When His Wife Return

Chapter 9

{Aurora's POV}

In just a matter of seconds, all eyes were on me. Each of them mirrors the same expression—shock, confusion, and a hint of suspicion on Lucas's mother's part.

I felt the anxiety and dread drowning me each second that passed without anyone speaking. It was as if they were waiting for me to explain something, but what am I supposed to say to them?

“Aurora?” Lucas’s mother pressed with furrowed eyebrows.

I shook my head and opened my mouth, but no words came out. I don't know what I was going to say.

He wanted Aurora…

I looked at Lucas, hoping that he'll take back what he said, but no. Is this a joke? But the look on my husband's face was anything but joking.

He was looking at me darkly. Not in a pissed manner, but something more…possessive.

“Is this true, Aurora?” Now it was Lucas's father. Why do they sound accusing?

“I-I don't know. I barely know the guy.” I tried my best not to panic. They might think that I was being defensive.

“Then what did Russo mean by ‘he wanted you?’ That must've meant something, or he wouldn't shamelessly ask for you amidst this mess. You, out of all the things he could’ve asked for.” His words left a bitter taste on my trembling lips.

It was as if it was impossible for someone to want me, but that was not the point, so I shouldn't be offended.

Of course, they would suspect that. Anyone in the right state of mind would think that something was going on between Kael and me. Why did he have to do this?

“Aurora, are you cheating on my son?” The accusation finally left Lucas's mother's lips without hesitation. Her eyes, fiery with disgust and anger, all pointed at me for the first time since I met the woman.

I looked at my in-laws helplessly. For the past three years, they have been nice to me, and I didn't want their impression of me to change despite Lucas and I not having a great start…up until now. All because of Kael.

“I promise—” I tried again, but Lucas cut me off.

“Aurora barely left our home all throughout our marriage, mother, dad, and you both know it. And besides, she only hung out with her friend Keila, so this is not on her.” Lucas sat down beside me while staring face down against his parents.

My lips parted as I stared at him.

Did he just…defended me against his parents?

Lucas, the dog and the golden boy of his parents, just defended me from them?

“This is Russo's doing. Obviously, he’s just trying to ruin my marriage. As if,” he added before glancing at me, the darkness still clouding his eyes. “That’s not going to happen, right?”

I blinked, seemingly in a state of trance, and wondered if this man in front of me was really my husband. That same cruel man who has effortlessly made my life miserable since our wedding.

I swallowed before nodding. “Right.”

“If that's the case, then I think you should let her do what Russo wants.” It was my mother speaking this time as if she was finally able to use her voice after the bomb that Lucas dropped.

My eyes snapped to her in an instant, shocked that she would even suggest that. Isn't it bad enough that Lucas's parents had thought that I was having an affair with Kael? Didn't she want to make the best impression on my in-laws, and now she's pushing me into this?

“Lydia, I don't think that's a good idea. Who knows what he could do–” Lucas expressed his strong disapproval with my mother's idea but was cut off by his own mother.

“And what do you suggest we do?”

“Anything but giving him my wife, Mother. Russo is a ruthless bast@rd. He could hurt her—”

“Nonsense! She is your wife, and it's her duty to shoulder the things you couldn't do. If she needs to be Russo's little slave, if it means saving you from what he could do, then so be it!”

Everyone was quiet as the mother and son clashed with each other like harsh waves going against each other.

“Mother, are you hearing yourself?! You're going to let your own daughter-in-law in the hands of a monster, ordering her to do fvck knows what?!”

This was the first time that I've heard and seen Lucas shout at his mother. His red face and sharp eyes remind me of thunder during a storm. It was the opposite of his calm, all-smile, and charming facade.

“Lucas, that's enough! Your mother is right. Aurora has to do her part in this family.”

Disbelief was written all over Lucas's face. “Fvcking fvck.”

“Lucas!” His father's voice boomed in the whole living room. “Your anger is pointed at the wrong people. If there's someone to be mad at and blame for this mess, it's you. You created this. You made Aurora do this. So, do not point your anger at us. Blame yourself.”

That seemed to punch Lucas right in the gut. He knows, and even I myself know, that what his father said was right. If only he didn't punch Kael, none of this would have happened.

He stood up, a regretful look visible on his always confident face.

“You're right. This is my fault, and therefore, I should take responsibility for it. I'll face the consequences of my actions. Just don't let Aurora near that bast@rd.” My eyes widened at the same time his father stood up, a new profound anger prominent in his expression.

“Have you lost your mind?! Do you want the company to go down with you?”

“When did you become this selfish, Lucas?” My mother-in-law spat, each word laced with venom.

I had to suppress my gasp.

That was worse than a bullet wound to Lucas, who'd done everything for their family. Even I know that.

Surprised that soon turned into sharp pain flashed across his eyes, surpassing the anger that they used to hold earlier.

I glanced at my parents, who seemed just as silent as when we were at the Saunders' company three days ago. I know that my in-laws were more concerned about this than my parents, but their silence was really suspicious.

I don't like it. Something was off.

Before any of them could say another word, I butted in. I might regret this later, but let me deal with it when that happens.

“I'll do it.” I look at Lucas. “It's okay. I can do it. It's not like he's going to make me do things without my consent.”

His eyes flashed with the word "consent." It was as if it wasn't that hard for Kael to get my consent at all. That alone was enough to make my heart burn with unexplainable feelings. Not from the hurt of anger…but from something.

I'm really gonna regret this.

“It's final, then.” I kept my eyes on Lucas even when his mother spoke. “Since Lucas seemed unwell, I'll have our lawyer deliver the message to Russo today.”

Lucas looked at his mother. “Mother—”

“Not another word.” She stood up, sharp eyes pinned on her son with silent rage. “I will speak to you as soon as you put yourself together.”

Then, she left, and soon her husband followed but not before sending a glare at my husband's way.

The whole living room was really silent, but I know that my parents haven't left yet, and neither has my husband. I stood up from my seat and turned to them while trying my best not to let my knees give out.

“Father. Mother,” I say, but my eyes were on Lucas.

He clenched his jaw but left anyway, leaving us three.

Ever since I was young, I hated being stuck alone in the same room as them. I could still feel that feeling even now, but there was this strong urge to speak to them that I could momentarily forget the heaviness of their presence. Just this once I'll try.

I swallowed.

“What are you—”

“Be a good girl to Russo, Aurora.” A slick smile formed on my mother's face. “Be nice to him. Obey everything he wants, inside or outside of his company.”

I was taken aback by her words.

“M-mother, what—”

“Shh.” She stood up and walked towards me, leaving my father seated alone on the sofa. “It wouldn't take a genius to figure out that he has this twisted, illicit obsession towards you. Even before.”

My chest tightens with dread. No.

I know this. I've been in this situation before. She saw the opportunity, and she will do everything to grab it…all while using me, exploiting me.

My inside twisted with fear I knew all too well, and suddenly, I regretted making Lucas leave us.

“I want you to make him crazy for you. It's the only way to get to the top, right? Through him.” She tucked a strand of hair behind my ears as my lips trembled, a whimper escaping my lips.

No. Please.

“You wanted to divorce Lucas, right? You didn't want this marriage in the first place. He's cheating on you. He's caging you. He doesn't love you. You wanted out? Then, I will make that happen. I will let you live freely. No more demands from your dear mother. Just make sure that we will benefit from Russo. That is your mission, okay?”

I didn't respond. I was shaking on the inside. I wanted to scream at her. I wanted to tell her how cruel she was, but I couldn't.

Her hand lowered down and slowly but tightly gripped my upper arm.

“Am I clear, Aurora?”

Tears fell from my eyes. It hurts.

I cried as Caelum’s face flashed in my mind. His face was pale…lifeless, all because he was working behind the scenes, trying to protect me after our own parents had sold me to a wealthy old man, not thinking that it could end his life.

And I was blamed for it…because he was trying to protect me. He succeeded…mostly, but at what cost?

But right now, there was no Caelum present to protect me anymore. If I die trying to do my parents' sick demands, it would be the last time because we know what Kael would do when he finds out that someone was playing him.

He would never let that person make it out alive.

And when that happens…

There comes my true freedom where I'll never have to deal with my parents again and where I would finally see my brother.

That's... that's nice.

So, with a shaky breath, I say, “Yes, Mother.”