Marriage Anniversary

"Aubrey," she exclaimed, her voice filled with both astonishment and pain, as she gingerly examined her burnt finger. Startled by a sudden shout, she had unintentionally touched the scorching hot pot while preparing breakfast for everyone. Without hesitation, she abandoned her cooking and hurriedly rushed out of the kitchen.

Outside, Aubrey's gaze fell upon Grandma, Mrs. Cooper, the matriarch of the esteemed Cooper family, seated at the head of the dining table, surrounded by her kin.

In an effort to present herself in the best light, Aubrey adjusted her delicate light blue floral dress and tucked her hair behind her ears. She fidgeted nervously with her fingers before mustering the courage to approach the dining table, positioning herself near Grandma's chair.

"Grandma," she spoke in a voice trembling with apprehension. Grandma raised her eyes momentarily before shifting her gaze to the wall clock, her face etched with bitterness.

"Is your breakfast ready, Aubrey?" Grandma inquired, her words tinged with a hint of acrimony.

"Breakfast is prepared," Aubrey replied, swiftly darting back to the kitchen to bring the meal to the dining table. Rising early each morning, she meticulously orchestrated breakfast to be served on time, following in the footsteps of her mother, who had been the Cooper family's loyal housemaid. Aubrey embraced the responsibility of ensuring punctuality in serving breakfast, just as her mother had done before her.

Returning with the breakfast in hand, Aubrey commenced serving each individual's portion. All eyes turned to Grandma, who always partook of her meal first, signaling the commencement of the family's breakfast.

"Aubrey, where is your husband?" Grandma queried, interrupting the mealtime silence. Aubrey's head bowed down, at a loss for words.

"Why ask her, mother? Over the past three years, she has managed to discern neither the timings of my son's office arrivals nor departures. However, it is not her fault that my son refuses to acknowledge her as his wife," Mrs. Jane, Grandma's daughter-in-law, interjected, her voice laced with disdainful mockery.

Aubrey's gaze remained fixed upon the floor, absorbing Mrs. Jane's taunts. Truth be told, Mrs. Jane was not mistaken; Aubrey's husband had never shared anything with her. He had never even spared her a glance. Mrs. Jane's derisive sneer deepened the sting of that realization.

"Your mother's blackmailing may have coerced my mother, but it does not grant you the status of my son's wife. After three years, you should understand that you are nothing more than a servant to the Cooper family," Mrs. Jane continued, prolonging her string of taunts.

Aubrey was married to Evan Cooper, a billionaire business tycoon in the country. As Mrs. Jane had aptly pointed out, they had been married for three years. Yet, Evan had never accepted her as his wife. Aubrey's parents had been faithful servants to the Cooper family, and after their untimely demise, Aubrey had taken up the mantle as the family's maid.

Footsteps echoed through the house, quickening Aubrey's heartbeat to a frenzied pace. Her misty blue eyes widened as she directed her gaze towards the staircase, where Evan was descending. Clad in a perfectly fitted Armani suit, his broad shoulders and chiseled six-pack accentuated his striking physique. Standing at an impressive height of six feet and four inches, Evan was the epitome of handsomeness in Aubrey's eyes. She couldn't help but gaze at her husband, who, in turn, did not spare her a glance.

"Good morning, everyone," Evan greeted as he took his seat. The room responded with warm salutations.

"Aubrey, serve your husband his breakfast," Grandma ordered, and Aubrey noticed the subtle clenching of Evan's fist. After living with them for three years, she had come to understand his vexed expressions. Whenever Grandma referred to Evan as her husband and Aubrey as his wife, it visibly irritated him. Aubrey understood that Grandma's intention was to provoke Evan by asserting their relationship, and witnessing his frustration was deeply painful.

Aubrey nodded in compliance and served Evan his breakfast. They all began eating while Aubrey stood nearby, observing.

"What is this? It's excessively oily. I explicitly stated that I am on a diet. Are you intentionally trying to make me fat and unattractive with this greasy breakfast? I cannot eat this," Jennifer, Evan's sister, commented, her face contorting in disgust.

"I can quickly prepare something else for you. Just give me five minutes," Aubrey hurriedly offered, reaching towards Jennifer's plate.

"I am already running late. I don't have time for your inferior food. I fail to comprehend why my brother married you—a woman of such low class and illiteracy," Jennifer scoffed, rolling her eyes. Aubrey's expression remained devoid of emotion; she had grown accustomed to such treatment. This was the daily torment inflicted upon her by her mother-in-law and Jennifer.

"Jenny, eat your food. Don't waste it," Evan's authoritative voice intervened. Jennifer understood the weight behind her brother's words and begrudgingly resumed her meal. Evan was a man of few words, and those who knew him understood the significance of his brief utterances.

Evan's mother and Jennifer refrained from tormenting Aubrey in his presence. Although he harbored no fondness for her, he disapproved of such behavior.

Once breakfast concluded, Evan departed for his office, and Jennifer left for college. Mrs. Jane retired to her room.

"Aubrey, take me to my room," Grandma commanded, confined to a wheelchair due to her age.

Aubrey abandoned her tasks and promptly escorted Grandma to her room. Despite her frailty, Grandma wielded unparalleled authority within the Cooper household—her words were law.

Grandma's room was vast, basking in the sun's gentle rays that filtered through the glass window. Aubrey assisted Grandma in settling onto the bed.

"Your mother was a naive woman, Aubrey. She drove me to such lengths as to convince Evan to enter into a contract marriage with you. She must have assumed that by marrying into the Cooper family, you would lead a life of luxury and happiness. Little did she know that even after three years of marriage, you would still be bound to the life of a maid," Grandma spoke, a sly smile playing upon her lips, relishing in her taunts.

Aubrey remained expressionless, her face betraying no emotions. She acknowledged the wrongdoing of her mother's actions, driven solely by a desire to secure Aubrey's happiness. And her happiness resided solely in Evan.

"By the way, happy anniversary. Today marks your marriage anniversary with Evan, am I correct?" Grandma taunted further, a smile still dancing on her lips.

Aubrey merely nodded in response before quietly exiting the room.

Entering her own quarters within the servants' quarters, Aubrey opened her wardrobe and retrieved a photograph from her wedding day. Evan, donning his office attire, and Aubrey, adorned in a pristine white wedding gown—although she had managed to keep it clean—stood together. Aubrey's mother stood nearby, her eyes brimming with tears as she smiled.

Three years ago.

"Wake up, Auby," Aubrey's mother gently nudged her, attempting to rouse her from slumber.

"Please, let me sleep. I've finished high school; just let me rest," Aubrey protested, attempting to cover her face with the blanket. Her mother observed her sleeping form, smiling as an idea formed in her mind on how to wake her.

"Do you know what today's date is? Perhaps it's July 23rd. Mrs. Cooper mentioned someone's arrival today," her mother teased, stifling a laugh.

Her mother's words jolted Aubrey awake. She leaped out of bed, her hair disheveled, clad in her nightwear.

"Mum, why didn't you wake me up earlier? Evan is coming back from his studies abroad today. How much work do we have left to do?" Aubrey's flushed face conveyed her excitement. Her mother smiled at her childlike enthusiasm. She had known about Aubrey's affection for Evan since she was five years old, but Aubrey had kept it hidden from everyone.

They made their way to the Cooper mansion, which adjoined their own servant's quarters. Aubrey dressed in her finest attire and applied a touch of makeup. Since she was a young girl, she had always assisted her mother with household chores. But when she discovered her mother's illness, Aubrey took on more responsibilities, working alongside her to earn money for her mother's medical expenses.

Aubrey could sense the palpable anticipation surrounding Evan's arrival, particularly from Grandma, Mrs. Jane, and Jennifer. While she toiled away in the kitchen, her eyes frequently darted towards the main entrance, peering through the window. Her mother caught sight of her actions and couldn't help but smile. Suddenly, a commotion erupted. Abandoning her tasks, Aubrey dashed out of the kitchen, her mother following closely behind. Aubrey locked eyes with the person she had always admired and adored. No one had ever captivated her quite like Evan. Her heart raced, and her face flushed. Evan looked in their direction, and their eyes met. Overwhelmed by shyness, Aubrey cast her gaze downward. Evan made his way towards them, and Aubrey's heart fluttered in her chest. He exchanged pleasantries with her mother, but Aubrey noticed he didn't greet her directly. It stung. They weren't strangers; they had been friends as children. But now, Aubrey's love for Evan was unrequited.

Grandma approached with a beautiful girl by her side, someone who possessed such radiance that anyone would instantly be smitten. Grandma introduced Evan's girlfriend to them.

Upon hearing the news, Aubrey fled, finding solace in her room. She collapsed onto her bed, tears streaming down her face. Her mother followed and comforted her. "They are wealthy people, Auby. We may admire them, but we cannot expect them to reciprocate our love. Please, forget about him."

This was not a new lesson for Aubrey. Ever since she had developed feelings for Evan, she had come to understand the harsh reality of their disparate circumstances. She resolved to let go of her love for Evan and instead focused on caring for her mother, whose condition grew increasingly dire.

Soon, her mother was admitted to the hospital. As Aubrey returned with her mother's medication, she overheard her mother's plea.

"My husband dedicated his life to your family, and yet you deny me this one request. Please, marry my daughter to your son," her mother beseeched Grandma.

Grandma conceded, agreeing to the marriage. Aubrey tried to dissuade her mother, but her determination was unwavering. They went through with the wedding.

Presently, as Aubrey held the photograph in her hands, memories of her mother's smile flooded her mind.

Happy marriage anniversary to me" She just muttered with a sad smile. "You were right mum, A poor girl like me doesn't have the right to love a wealthy boy like Evan. I should listen to you. But I love him, mum. I tried not to love him for three years but my heart didn't listen to me. what should I do?" Aubrey is just sobbing.