"I can see Dad used to be quite troublesome back then," I said with a light chuckle.
Kim sipped her tea and let out a soft laugh. "Yeah, he really was. But he was a good friend back then. Even after I got married to William, we still kept in touch." She paused, a bittersweet look creeping into her expression.
"But William… he got jealous. So, I had to let go of that friendship. Still, that wasn't enough. Anytime they met at parties, they'd end up fighting and of course, Rose never missed a chance to blame me for it. I hated how things kept spiraling. It's been tough… marrying the richest man in the world sounds glamorous, but the pressure, the expectations, the constant need to be perfect…"
She trailed off and glanced at the lake before continuing. "I sacrificed everything my youth, my freedom, my fun spirit. Back in high school, I was known as the pretty girl, the life of the party. Rose's hatred for me is more than personal. It's my looks… and the fact that her husband never stopped longing for me. He never truly let me go."
Kim sighed and leaned back, rubbing her temple. "That's why I travel out of New York so often to avoid their toxic drama. I hate stress, you know." Mom… all of it was worth it, right?" I asked gently, resting my hand on hers. "I mean, look at you now. You're with the man you love… and you have me."
Her eyes softened as she looked at me, a warm smile forming on her lips. "You're right, baby. I wouldn't trade you for anything in this world."So… do I have a big family?" I asked, my curiosity bubbling.
Kim laughed. "Trust me, when I say you have a huge family. All you have to do is learn to avoid the snakes. It's easier with my side of the family, but your father's? Hah…" She shook her head. "They're a royal pain in the neck."They don't like you?"
"Some tolerate me. A few pretend to. Others despise me openly," she said, flipping her hair nonchalantly. "Well, don't worry, Mother. I've got your back now." Just then, she clapped her hands excitedly. "Speaking of family we're hosting a ball!"
"A ball?" I exclaimed, sipping my apple juice.
"Yes, it's a tradition in William's family. But this year… it's different. We're officially introducing you to the world as a Riverson. The media, the elites, the billionaires they'll all be there."
"Wow… that's huge! "It's in one week."
"That's great! Mark will be back by then. Speaking of which… darling , how did you two even end up married? I mean, you know I was with Jake. May his soul rest in peace."
Kim's face stiffened for a second. Then she exhaled. "Hmm… your father sold you to him. "What?!" a deep voice boomed across us. Both of us turned our heads sharply. There, standing with fists clenched and eyes burning with rage, was William Riverson.
He looked like a storm ready to explode.
"He sold my daughter?" he growled. "He had the nerve to sell my own blood like she was some… property?"William, please calm down" Kim began."Don't take his side, Kim! Not today," he snapped.
"I'm not taking his side, William. I'm just saying don't let your anger control you."
And that so-called husband of yours," he continued, glaring at me. "He had the audacity to buy you. Like you were merchandise in some damn auction!"
"Don't be mad at Mark, please. You should be mad at Dad, not my husband!" And why on earth are you still calling him 'Dad'?!" William snapped, his voice thick with disappointment.
"I… I'm sorry, I—"
"No pressure, Aurora," Mom said softly, placing a hand on my shoulder. "You'll soon get over them." I gave her a faint smile, grateful for her constant support.
Meanwhile… Somewhere Else in New York
Rose was pacing back and forth, her heels clicking angrily against the marble floor.
"We're losing everything, Rose." Charles' voice was panicked, his tone cracking with fear.
"What do you mean losing everything?" Rose snapped, spinning around. "The company's being shut down. As we speak. The authorities are on it. We've been accused of kidnapping."
"What?!" Her face drained of color. "I thought the lawyers were handling that what the hell happened, Charles?!" I don't know, Rose. We're fucked. I don't know what to do anymore!" Her eyes blazed as she stepped closer. "This is all your fault. I told you kidnapping that girl was a terrible idea. But no you were so obsessed with getting revenge. So obsessed with Kim. And now look where it landed us!"
He opened his mouth to argue, but she wasn't done. "You failed at revenge, you failed at business… you even failed to get me pregnant. Maybe if I'd had a child with you, we'd have had something to hold onto. But no. You were too busy chasing ghosts!"
Rose stormed out of the room, her heels clicking like gunshots down the hallway, leaving Charles alone in the silence.
A sinister smirk crept across his face as he stared into the shadows. "I'm sorry, Mark," he whispered to himself. "But if I'm going down… I'm taking you with me." His chuckle echoed in the dimly lit office low, cold, and deadly.