loving you was a mistake

The summer sun glinted off the line of blacked-out SUVs and sedans parked outside the Riverson General Hospital. Everywhere Aurora Wilson-Riverson went, she moved like royalty and her presence left no one untouched.

A swarm of paparazzi gathered near the gated entrance, flashes going off as Aurora stepped out of her custom Dior car. Her silk trench coat flowed in the wind, her designer heels clicking with authority. Gianna, wearing Aurora's signature limited-edition perfume and a couture outfit, trailed behind her like a second wave of stardom.

She'd just returned from launching her perfume and beauty line, AURAZEL by RIVERSON, which now sat comfortably under her father's multi-billion-dollar empire. Within 48 hours of its launch, the world had gone wild. The perfumes sold out. Beauty lines were pre-ordered. Vogue ran a feature. And Gianna? She was the face of the campaign. Her confidence was now as loud as her heels.

Aurora was building an empire, and she wasn't slowing down. But even in the thick of success, life had its curveballs.

Aurora's assistant, Emily, rushed into her clinic office a beautiful white-and-gold wing she had personally designed, now proudly under the management of the Riverson General Hospital. "Ma'am, a call just came through… from an asylum. It's about… Rose. Your foster mother."

Aurora's heart skipped. She hadn't heard that name in months . Without hesitation, she cleared her schedule and drove out this time in her second convoy. No paparazzi. Just silence and a heavy heart. At the asylum, she was led to a small room. There sat Rose, her once-foster mother, eyes glazed with a past only she could remember.

"You came," Rose whispered.

"I did," Aurora replied softly. Her voice cracked with emotion, but she held it in. Even queens cried but in private. "I'm sorry for everything my child" Don't worry I forgive you. Aurora ordered the staff to move Rose into a much comfortable room and she promised to visit her often.

Days later, Aurora visited her maternal home. It had become a tradition to check in on her parents. William and Kim welcomed her with warm smiles and fresh fruits laid out in the lounge. But this visit wasn't going to end in peace. Olivia was also there with Ivy, who had been quiet and withdrawn since her divorce from Zachary. Her face was pale, her movements slow.

"Aurora, you're here," Ivy said with a faint smile. Aurora leaned in for a hug. "You look tired, Ivy." Before Ivy could respond, Olivia's voice sliced the room. Tired? Of course, she is. She just found out she's pregnant. No husband. No peace. And it's all because of you." Everyone turned.

"What are you saying, Olivia?" Kim asked cautiously. "Oh don't act innocent, Kim. Everything has always revolved around your precious daughter. Because of Aurora, Ivy lost her husband and now she's going to raise a child alone! "Mom please—" Ivy pleaded.

No! Let me speak," Olivia shouted. She turned on Aurora, her eyes venomous.

"You strut around New York in your designer shoes, like you own the world. But God sees all. You're barren, Aurora. And I pray, with everything in me, that you never carry a child." The room went dead silent. Kim gasped. William stood, fists clenched. Ivy broke into tears.

Mark, who had entered the house just in time to hear Olivia's words, walked up to her slowly. The rage in his eyes was chilling.

"Say another word," Mark said, his voice dangerously low, "and I will make sure you regret ever being born into this family don't test my patience Aunt."

Olivia took a shaky step back.

William banged his hand on the glass table. "Get out, Olivia. Before I call security. You are not welcome here anymore. "Ivy," Kim whispered, moving to her niece and holding her close. "You're strong. And you're not alone. Your baby will grow up surrounded by love."

Aurora turned, silent but dignified. A tear slipped down her cheek, but she wiped it with grace. "I may not have a child yet, Aunt Olivia," she said, her voice calm but cutting. "But when I do, they will know strength. And they will know that nothing not even your curses can stop what God has planned."

**********

Back in their mansion, Aurora nestled into Mark's arms as the two lay in a deep marble bathtub, steam curling around them like silk.

"I should've handled that better," she whispered. "No, Peach," Mark said, kissing her temple. "You handled it like a queen. Like my wife. And I won't let anyone disrespect you again."

Later that week, Angel and Maxwell joined them for a private rooftop dinner. Angel's five-month baby bump was now very visible.

"You look radiant," Aurora told her, placing a hand over the bump. Maxwell grinned. "I don't know how I got so lucky."

"I do," Mark smirked. "You married up."

Everyone laughed.

*********

Aurora stood before her mirror that night, spritzing on her own perfume. The scent of roses and fierce jasmine filled the air like triumph and survival. Gianna twirled into her room wearing a gown from the newest collection. "How do I look?" she asked.

"Like a diva," Aurora replied with a smile.

Gianna winked. "Just like my mentor." Outside, the cameras waited. The world still watched. And inside, the women who built empires… kept rising.