Chapter 2

The next day, James's mother, Barbara Stone, arrived right on the dot at eleven.

She was dressed in a perfectly tailored Chanel suit, her hair flawless, and her face set in a critical look, like she was here to conduct an inspection, not just visit her son.

"Aurora, is the soup ready? How many times do I have to tell you? I'm very picky about my food," she said, handing me her Hermès bag, expecting me to take it and put it away without a second thought.

"Barbara, it's ready, and I've kept it warm," I replied, taking the bag and hanging it on the coat rack, keeping my voice polite.

Barbara's sharp eyes swept over me, landing on my flat stomach, and she pursed her lips in disapproval.

"It's been so long, and still nothing. James is the only heir in our family. You need to take your responsibilities seriously," she said.

There it was. The baby talk again. She acted like she'd forgotten I once had a child and how I lost it.

My heart ached, but I kept that gentle smile on my face.

"Barbara, these things can't be rushed," I said softly.

"How can it not be rushed?" Barbara raised her voice. "Look at Callie, so young and already winning international architecture awards, bringing honor to James.

"And you? All you do is stay home, fussing over your worthless yarn. You can't even give him a child. What good are you?"

"Mom," James said, coming down the stairs with a frown. "The doctor said Aurora's health is still being taken care of. Don't put so much pressure on her."

Barbara let out a cold snort and fell silent, but the disdain in her eyes was as sharp as ever.

James walked over and naturally wrapped his arm around my waist, putting on a show of being a loving couple for anyone watching.

His palm felt uncomfortably warm, the heat seeping through my thin clothes and making me feel sick.

I didn't push him away. My body tensed for a moment, then I went back to being pliant and obedient.

Lunch was tense. Barbara ate the dishes I'd carefully prepared, all the while throwing shade at me.

"James, I heard Callie's got a new project. You're mentoring her, right? That girl's got a spark, and she's so sensible. You should spend more time with her," Barbara said.

James nodded and put some fish on my plate. "Eat more. You're too thin."

His voice was gentle, like he was the perfect husband.

He really knew how to put on a show. If he hadn't grilled me about that scarf last night, I might've actually believed it.

I kept my head down, picking at my food and staying out of their conversation.

Barbara noticed I wasn't joining in, so she changed the subject and zeroed in on me.

"Aurora, I heard your needlepoint is getting pretty popular lately," she said, pretending to be surprised.

"Yes, Barbara," I answered.

"So why don't you get out there and work? Sitting at home all day will make anyone stir-crazy. A woman needs her own career, or she'll lose touch with the world, and then what will you and James even talk about?" she said.

She dressed up her words to sound so proper and important.

But I knew, at her core, she had zero respect for my needlepoint.

In her eyes, only people like James and Callie, working in fancy offices and tossing around billion-dollar projects, counted as having a real career.

Me? Someone who spends my days with needle and thread, just a pile of useless thread in her opinion.

I set down my fork and looked up at her, locking eyes with a serious look.

"You're right, Barbara. Honestly, I think it's time I started working outside," I said.

Everyone was taken aback by my answer. Barbara was left speechless.

James paused mid-bite, his fork hovering in the air as he stared at me, shocked.

"Wait, what?" he said.

"I said, I want to get my studio up and running again," I replied, making sure every word was clear.

Barbara was the first to react, scoffing, "A studio? That little side gig of yours. How much could you possibly earn? Don't waste your time. Just stay home and play the perfect Mrs. Stone."

"I've already made up my mind," I said, ignoring her sarcasm and stating it as a simple fact.

The atmosphere froze instantly. James's expression turned grim. "Aurora, are you acting up again?"

In his eyes, every time I tried to stand up for myself, he thought I was being difficult.

I wasn't making a scene. I was simply letting them know what I'd decided.

"I'm done eating," I said, standing up and giving Barbara a respectful nod. "Barbara, enjoy your meal."

With that, I turned and walked away without a second thought.

Behind me, Barbara's furious voice rang out, followed by James's barely contained anger. "She's really crossed the line. James, this is the wife you picked."

"Aurora, stop right there," James shouted.

I didn't look back. By the door, I slipped on my shoes and grabbed the small bag I'd prepared ahead of time.

Inside were my ID, my important documents, and my bank card with everything in my name.

My phone screen lit up with a message from Celina, sharing her location.

Celina: [I'm waiting for you downstairs.]

I opened the door, letting sunlight pour in. Behind me was hell; ahead lay freedom. Without a second of hesitation, I stepped out.