"Speaking of Alexander's busy schedule, Aurelia. You must be very familiar with our latest mining project in East Africa, right? Alexander has been highly focused there recently."
Uncle Victor's voice sounded cordial to the ear, but the question landed on the marble breakfast table like a cold chunk of ice. Victor smiled faintly, his eyes never leaving Aura's face. They were in the formal dining room, with only four people present: Alexander, Victor, Elara, and Aura. The atmosphere felt vastly different from Aura's quick breakfasts in her old apartment; here, every piece of silverware felt heavy with power.
Alexander did not react. He merely sipped his coffee, his gaze hidden behind his expensive porcelain cup. The silence itself was a trap, demanding an immediate response from Aura. Elara, sitting across from Aura, did not need to hide her smirk. It was clear she was thoroughly enjoying the spectacle that had just begun.
Aura's Monologue: Okay, Aura. This is it. I know what field Alexander works in, but I don't even know which project he's working on today. I don't read business newspapers. I read cheap novels and vintage catalogs. I have to stay calm. I have to use the 'woman who is stupid for love' shield again, but this time, with a bit of elegance.
Aura gently put down her fork with a soft sound, avoiding Victor's direct gaze. She had to be careful. Victor was far more dangerous than Elara; Elara sought drama, Victor sought legal loopholes.
"Of course, Uncle Victor," Aura replied, her smile slightly strained. "Alexander is indeed very focused there. I am always amazed by Alexander's ability to balance so many things in his genius head."
Victor chuckled, his hoarse voice making Aura even more cautious. "I don't doubt his genius, daughter-in-law. But I'm asking about the details. You know, about the discussion regarding the price of commodity X stock. I hear it's closely tied to the new license negotiations there. As his wife, you must know whether we've received confirmation from the Ethiopian government yet."
The question was highly specific and highly technical. Victor wasn't asking about the color of Alexander's tie or his dinner schedule; he was asking about business details that could be worth millions of dollars. Aura felt herself drowning. She knew Alexander would never discuss such matters with her, not only because they were bound by a contract, but because Alexander considered Aura beneath his level.
Aura's Monologue: Commodity X stock price? License in Ethiopia? I almost replied that I'm more familiar with Brooklyn apartment rental prices than the price of commodity X. Victor knows I don't know. This isn't a test; it's a public execution. I must not look panicked. I have to shift the focus from my ignorance to our fake intimacy.
Aura played her part as a wife busy with more romantic and private matters.
"Uncle Victor, you truly are a man of business," Aura said, trying to sound impressed. "To be honest, when Alexander comes home and talks about projects, my mind has already flown to other things. We have a strict rule in this house; Alexander must truly leave his business at the office. I don't want to burden his mind with details about commodity X or license negotiations. Let him rest."
Elara let out a small, almost inaudible snort. Alexander, on the other hand, put down his cup. His gaze was cold, yet Aura saw a slight line of disapproval—Alexander didn't like her rambling.
Victor leaned back, his eyes narrowing as he observed Aura. "So, you choose not to know the important things that weigh on your husband's mind?"
"I choose to respect his privacy, Uncle," Aura retorted quickly, her tone full of sass but disguised as loyalty. "I'm here to give him emotional support, not financial analysis. Alexander doesn't need a business advisor; he needs a wife who can make him smile and forget about that boring commodity X. I'm sure Alexander would be happier if his wife knew how to coordinate her dress than the price of a mining license."
Aura smiled widely, trying to end it with humor. Victor only stared at her for a moment longer. The silence was long, thick, and very uncomfortable. Victor did not laugh; he was merely analyzing. He knew Aura was lying.
"Aurelia," Victor said in a very low tone, "You are Mrs. Volkov. That role comes with responsibilities. Including knowing a little about the empire you inhabit. This marriage is sudden, the information you've provided is minimal, and you seem to know nothing about what keeps your husband so busy. That is... very interesting."
Victor didn't use the words 'contract' or 'fake', but the implication was very clear: he suspected this marriage was a sham created for business purposes, not love.
Aura's Monologue: Oh God. Victor doesn't just suspect I'm a gold digger. He suspects I'm a prop. And he's right. I have failed. I should have at least memorized the names of his projects. I've given him ammunition to question the validity of this marriage. Alexander is going to kill me.
Alexander finally spoke up, his voice cold, interrupting Victor's sharp gaze.
"Uncle," Alexander said, his voice completely devoid of warmth. "My decision to marry is my private business. I never expected my wife to be my Chief Financial Officer. Aurelia is my choice, and she abides by my rules. I appreciate her respecting my privacy. If you have questions about the East Africa investment, ask me. Don't test my wife."
Alexander defended Aura, but his defense felt more like a statement of ownership. He was protecting his image and their lie, not Aura.
Victor smiled slightly. "I was just trying to get to know my daughter-in-law better, Alexander. Don't be so protective. I'm sure you know what you're doing."
The test ended, but the damage was done. Aura knew that Victor now had an opening. Alexander was clearly annoyed, though he concealed it remarkably well.
Aura's Monologue: I must learn. I must know more. Not for Alexander, but for myself. If I want to maintain my mother's freedom, I have to protect this lie from Victor. I don't just have to look like a wife; I must at least sound like a wife who has access. Victor will be a far more ruthless enemy than Elara.
Aura tried to restore a light atmosphere with a final piece of humor. She looked at Victor with clear eyes.
"I apologize if my answer was disappointing, Uncle Victor," Aura said, her tone slightly lighter. "But perhaps I can prove my knowledge in another area. I am very skilled at coordinating shoe and bag colors. That's also an expensive expertise, isn't it?"
Victor just laughed softly, a laugh that didn't reach his eyes, and rose from the table. "I'm sure it is very expensive, Mrs. Volkov. See you next time. Alexander, we need to talk about that license."
Alexander nodded coldly, not even looking at Aura. Once Victor and Elara left, the silence in the dining room was deafening.
Aura turned to Alexander, ready to be scolded. "I'm sorry. I know I totally failed. I should have memorized..."
Alexander cut her off with a cold voice. "Drop the drama, Aurelia. You only need to know one thing: I will not let you ruin the image of this marriage. Victor is now suspicious, and that is a problem. Find out what you need to know. I don't want another failure like this."
Aura fell silent. Alexander left her alone in the room that felt so vast and cold. Victor's first test had ended, and Aura knew, she had not only failed, but she had just put Alexander in a risky position. Aura had to act immediately. She could no longer just rely on sass; she had to rely on her brain.