!» Kenan whistled, picking up a massive gold necklace adorned with turquoise. «Your grandfather had a taste for shiny things! Although, wait… This is turquoise! Aurora, darling, are you sure he wasn’t a pirate? Or maybe a smuggler?»

Aurora gave a weak smile. Memories washed over her like a tidal wave. As a child, she often examined these treasures with her mother. Mom told stories associated with each piece – legends about mysterious owners, about travels and incredible events.

This sapphire necklace, the color of a cloudless Lisbon sky, her mother wore to her wedding. «You know,» she used to say, «when I put it on, I felt like I was wearing not just jewelry, but a blessing from the heavens.» And this ruby bracelet, the color of blood and passion, her grandfather gave her for her birthday. «He said that rubies bring luck and protect from evil forces,» Mom recalled. And these pearl earrings, simple and elegant, she wore almost without taking them off. «Pearls are tears of joy,» she used to say, «may your life have many such tears.»

Aurora took the earrings in her hands, feeling the coolness of the smooth pearls. It suddenly seemed to her that she could hear her mother’s voice again, feel her warmth and love. Tears pricked her eyes, and she turned away to hide her weakness.

Kenan, noticing her state, gently put his arm around her shoulders. «Everything alright, darling? You look like you’ve seen a ghost…»

Aurora wiped her tears. «Yes, everything’s fine. Just… memories. Mom loved these things. Each of them is like a piece of our life.»

Kenan sighed. «I understand. It’s hard. But remember, Aurora, your mother wanted you to be happy. And I’m sure if selling these jewels helps you realize your dream, she would only be happy. Well, and of course, she’d pick out something new for herself at the heavenly auction!»

Aurora, sniffing, laughed. «You’re right. She’d definitely find something extravagant there.»

«That’s great! – Kenan took a monocle out of his pocket, like a real Sherlock Holmes, and put it on his nose. – Okay, let’s see what we have here. Maybe among these trinkets there are a couple of diamonds for my favorite architect!»

Kenan carefully examined each piece of jewelry, muttering something to himself in a mixture of Turkish and English, checking against some notes in his notebook. He twisted the jewelry in his hands, held it up to the light, examined it through a magnifying glass, like a scientist studying strange insects.

Aurora watched him with curiosity. She knew Kenan was a successful businessman, but she had never suspected his knowledge of jewelry.

«So,» she asked when Kenan finished his examination. «Is there hope we won’t be left with just memories?»

Kenan took off the monocle and looked at Aurora with a sly smile. «Oh, darling, there’s news. And, I dare assure you, it’s excellent. Your grandfather, it seems, was not only a man of excellent taste but also a true connoisseur of treasures! There are several specimens here that could easily be worth a small island in the Pacific Ocean!»

Aurora held her breath. «It can’t be!»

«Oh, it can! – Kenan raised a finger. – For example, this sapphire necklace… It seems it was made for some Russian princess at the end of the nineteenth century. The sapphires are just incredible. And these pearl earrings… I think, if we dig into history, we can find out that they were worn by Empress Sisi herself!»

Aurora looked at Kenan with disbelief. «But where did my mother get such treasures? She never said anything!»

Kenan shrugged. «History is a dark and tangled lady. Maybe your grandfather was a secret agent? Or robbed banks? Who knows! The main thing, Aurora, is that you have a chance not just to build a complex of affordable housing, but to create a real masterpiece! Imagine, houses worthy of kings and princesses!» He winked. «And I, as your personal financier, will make every effort to get you a worthy sum for these things. I think I have a couple of antiquarian acquaintances in Istanbul who would be happy to participate in this business.»

Aurora looked at the chest of jewels and felt warmth and hope spreading in her soul. Yes, the past was heavy and full of pain, but perhaps thanks to these treasures, she could build the future she had always dreamed of – a future in which those in need would get a home worthy of a human being.

«Well,» she said, smiling, «it seems we have a profitable deal ahead!»

Aurora’s gaze caught on a modest piece – a thin gold chain with a tiny heart-shaped pendant. It looked almost orphaned against the pomp of the other jewelry.

«My mother gave me this chain for my sixteenth birthday,» Aurora said quietly, examining the pendant. «She saved up for a long time then, worked two jobs to buy me something. She said every girl should have her own little treasure. And to me, a treasure was when there was food on the table.»

Kenan came over to her and gently hugged her. «You know, in Turkey they say: „What is bought cheaply cries, what is expensive rejoices.“ But, looking at this chain, you understand that the greatest value is the love and care invested in it.»

Aurora swallowed the lump in her throat. She really didn’t want to part with this chain, but she knew that the money from the sale of the jewelry would help realize her dream. «Sometimes, to build something new, you have to part with the old,» she whispered, as if persuading herself.

«I’ll think about it,» she replied, hiding the chain in her pocket. «But now we need to make a list of all these ’valuables,» as Ostap Bender would say, and appraise them. I’m afraid we can’t manage without your connections in the world of antiquarians.»

Kenan nodded. «Don’t worry, I have an acquaintance, a real «Indiana Jones’ in the world of antiques. He can tell a fake from an original with his eyes closed. I’ve already called him. He’s ready to fly to Lisbon tomorrow. Although, he has one quirk – he always carries a magnifying glass the size of a saucer. Says it’s better for seeing the ’soul’ of an item.»

Aurora sighed. «I hope he doesn’t disappoint us. I so want this project to become a reality. For people who find themselves in a difficult situation to get a chance at a decent life.»

«It will definitely become a reality,» Kenan said confidently. «I promise you. We will build the best affordable housing complex in Portugal together. And your mother will be proud of you, looking at us from heaven. And also, imagine, we can name one of the houses after your mother! How do you like that idea?»

Aurora smiled and pressed against Kenan. He always knew how to find the right words and support her in a difficult moment. Thanks to him, she felt strong and confident in her abilities. «You know how to cheer me up,» she whispered.

«I will always be here,» Kenan replied, kissing her hair. «And now let’s get down to business. We need to prepare all these treasures for the arrival of our „Indiana Jones.“ And, by the way, don’t forget to make him coffee. They say antiquarians love good coffee.»

Together they laid out the jewelry on the table and began compiling a detailed list, describing every detail: material, weight, dimensions, presence of precious stones, etc. Kenan carefully studied each piece, using his magnifying glass (of normal size, fortunately) and making notes in his notebook. Aurora helped him, recalling the stories associated with each item.

«Look, what a funny frog brooch,» Aurora said, showing Kenan the jewelry. «Grandma said it brings luck. But, in my opinion, luck bypassed us.»