The morning sun spilled through the tall, arched windows of the Ashcroft mansion, casting soft, golden light across the grand bedroom. Alexei Ashcroft stood in front of the mirror, fixing his cufflinks with steady hands. Behind him, Aurelia Sorenson Ashcroft–his wife, moved quietly, her fingers straightening his tie as if it were second nature.

"Your family is coming to the mansion today, aren't they?" Aurelia asked, her voice low.

Alexei nodded, watching her through the reflection. "Grandfather's orders. Everyone's moving back in for a while. He wants us under one roof. I think he has something big to say."

She stepped back, her hands falling to her sides. A dreaded feeling hung between them, the kind that had been growing ever since they'd married in secret, away from the prying eyes of the Ashcroft dynasty. It had been two years, and only Malcolm Ashcroft and his wife Lydia Ashcroft–Alexei's grandparents–knew about it.

"And us?" Aurelia asked quietly. "What happens to us?"

Alexei turned, facing her fully. "Aurelia, I've told you. We should just reveal everything, I want the whole world to know that you're mine."

Aurelia frowned, crossing her arms. "It's been years, Alexei. We can still hide this for a short while don't you think? Your family already thinks I'm—"

"A curse?" Alexei cut her off, his jaw clenched. "No. You're my wife. You're my everything, Aurelia. I'll explain everything to them. They'll understand if I tell them I love you."

Aurelia sighed, shaking her head softly. "No Alexei, your family–the Ashcrofts... they won't understand. Not after what my mother did. I still have to serve for three years before they can let me go."

Aurelia looked down at the floor, her eyes stinging with unshed tears. She had spent so long hiding, pretending, and it never got easier. Being the daughter of a woman who had caused so much damage, it felt like the world saw her as nothing more than an extension of her mother's sins. But Alexei—he was her one refuge. Yet even now, she was only a shadow in his life.

"When will it be time?" she whispered. "When can I be more than just a maid's daughter?"

Alexei stepped forward, taking her hands in his. "Okay, but once we deal with your mother's mess, I'll show the whole world you're my bride. And no one—not even my mother—will stop us. I promise you that."

She nodded slowly, wrapping her fingers in his. "I'll hold you to that, Alexei. But don't make me wait too long."

He kissed her ring finger gently, his lips lingering on the gold band around her beautiful finger. "I won't. You have my word."

Aurelia managed a small smile. "Now, go make me breakfast," she teased, trying to lighten the mood.

Alexei chuckled, brushing his thumb against her plump lips. "Of course, your highness. Only you can order the young master of the Ashcroft family around. Anything else before we face the Ashcroft madness?"

"No," she replied, planting a soft kiss on his cheeks before watching as he left the room, his footsteps echoing faintly down the marble hallway.

*

Later that morning, the Ashcroft estate began to buzz with activity. The Ashcroft family's maids and staff arrived, filling the mansion with life. The castle-like mansion was a grand display of wealth and influence—of riches that had accumulated over 18 generations. The furniture alone cost over $200million, and was upgraded frequently. Every corner of the huge estate screamed wealth.

Aurelia went to the kitchen, gathering her ingredients to help prepare dinner. She moved swiftly, as she was used to it, after all, she'd grown up as a servant, just like her mother.

She was slicing vegetables when the head maid, Margot, came in, her sharp cold eyes observing the maids, until she saw Aurelia, then her lips curled into a sinister smirk.

"Well, well, who do we have here? The cursed child of the slutty maid. I hope you haven't been whoring yourself out to the young master while everyone was away."

Aurelia stiffened but kept her focus on the knife in her hand. Margot clicked her tongue, shaking her head. "You should focus on the work you were born for. But I suppose you can add whoring around to it, being your mother's daughter and all."

Aurelia's grip tightened on the knife, but she didn't respond. She knew better than to retort and cause a scene, especially today, with the entire Ashcroft family coming to the mansion. She didn't need extra attention. She was worth more than the maids believed her to be, but for now, she had to keep that hidden.

By evening, the Ashcroft family was gathered in the grand dining hall, a room large enough to host a royal banquet. The table was filled with the finest of meals, from the wealthiest countries in the world. Along with the tastiest wine and champagne.

Aurelia stood quietly along the wall with the rest of the staff, her eyes constantly drifting to Alexei, who sat beside his grandfather, Malcolm Ashcroft.

Even with the entire family present, Alexei kept glancing her way, offering her a small wink or a smile that only she noticed and returned subtly. 

"Must be nice to watch from the sidelines, eh?" one of the younger maids whispered to her, nudging Aurelia with her elbow.

Aurelia forced a smile, pretending not to care but mind racing as the thought of being caught ogling her husband crossed her mind. "Just doing my job."

Suddenly, the sound of a throat clearing caught everyone's attention. Malcolm Ashcroft, the respected grandfather and patriarch of the family, stood from his seat at the head of the table, a wide smile spreading across his face. He was undeniably powerful, his presence demanding respect effortlessly. 

"This is a glorious day," he began, his voice deep and sharp. "The Ashcroft family, united once again in our ancestral home. It brings me great joy to see us all gathered here. A toast to the Ashcrofts!"

Everyone at the table raised their glasses in unison, toasting along with Malcolm. The atmosphere was filled with extreme happiness. Everyone was happy, except Aurelia who felt alienated from the maids and the family. She clenched her skirt in her trembling hands, focusing her gaze on her shoes.

"And today," Malcolm continued, his smile widening, "I have an important announcement."

A murmur spread through the room, everyone eagerly trying to guess what could be so important that the family had to move together for it. Alexei raised an eyebrow, "Is Gideon finally getting married? About time."

The table erupted in laughter, but Malcolm shook his head, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "You're almost correct. Just not Gideon. But you, my favorite grandson, Alexei."

Alexei's froze, the smile disappearing from his face. "Me?"

Aurelia's heart skipped a beat, her stomach twisting in knots. She raised her head, her eyes wide, shifting from Malcolm to Alexei.

Malcolm nodded, still smiling. "Yes, you, my boy. The Ashcroft family is about to unite with the most powerful family in Europe. America and Europe coming together."

The room fell silent, all eyes now on Malcolm.

"We are announcing the engagement of Alexei Ashcroft and Camille Dumonte."

Alexei shot up from his chair, his expression a mixture of shock and disbelief. "What?"

The doors to the dining hall creaked open, and a tall, gorgeous woman in the most elegant red dress stepped in, her blonde hair cascading over her shoulders. 

"Come in, my dear Camille," Malcolm said warmly, gesturing toward her.

Aurelia's breath caught in her throat. Camille Dumonte. The name alone sent a wave of nausea through her. Alexei's eyes widened as Camille walked in gracefully. She looked every bit the perfect heiress of the Ashcroft wealth.

As Camille walked towards the table, Alexei and Aurelia locked eyes from across the hall, their gazes wide with terror.