THE EMPIRE SHE BUILT

The sharp crack of porcelain echoed through the kitchen.

A plate slipped from Aurelia’s wet fingers and shattered against the marble floor, fragments scattering in every direction.

Before she could even bend down, a sharp voice cut through the air. “Aurelia, are you blind? That’s imported porcelain! Do you know how expensive that is?”

The head servant, Mrs. Rowan, stood at the doorway with her arms folded, her expression filled with disdain. Her lips curled slightly as she looked at Aurelia as if she were something stuck to the bottom of her shoe.

Aurelia paused briefly, then quietly crouched down to pick up the broken pieces. “I’m sorry,” she said calmly.

Mrs. Rowan scoffed. “Sorry? Sorry fixes nothing. Ever since you married into the Wallace family, you’ve done nothing but waste resources. If not for Miss Alexander’s kindness, do you think someone like you would even be allowed to set foot in this house?”

Aurelia didn’t respond. She gathered the shards carefully, her movements steady and controlled. This wasn’t the first time, nor would it be the last.

For three years, she had endured this kind of humiliation from everyone in the Wallace household.

To them, Aurelia was nothing more than a live-in daughter-in-law, a woman with no status, no wealth, and no dignity. A freeloader. A dependent. A useless wife living off Alexander’s success.

But only she knew the truth.

Three years ago, Alexander’s grandfather had discovered Aurelia’s parents after they were ambushed by enemies.

Aurelia’s family had once been among the wealthiest and most feared households in the city. Their influence stretched across multiple industries, and their immense wealth had made them dangerous in the eyes of their enemies, which was precisely why they became targets.

The attack had been brutal, a suicidal assault aimed at powerful families. Her parents lost everything and were forced into ordinary society just to survive.

Alexander’s grandfather had recognized who they were and secretly helped them recover. In return, he made a single request: Marry Alexander. Protect him for three years.

Aurelia had no choice but to agree. At the time, Alexander was still in college.

What she never expected was how fiercely she would pursue him afterward, and even less expected, that she would fall for him.

“Stop daydreaming!” Mrs. Rowan snapped. “After you finish the dishes, Alexander’s clothes are waiting. Don’t forget to hand-wash them. He doesn’t like machine washing.”

Aurelia nodded quietly. “I understand.”

Mrs. Rowan clicked her tongue and turned away. “Useless,” she muttered.

Aurelia didn’t react. She turned back to the sink and continued washing the towering pile of dishes. Cold water ran over her fingers as soap foam clung to her skin.

She could hardly believe how her life had turned out. A woman who once stood at the top had become a live-in wife, all to repay a debt of kindness.

Now, her hands were soaked in grease and detergent, the sharp scent refusing to fade; the contrast was almost cruel, from power and influence to silence and servitude.

Yet her expression remained calm, as if she had long accepted this fate, burying every trace of pride deep within her heart, because today was special.

Today marked the third anniversary of her relationship with Alexander, and in five days, their agreement would end.

After finishing the dishes, Aurelia wiped her hands dry and walked upstairs. Alexander’s bedroom door was slightly open, the faint scent of sandalwood lingered in the air, and his clothes were neatly placed in a basket beside the bed.

Aurelia picked them up carefully. Each piece felt familiar in her hands; she had washed them countless times.

She filled the basin with warm water and began gently scrubbing. Sunlight filtered through the window, illuminating the quiet room. Her movements were slow, careful…

As if she were handling something precious.

Alexander had been incredibly busy lately.

Ever since Alexander Cosmetics began expanding, his schedule had become relentless; he barely had time to rest, and his stomach problems had worsened from stress.

That was why Aurelia had stepped back from her own world. She chose to stay home to take care of him, to lighten his burden, to protect him, even if he never noticed.

After washing the clothes, she carefully hung them to dry, then checked the time.

5:40 PM.

He should be home soon. She walked downstairs and began preparing dinner: steak, Red wine, Candles, Soft lighting.

Everything was arranged with meticulous care. At the center of the table sat a velvet box. Inside it was a rare black diamond, elegant and worth millions, beside it lay a document.

The contract Alexander had been desperately trying to secure with Harbor International was the key to overseas expansion.

Recently, he had been under immense pressure because of it. What he didn’t know was that Aurelia had already secured it, using methods and connections far beyond his imagination.

Beside the contract rested a sleek black card, Unlimited, No spending limit, A gift for him. Everything was ready. Aurelia checked the clock again. 6:30 PM.

Still no sign of him. She hesitated, then picked up her phone and called. The line rang three times before connecting.

Alexander’s voice came through, hurried. “Aurelia? I’m busy.”

“I just wanted to”

“I’m working overtime today. The company’s overloaded. If it’s not important, don’t disturb me.”

Aurelia paused, her fingers tightening slightly. “Today is”

“I’m really busy, okay? We’ll talk later.”

Click.

The line went dead. Slowly, Aurelia lowered the phone. The room felt unbearably quiet, the candles flickered softly, and the steak began to cool. She sat there alone, confusion clouding her expression.

Her thoughts churned. ''Did he… forget what today was?''

The question lingered, heavy in her chest, as quiet disappointment settled in. Meanwhile, at the airport, a silver Rizmo was parked near the entrance.

Alexander stepped out, holding a welcome banner. His best friend, Chris, leaned casually against the car, shielding his eyes from the sun.

Chris chuckled. “Wow. The pampered prince actually came out in this heat?”

Alexander rolled his eyes. “Stop teasing.”

Chris smirked. “You even lied to your wife about working overtime. Don’t tell me you’re embarrassed to admit you’re picking up your first love?”

Alexander’s expression stiffened slightly. “Nonsense. It’s just business.”

“Business?” Chris laughed. “Then why reserve the Stellar Grand Hotel three months in advance? And invite your family elders?”

Alexander hesitated. “It’s her first day back.”

Chris raised an eyebrow. “Your wedding wasn’t even this grand.”

A brief silence followed. Then Alexander said quietly, “A wife… and a first love are different.”

Chris’s smile deepened. “Oh? So your first love matters more?”

Alexander didn’t answer. At that moment, a tall figure emerged from the arrival gate.

Clara. Beautiful, Elegant, Composed, Striking. Alexander’s eyes lit up instantly as he hurried forward. “You’re finally back.”

He reached up gently, wiping sweat from her forehead before handing her his water bottle. “Drink.”

She accepted it naturally, without hesitation. Chris quietly snapped a photo.

They looked… perfect together.

Back at home, Aurelia suddenly felt uneasy. She glanced toward the door, still empty, and she sighed softly. He was always busy. It had always been this way, even back in college.

Whether it began as an obligation or something real, she had accepted everything. Suddenly, her phone rang. She frowned slightly. “Jake?”

“Boss, trouble. The Black Dragon Gang plans to smash the Stellar Grand Hotel tonight.”

Aurelia’s eyes narrowed. “Do they know whose territory that is?”

“They said their boss can handle the consequences.”

Aurelia fell silent. Then she stood. A faint coldness entered her gaze. “Prepare the car.”

Since Alexander wouldn’t be home tonight, she might as well take a look. After all, some people were asking for trouble. She picked up her coat. Behind her, the candles continued to flicker.

The anniversary dinner remained untouched. As she stepped toward the door, the night outside felt unusually tense, and somewhere far away, Fate had already begun to shift. Tonight, everything would start to change.