Aurora sat at the massive oak desk in the mansion's study, her fingers tapping quickly on the laptop keyboard.
She was focused on her latest project for the Rhysanders Corporation, where she held the title of director.
Ever since she was adopted by the Rhysanders family, she had thrown herself into the business world.
Under the guidance of Mr. and Mrs. Rhysanders, Aurora had risen to the top, proving she was more than capable.
She wasn't just Daemon's wife anymore—she was a powerful businesswoman in her own right.
Today, she was finalizing a major deal with a tech company based in Switzerland.
It was crucial for the Rhysanders Corporation to expand into Europe, and this deal would give them access to the latest innovations.
As she reviewed the contract, she heard the familiar click of heels coming down the hallway.
Aurora didn't look up, already knowing who it was.
The door creaked open, and Collete entered the room.
Aurora kept her eyes on her screen, pretending not to notice.
But she felt Collete's presence like a storm cloud hanging over her.
"Aurora," Collete said in her usual cold tone, "we need to talk."
Aurora sighed quietly but didn't lift her gaze from her laptop. "I'm busy, Collete. Can this wait?"
Collete walked further into the room, not caring that Aurora had work to do. "No, it can't. You've been back for barely any time at all, and already I can see what you're trying to do."
Aurora finally looked up, closing the laptop with a quiet click. She sat back in her chair, folding her arms. "Oh? And what am I trying to do?"
Collete narrowed her eyes, her lips tight. "You think you can just waltz in here, take control of this family, and act like you belong here. You don't."
Aurora sighed, she wasn't in the mood for this, but she knew it was inevitable. "What do you want, Collete?" she asked, glancing up at her mother-in-law.
Collete didn't waste time with pleasantries. "You need to leave this house. Immediately."
Aurora blinked, not surprised by the words, but by how quickly Collete had gotten to the point. "I'm not going anywhere," she said, her voice calm but firm. "This is my home, and my children live here."
Collete's lips curled into a tight smile, though there was no humor in it. "Your home? You really think you belong here, don't you? You've been back for what—barely a few weeks—and you're already acting like you're in charge."
Aurora crossed her arms, leaning back in her chair. "I'm not acting like anything. I'm here because Daemon asked me to come back. And more importantly, I'm here for my children."
Collete's eyes flashed with anger. "Your children," she repeated, her voice laced with contempt. "Those children deserve better than you. You abandoned them, ran away without a word. What kind of mother does that?"
Aurora felt a surge of anger rising in her chest, but she forced herself to stay calm. "I left because I had no choice. You know that. Daemon was never around, and your family—this family—made my life a living hell. I had to protect my children."
Collete laughed, but there was no warmth in it. "Protect them? From what? From me? From their father? You were never strong enough for this family, Aurora. You're weak. You always have been."
Aurora clenched her fists under the desk. "Weak?" she repeated, her voice quiet but sharp. "I've survived things you can't even imagine. I've rebuilt my life from the ground up. So, no, I'm not weak. Not anymore."
Collete's smile faded, replaced by a cold glare. "You may have fooled yourself into thinking you've changed, but I see through you. You're still that same scared little girl who married into this family, hoping to fit in. But you never did, and you never will."
Aurora stood up, meeting Collete's gaze with fire in her eyes. "I didn't marry into this family to fit in," she said, her voice strong. "I married Daemon because I loved him. And yes, I was naive back then. But I'm not that girl anymore."
Collete stepped closer, her voice dropping to a menacing whisper. "You may have Daemon fooled with your little act, but you don't fool me. You think you can just waltz back in here and pretend like nothing happened? That I'll just sit by and watch you tear this family apart again?"
Aurora's heart pounded, but she didn't back down. "I'm not tearing this family apart, Collete. I'm here for my children, and I'm here to make sure they're safe. If you want to fight me on that, then go ahead. But I won't back down."
Collete's eyes darkened, her face twisting with anger. "You're making a mistake, Aurora. If you don't leave, I will take those children from you. You think you're untouchable, but you're not. I have connections. I have power. And if you push me, I'll make sure you never see them again."
Aurora felt a cold chill run down her spine, but she didn't let it show. She had been expecting this threat. Collete had always been ruthless, but Aurora wasn't afraid anymore.
"You can try," Aurora said, her voice steady. "But I won't let you take them. I've built my own life, my own power. I have lawyers, too, Collete. And I've made sure that if you come after me or my children, I'll fight you with everything I've got."
For a moment, the room was silent, the tension thick between them. Collete's face was a mask of fury, but Aurora stood her ground. She wasn't the girl who used to flinch at Collete's words, who used to shrink in fear. She had come too far to let Collete intimidate her now.
Finally, Collete spoke, her voice low and filled with venom. "You're going to regret this, Aurora. I'll make sure of it."
Aurora didn't flinch. "The only thing I regret is ever letting you make me feel powerless. But not anymore. I'm not leaving. And if you want a fight, then you'll get one."
Collete stared at her for a moment longer, her eyes filled with hatred, before turning on her heel and storming out of the room. The door slammed shut behind her, leaving Aurora alone with the silence.
Aurora sat back down, her heart still racing. She knew this battle was far from over, but she wasn't scared. She had faced worse than Collete, and she had come out stronger. This time, she would fight for what was hers.
And this time, she wouldn't lose.