Chapter 3

She stood still, mystified by the urgent call and the need to come home in an emergency. She was sceptical about what she should do first: clean up the mess of the broken cake or dress up to visit her grandparents. 

With a sigh, she walked to the living room, grabbed a cloth and knelt to scoop up the cake, her hands trembling. Icing smeared the floor as she scrubbed. “What should I do with this now? The reason for it had been trashed!” she thought, her heart racing with worry. She tossed the ruined cake into the trash and wiped the tiles until they gleamed. 

"At least this way, he won't be more pissed," she thought, standing up and dusting off her knees. She hurried to her room and quickly dressed, putting on a long black chiffon gown and white sandals. She booked a ride and hurried out, her thoughts racing about what awaited her at her grandparents' house. She hoped to be back before Caspian returned.

It had been months since she'd last visited. Seeing her grandparents' house in the distance, she felt relief knowing their business was booming and they were living well. Theodore had kept his promise and provided the money he promised.

Whose cars are those? It should be the supposed visitor,” She thought, sighting three exotic-tinted cars parked at the front of their house. As she met her grandmother Evelyn outside their house, they shared a warm hug.

"My granddaughter! I'm so glad to see you again. Come with me to see your visitor," Evelyn said, holding Aurora's hand and leading her into the living room. Aurora smiled upon seeing her grandfather hurrying over to exchange sweet hugs before he could stand.

“Welcome, my granddaughter,” Theodore said, smiling sweetly. Before Aurora could reply, her gaze met a beautiful, well-dressed woman adorned in gold, radiating wealth.

“Good day, ma’am,” Aurora greeted, bowing her head. Before Seraphine could respond, Aurora sat down close to her grandparents.

“Oh! My darling daughter! I am glad to see you again; you have grown into such a beautiful young lady,” Seraphine said. Aurora smiled, wondering who this elegant woman was and why she was at their house.

“Well, my granddaughter, there is a secret about your birth that we’ve never told you. But now that you’re grown and mature, it’s time you knew,” Theodore said, clearing his throat and adjusting his seat. Aurora focused her gaze on her grandfather, giving him her full attention.

“What secret is this man talking about? I am 23 years old now! Why didn’t you tell me when I was 18? Let me hear it out!” Aurora thought, nodding to Theodore to keep speaking. The living room fell into an absolute silence.“Your mother, Cassandra, my precious daughter, battled leukaemia and was unable to conceive, which made them look for an alternative through which you were born,” Theodore explained, taking a deep sigh.

“Alternative? What alternative?” Aurora could no longer contain her curiosity; She couldn't believe she had never been told the story of her birth.

“This woman here, Seraphine, was the alternative. Her womb was used to birth you. She stood as your surrogate mother,” Theodore revealed, his words hitting like a bombshell. Aurora’s heart began to race uncontrollably. She bowed her head in shock, rendered speechless.

“I am sorry, my daughter. Don’t feel bad! Surrogacy isn’t a bad thing. Your parents are still your biological parents; my womb was just used to carry you,” Seraphine explained gently.

After she was paid by Aurora’s parents following her birth, Seraphine left Montana City and traveled to Italy. She spent most of her life there, building a successful business empire. Recently returning to Montana, she purchased major houses, estates, and companies in the city. However, she remained without a child of her own and decided to seek out the child she once carried, hoping to make her a part of her life.

Aurora took a deep breath, processing the revelation. She understood what surrogacy meant and was grateful toward Seraphine for coming to her parents’ aid.

“I appreciate you, ma’am! Especially for coming to my parents' aid. Thank you for saving them from the shame of childlessness,” Aurora said, tears streaming down her cheeks.

Seraphine was astounded by Aurora's response. She had worried about how Aurora might react, but the gratitude and acceptance in her words were a relief. Seraphine stood up and moved closer to Aurora, who had her head bowed in her palms, trying to process the shocking revelation.

“I am sorry, Aurora. My name is Seraphine Well. I just returned from Italy, where I lived after your birth. When I returned and learned your parents were now late, I felt terrible. However, if you allow me, I would gladly accept you as my daughter. I have also made you the director of all my companies, and all my properties are now willed to you. You are now a trillionaire,” Seraphine explained, gently placing a hand on Aurora’s back.

Hearing that, Aurora was astounded, struggling to process Seraphine's words. Theodore and Evelyn beamed with joy, tears of happiness streaming down their faces as they watched Aurora and Seraphine.

“Oh! No, ma’am. Of course, I stayed in your womb for a good nine months. You are, of course, my mother. It's not negotiable, but willing your properties, home and abroad, to me isn't something I can accept. I’m sorry, ma’am, I can't!” Aurora firmly held Seraphine's hands, staring deeply into her eyes.

“I understand, my daughter, but you don't have to reject it. You are my daughter now! My only child. Please don't refuse it,” Seraphine pleaded, their eyes locked. Aurora couldn't control herself and began to shed tears.

“I would love to take you out with me. There are things I need to show you, and also have a mother-daughter discussion,” Seraphine said. Aurora, caught in a rollercoaster of emotions, nodded.

“If this is true, then I definitely have plans for those who have hurt me in the past,” Aurora thought amidst her swirling emotions.

After some minutes, Aurora found herself in one of the exotic cars. None of such multi-million dollar cars can be found in Caspian’s compound, signifying Seraphine's enormous wealth. 

Soon, they arrived at an eatery, one of the best and most luxurious in Montana, now owned by Seraphine Well. As the driver stopped, Aurora was in awe. She never imagined she'd dine in such an upscale restaurant. She believed that marrying Caspian would bring her access to wealth and a splendid life, but during their three years of marriage, Caspian never once took her out; instead, he treated her like a piece of trash.

As they made their way toward the elevator to the VIP room prepared for Seraphine, Aurora's gaze fell upon a familiar figure. There, in the regular section, was her husband, Caspian, locking lips and being all romantic with a strange lady. A deep shock ran through her spine.