Luna, now inhabiting Aurora's body, gazed into the mirror. This reflection, though unfamiliar, carried no traces of the despair or rejection she once knew. Instead, her eyes burned with unshakable determination. I'm not the same woman anymore, she vowed silently. And the world will know it.
Her body, however, betrayed her strength. Dazed and weak, she assessed her condition. A grim realization struck—she had been drugged or poisoned. Her muscles ached, and her movements were slow and deliberate. She needed medical attention urgently. A small relief comforted her: she was untouched. Not that it mattered to her sense of worth, but it confirmed one thing—this wasn't the time for motherhood. She needed clarity, stability, and above all, freedom.
Forcing herself to move, she entered the bathroom and cleaned up, though every motion was laborious. Exiting, she spotted Maria waiting with a concerned expression. Luna's inherited memories from Aurora reminded her of this one ray of sympathy within the oppressive Brown household. Maria, alongside Grandpa Brown, was the only person who showed kindness to Aurora.
In a raspy, strained voice, she said, "Maria, help me to my room. I need to change and pack. Also, bring the divorce papers. I'll sign them now."
Maria's eyes widened in alarm. "Madam, you can't mean that! Master Alexander -"
"Enough, Maria. "Aurora's tone icy. "This marriage is over. Alexander doesn't love me, and I won't waste another second trying to change that. Now, do as I say.
Maria hesitated, words failing her. The determination in Luna's voice was unyielding. "Alright, madam," Maria relented. "Let me help you."
With Maria's support, Aurora reached the bedroom. She moved straight to the walk-in wardrobe, changing into simpler, more comfortable clothes. Packing her suitcase, she avoided touching anything given by the Brown family. Every luxurious item she owned was a gift from Grandpa Brown, not Alexander. But Luna wanted none of it. Her resolve was clear—she would leave with only the items she had earned through her own efforts before her marriage.
Once her suitcase was packed, Aurora sank into the couch. Her body demanded rest, but her mind raced, sifting through the memories of the original Aurora. She closed her eyes as the tragic story unfolded.
Aurora had been born into neglect. Her parents separated when she was young, and after her father's death and abandoned by her mother, who remarried into the wealthy Smith family. Her grandmother provided a brief respite of love, but when Aurora was eleven, she passed away. Aurora was sent back to her mother, only to endure years of scorn and abuse. Her mother beat her to prove loyalty to her new family, and her step-sister's relentless bullying left her isolated and defenseless. Even at school, Aurora faced torment.
It was during one of these bullying incidents that Alexander had stepped in, defending her in the school corridor. For the young and vulnerable Aurora, he became a beacon of hope. She clung to him, misinterpreting his kindness as affection. Her obsession with him grew, culminating in a marriage she schemed for. But Alexander's love was a fantasy. The man she idolized despised her, marrying her only out of obligation to his grandfather. Their year-long union was nothing more than a prison.
Aurora opened her eyes, her lips curling into a bitter smile. Pathetic. Clinging to a man who never cared. But I'm not her. To hell with this family, this marriage. I'll carve out my own life now.
A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts. Maria entered cautiously, holding the divorce papers. "Madam, are you sure?" Maria asked hesitantly. "Why not give him another chance?"
Aurora's laugh was sharp and humorless. "Maria, do you want today's humiliation to happen again? I don't need another chance. I need peace—and Alexander will never give me that."
She flipped through the papers, scanning for loopholes. Her eyes narrowed, and a smirk tugged at her lips. "Maria, did you know your master is a complete bastard? Not even a shred of decency—he couldn't bother to offer alimony. Not that I need it, but it's telling, isn't it?"
Maria lowered her head, silent. Aurora signed the papers with swift precision, her strokes firm and deliberate. Handing them back, she said, "Tell Mr. Brown to meet me at the city hall at 9 a.m. sharp."
Dragging her suitcase, Aurora descended the staircase. As she reached the living area, the laughter of two women grated her ears -sharp, mocking and all to familiar, there they stood –her step-sister and mother, their faces etched with disdain and malice.
She stopped in her tracks, turning to the source of the noise. Her mother, Lily and her step-sister Veronica, lounged on the expensive sofa, their faces lighting up with smug delight the moment they spotted her.
Look who's decided to grace us with her presence, "Lily sneered, her perfectly manicured fingers tapping rhythmically on the armrest. "Leaving already? Didn't take long for Alexander to toss you aside, did it?"
Veronica smirked, leaning forward with feigned concern. "Oh poor Aurora. Where will you go? Do you even have anywhere to stay? Or will you crawl back to us, begging for scraps like you used to?"
Aurora tilted her head, her lips curling into a calm, almost amused smile. She could feel the host's lingering bitterness toward these women, but her own disdain was far sharper. These people weren't worth her anger. With that thought she ignored them and walking towards the door.