His Rule…

Chapter Two

That evening, Aurora walked into the grand hall of the Oriental Hotel holding a bouquet of brilliant red roses.

She pushed tendrils of her brown hair out of her eyes calmly, as her eyes scanned the large and very filled hall.

The hall was well lit with bright chandeliers which hung overhead and cast their bright glows on the people below.

This was the award ceremony for the most prestigious ballet school in all of Crestmont. This session was for the under-5 students, which Riley was a part of.

Riley was a brilliant dancer, graceful and lithe and it was no surprise when she won the “Little Grace Trophy,” the third time in three years.

Although Riley had been distant for the past few months, and broke Aurora’s heart continuously, Aurora was still extremely proud of her.

Ethan had left with Riley earlier, and from her position at the back of the crowd, she could not see any of them.

She was sure they were seated at the very front and Ethan was a guest of honor.

Like it had always been for the past three years.

Although Aurora had never attended this ceremony, she had followed fervently online, and she knew how things went.

This was the first time she was attending the ceremony in person in three years. Ethan never allowed her to be associated with him in public.

He always accompanied Riley alone. when she received her awards.

“You think you’re worthy to stand beside me?” Ethan had said the first year when Riley had won the very first award. Aurora had wanted to attend the ceremony with them, “Stop deluding yourself, Aurora. Over my dead body would I let people know you’re my wife.”

He had said those words, as though they were acidic. Ever since they got married, he had only ever thought of her as the scheming woman who manipulated his grandfather and forced him to marry her.

Aurora’s body tensed with a sadness that always hit her whenever she thought back to those time.

She had accepted those words, blinded by her love for him and concern for his good health.

She had agreed with his demands not to be seen in public, staying at home fully, taking care of his house and her parents-in-law.

She had never once complained, always hopeful and believing. One day, he’d come to see her effort and realized she had only ever loved him.

That was her one belief.

But not anymore.

Since Celeste arrived eight months ago, that belief had dwindled and was almost non-existent now.

Aurora was only holding on because of her daughter, Riley, who was also the same reason why she had rebelled against Ethan’s orders today and came out to the ceremony.

It was not like anyone knew what she looked like or even if she was Ethan’s wife. She was just going to watch from afar off, then give Riley her flowers later.

No matter what, Riley was still her daughter.

No matter how hard Ethan tried to set them apart, she was still her daughter. She was innocent in all this and Aurora would always love and cherish her.

The ceremony went on until it was time for the awards to be presented.

Aurora’s face was all lit with smiles as the presenter called on Riley’s name. She watched as her daughter stepped on to the stage to receive her award, a huge grin on her face.

He looked just like Ethan, her face as beautifully sculptured as his. Riley waved wildly to the crowd and Aurora waved back with tears in her eyes, although she was sure Riley could not see her from where she was.

Riley was probably waving to her father who was somewhere in the front seats.

“Miss Riley Langford has won this title three years in a row,” the presenter was saying, “She has also won the title of the best performing student in our institute. Can the parents of this blessed child step out as we present this double award?”

Aurora’s heart slammed in her chest as she heard those words.

What was going on?

Ethan had been the only one taking pictures with Riley at her award ceremony every year.

Why was tonight different?

Aurora heart was gladdened as she started getting up from her seat, but something made her hesitate.

Ethan had warned her never to appear in public as his wife or Riley’s mother. If she got on that stage tonight, then it would be revealed.

There was no saying what Ethan would do to her if she broke his rule tonight.

But her daughter needed her. She was Riley’s mom, and deserved to be on that stage with her brilliant daughter.

Aurora bit her lips in uncertainty, her hands clenching her dress tightly.

Suddenly, the crowd erupted in a joyous cheer and Aurora glanced at the stage.

Her heart fell to the bottom of her stomach at the sight before her.

Ethan was standing on the stage with Celeste Moore. They both stood behind Riley, smiling happily as the photographer took the picture.

“Awwn, what a lovely family,” the presenter cooed, her voice like honey, “Riley, aren’t you lucky to have such wonderful parents?”

Riley nodded without hesitation, “My dad and mom are the best in the world!” She uttered loudly, gazing up adoringly at Celeste.

Celeste clutched her heart as though the affection was too much for her. She kissed Riley’s cheek, “Yes dear, you’re the best daughter too.”

“Thank you, mummy.” Riley gushed hugging Celeste tightly, “I am so glad you’re here with me today! This is the best day of my life!”

The crowd cheered continuously while Aurora sat in the shadows, watching with tears slipping down her cheeks.

Her eyes were fixed on Riley in Celeste’s arms, shock and disbelief nearly stealing the breath from her.

Riley had called Celeste “Mom” right there in the public, for the world to see.

Ethan had stood by, nodding and smiling happily, without making any move to correct her.

This was a child she had almost died while giving birth to, a child she’d given the title as her entire life. Her life revolved around Riley and Aurora would do anything for her.

But then, Riley had called another woman “Mom.”

Aurora shuddered and clutched her chest, as breathing became painful. She had never felt so betrayed in her life.

At that moment, she knew without any doubt, that she had been replaced.

Not just in her husband’s heart but in her daughter’s as well.