Chapter 2: The Heiress

Aurora returned to their apartment, hoping to find Ethan, but he never came home. Instead, their landlady showed up, asking her to vacate the premises as the apartment was now up for lease. Aurora then discovered that Ethan had purchased a new house in an exclusive subdivision.

He was truly erasing her from his life.

Still desperate to talk to him, Aurora went back to his company, only to learn that Ethan had personally fired her. She begged him for an explanation, but Ethan was unyielding. No matter what she said or did, he had made up his mind—she was no longer a part of his life.

Aurora had lost everything. She tried to claim what she believed was rightfully hers, but she was dismissed at every turn. No one in the company even knew about their relationship. To them, she was nothing more than a secretary—a role Ethan had deliberately ensured she played publicly. At first, Aurora didn’t mind keeping their relationship private, but now she understood why he had done it.

Now, standing before the imposing gates of her family’s manor, Aurora felt a hollow ache in her chest. She had nowhere else to go. Her savings were gone, and she no longer had access to the shared account she once held with Ethan. She was completely and utterly alone.

When Aurora had first introduced Ethan to her family, they had disapproved of him because of his social status. But Aurora had loved him so deeply that she chose to leave everything behind to build a life with him. Now, she was back, hoping her family would still accept her.

Taking a deep breath, she stepped through the gate and stopped in front of the large double doors. She hesitated, unsure if she should even knock.

“Aurora? I can’t believe you’re back!”

Aurora froze at the sound of the voice. She turned to see her mother, Carmela Lancaster, rushing toward her. Carmela enveloped her in a warm hug and kissed her forehead.

“Oh my God! It’s been so long! I thought I’d never see you again!”

Aurora swallowed hard. “Mom.”

“What happened to you, my dear?” Carmela asked, her voice heavy with worry.

Carmela couldn’t hide her shock at Aurora’s appearance. The once vibrant and dazzling young woman, admired by many, now looked worn and aged beyond her years.

Aurora’s eyes filled with tears. “C-Can I talk to Dad? Is he here?”

“Uh… he’s—”

“So, you’ve really come back.”

Both women turned toward the deep, authoritative voice. Francisco Lancaster, a man of few words and the current chairman of the Lancaster Empire, stood in the doorway. His commanding presence was undeniable.

“Dad,” Aurora whispered.

Francisco smirked. “Dad? Now you call me ‘Dad’ after you left this house? After choosing that bastard over your family?”

Aurora lowered her head. She had wanted freedom, a chance to make her own decisions. Ethan had given her the courage to defy her father, but now she regretted it all. As the only child and heir to the Lancaster family, her departure had devastated Francisco.

“Francisco, please! Your daughter is back. Can’t you at least hear her out?” Carmela pleaded.

“Fine. What do you want from us, woman?” Francisco asked coldly.

Aurora clenched her fists and took a deep breath. When she finally mustered enough courage, she lifted her head and looked her father in the eyes.

“I-I want to apologize, Dad. Please forgive me for leaving the family. I want to come back,” she said, her voice trembling. “I have nowhere else to go. Please… accept me again.”

Francisco raised an eyebrow and crossed his arms. “Why? What happened to the man you were so proud of? Did you finally see his true colors?”

Aurora winced, the pain in her chest almost unbearable. She looked down, whispering, “I’m sorry.”

Carmela gently rubbed her back. “Shh… don’t worry, my dear. We’re here now,” she said, tears brimming in her eyes. “Oh, my poor child!”

“And what do I get for accepting you back, Aurora?” Francisco asked.

“Francisco! She’s your daughter!” Carmela protested, glaring at him.

Francisco shot her a warning look, but Carmela refused to back down.

Aurora remained silent for a moment, already knowing what her father wanted.

“I won’t defy you again, Dad. I’ll be obedient and follow your orders,” she said softly.

Francisco laughed dryly. “Really? Fine. You can return to this house—but only if you marry the man I’ve chosen for you.”

Aurora’s eyes widened in shock. She stared at her father, wanting to question his decision. She had just come from a heartbreak and couldn’t imagine letting someone else into her life so soon. But she also knew that if she refused, her father would disown her for good.

Slowly, she lowered her head and nodded.

“O-Okay, Father. I accept.”