I strode toward Aurora, my heart pounding against my ribs like a trapped bird. The corridor seemed to stretch endlessly as I closed the distance between us, determined to confront the woman claiming to be Nathaniel's wife.
"I need to know the truth," I said, my voice steadier than I felt. "Are you really Mrs. Ricardo?"
Before Aurora could answer, Imogen inserted herself between us, her face twisted with hatred.
"How dare you question her? You're nothing but a shameless mistress!" she spat. "Everyone knows Aurora is Nathaniel's wife. She has been for years!"
"Imogen, that's enough," Evelyn said, stepping forward with a hand pressed to her chest. Her face had gone pale, but her eyes burned with protective fire.
Aurora lowered her gaze demurely, dabbing at nonexistent tears with a delicate handkerchief. "I understand your confusion, Miss Johnson. Nathan can be... complicated. Perhaps he led you to believe there was something more between you."
