"Hazel, dear, it hasn't gotten to that point, has it?" Kim's voice was calm, her tone rational. "This is my marital home, Aurora. I can't just walk out of here like that…" she trailed off, trying to sound composed.
"But Mom—"
Before Aurora could argue further, a firm voice echoed through the room."What is going on here?" William strode into the living room, his steps heavy and commanding. The butler bowed slightly behind him, but William's eyes were already scanning the room, sensing the thick tension.
"Your precious daughter wants to leave the house with her mother, no less," Olivia said sharply, crossing her arms smugly. William turned to Aurora, his gaze intense. And who gave you the right to take my wife away to wherever it is you think you're going?" Aurora gasped, visibly hurt. His words cut deep.
"William!" Kim cried in disbelief.
Lisa stood quietly, glancing between them all with sharp eyes. She knew when it was time to leave. I think it's best if I take my leave," she said softly, standing. "I'm sorry for the trouble, Kim."
Kim stood as well, embracing her friend. "Bye, Lisa. Extend my greetings to Peter."
"I will," Lisa nodded and walked over to Aurora. Bye, my dear." Bye, Aunt," Aurora replied with a warm hug, still tense from the unfolding storm. William said his goodbyes to Lisa as well. As soon as Lisa left, the main doors opened again.
Mark entered.
He was dressed in a sharp navy blue suit, briefcase in hand. "Good evening," he said, nodding politely. His eyes quickly darted around the room, registering the silence, the tension, the way Aurora's jaw was clenched.
Something was definitely wrong and he wasn't about to let it slide.
"Hazel," William called cautiously, attempting a softer tone. But Aurora shot him a cold look and marched straight to Mark. "Mark, get me out of here," she said, her voice low but determined. Of course, my love," Mark responded instantly, placing his hand on her back.
"Hazel, you're not leaving this house until we've had a proper conversation," William blurted, standing tall like the head of the family he was. And why should I?" Aurora snapped, glaring at him.
"Because I'm your father."
Aurora let out a dry, disbelieving chuckle. "Father?" she repeated. The word hung in the air like a slap. "Such insolence," Amelia hissed. Grandma," Aurora turned to her, her voice steady but cutting, "I respect you so much, but I've had enough of your drama."
She turned back to William. "Dad, your family clearly has a problem with my mom. I see it every day. She's always hiding her pain, crying alone, just so you won't worry. She doesn't want to put you in a position where you'll have to choose between her and your family. She loves you that much. And what does she get in return? Humiliation. Disrespect. She gets torn apart every single day in this house. Grandma insults her like it's a hobby. Aunt Olivia and Aunt Emma treat her like she's beneath them."
Everyone was silent. Aurora's voice shook the room more than any slap could. "This is why I wanted to take her out of here not to run away, but to protect her." William's eyes flared as he slowly turned to look at his mother, and then at Olivia, his gaze like fire. He didn't even spare Emma a glance.
"I'm… I'm sorry, dear," he said quietly. "I misunderstood your intentions." Aurora's face twisted in pain. "Yes. And that hurts more than everything else I've ever gone through." She turned to Kim, eyes softening. "Mom, I'm leaving. Please don't hesitate to call me if you need anything, okay?"
Kim reached up and cupped her daughter's cheek, her eyes moist with emotion. Of course, my child." William took a step closer, his voice pleading. Hazel… my child. Please don't leave resenting me. I was carried away by my emotions. I've lost Kim before I can't go through that again. Please, try to understand me."
Aurora stood still, processing his words. Then she looked him square in the eyes. If you really want me to forgive you…" she said calmly, "then you have to do something for me."
William nodded. "What is it? Just name it."
She looked around the room, then said slowly, each word heavy with purpose
"I want my mother to live in peace. And for that to happen… Grandma, Aunt Emma, and Aunt Olivia need to leave this house."
The silence that followed was deafening.
"What?!" Olivia shrieked. "Mother, can you hear what your granddaughter is saying?"
"It's not too much to ask, right?" Aurora added coolly, arms crossed.
"Aurora, I'm fine. I assure you. No one has to leave," Kim rushed in to say, already trying to deescalate the growing flames.
"But Mom—"
"Darling, please," Kim pleaded, gently grabbing her daughter's arm. "Don't push it."
Aurora swallowed her frustration. It was always like this. Her mother, always choosing peace even when it cost her everything. But this time… Aurora wouldn't forget.
Not how they looked at her mother.
Not how they spoke to her like she was nothing. And not how they expected her to keep smiling through the tears.