"Good morning, Ma'am," Prudence greeted with a graceful curtsy, her voice soft and refined. "Morning, Prudence," I replied with a warm smile as she gently helped me sit up in bed, fluffing the pillow behind me.
Two maids entered silently, one carrying a polished silver tray with a glass of milk, the other holding a pair of plush, cream-colored slippers lined with fur. Luxury whispered in every corner of the room, from the silk curtains that danced with the morning breeze to the golden embroidery on the canopy overhead."Thank you," I smiled at them as I accepted the tray.
"Prudence," I said politely, "please ask her to change the milk. I'm an almond milk person."
"Right away, Ma'am," she nodded, turning to the maid. "You heard the Miss. Bring her almond milk immediately." I sighed softly. "Prudence, is this really how I'm going to be treated here? "Yes, Ma'am," she said with a knowing smile. "This is the tradition of the Riverson family. Every member is treated like royalty."
"Well, I know I'm rich," I teased, "but maids doing everything for me… even bathing me?"
Prudence chuckled lightly. "Yes, Ma'am. That's part of it."That won't be necessary. I can take my own bath."If you say so, Ma'am," she said, curtsying again. "Your bath will be ready in two minutes. Afterward, you'll be having breakfast with your parents by the lake."
I raised a brow. "Why are you telling me all this like I'm a kid?" I'm reading your schedule for the day, Ma'am."Oh," I said, sipping the now-warm almond milk. "Well, go on."
She straightened a sleek notepad. "At 2 PM, the Misses will be meeting with the party planners at the lounge. You are expected to be present." Noted."
"Your assistant called as well. You have a photoshoot scheduled with Miss Nicole Miller at 4 PM."4 PM is a bit late. Could you ask her to reschedule?" Of course, Ma'am."
Prudence handed me a sleek gold-rimmed tablet. "Here's your tab to check the news before stepping out of your room. Is there anything else we can do for you?"
"No, I'm fine," I said, smiling as I collected it from her. But that smile faded the moment I turned it on. My heart skipped a beat. The headline was bold. The picture even worse.
"Billionaire Mark Wilson Spotted With Ex, Raphaelina: Passionate Display Shocks Viewers at ISTSA Ceremony"
There it was her lips on his cheek. A glint of smugness in her eyes. My grip tightened slightly on the device. I took a breath.
Not today. Not again. Downstairs, over breakfast by the lake with my parents, I kept my calm.
"Your husband needs to explain this," my father, William, said firmly, gesturing toward the tablet lying on the table beside his coffee.
"Dad, don't worry," I replied calmly, my voice measured. "I understand what Raphaelina is trying to do. She's a devious snake and a desperate social climber." He raised a brow, impressed.
"I'm not committing the same mistakes I made some years ago," I added with confidence. "I trust Mark, Dad." If you say so, dear." I turned to Mom. "Mom, I canceled the shoot with Nicole Miller today. I want to be here when you meet the party planners."
She looked surprised but appreciative. "Don't worry, my child. Your work is important. Go for the shoot. I'll meet them with my friend." I sipped my orange juice slowly. "Mom… I'm actually avoiding Nicole." She blinked. "Why?"
I leaned in slightly. "She's insufferable. Rude to her staff, arrogant, and acts like she owns the entire world. I haven't even spoken to her properly, but her attitude says it all." Really? That's a shame. Her father is such a humble man." "Stephen Miller?" I asked. "Jake used to work with him and Dad too."
Kim nodded. "Yes, we were in college together. Back then, he was so in love with Lucy, but he ended up with Elle Smith. Poor woman died a few years ago." I gave her a sideways look. "Mom… I just talked about Nicole, not her family history." She chuckled. "You're right. I've been talking too much lately." Dad stood, buttoning his blazer. "My darlings, I have a board meeting. I'll see you in the evening."Okay, Dad." I smiled as he leaned in, pecking my cheek and giving Mom a lingering kiss on the lips.
"Hey, guys! I'm still here, okay?" I burst into laughter, pointing at them. Mom blushed, pulling away quickly. "Oh, Aurora…"You're still blushing!" I teased, giggling. "Stop that," she said, hitting my lap playfully."Hey, that hurt, you know!" I pretended to pout. "Sorry, baby," she apologized, trying not to laugh.
I stuffed a waffle into my mouth and jumped up before she could retaliate. "Gotta run!"
"Come back here, you little…!" she yelled, chasing me as I dashed off. Kim stood by the lake a moment later, shaking her head with a smile. "My daughter really thinks she can outrun me."
Though I had always lived a life of luxury, the Riverson lifestyle was on another level. The air reeked of power and legacy. The service was first-class. The staff operated like clockwork, speaking in hushed tones, dressed in sleek uniforms tailored to precision. Even with the drama surrounding the news, I felt… grounded. I wasn't going to fall apart. Not this time around.
Let me know how you'd like the next chapter to flow!