A/N: First of, I want to point out once again, for those of you who are discovering this part of the story first: PLEASE READ FORBIDDEN TEMPTATIONS IN THIRD-PERSON FIRST. The story is uploaded on here and is linked to this story. It is important that you read that one first as it contains situations that this one doesn't, but that decision is entirely up to you. Secondly, I would love to thank all of my readers who read the first version of this story and enjoyed every minute of it and are here again for the wild roller coaster ride. I've seen many familiar reviewers already excited for me to continue and I appreciate it. :) With that being said, more will be posted tomorrow. Happy reading!

Please remember, keep your reviews friendly and positive.

Chapter 2: Regina

When I woke up this morning, meeting someone new wasn't in my day's plan. But, here I was, standing before this young woman- Emma Swan- greeting her with a firm, but frightened handshake. Putting on my best smile as it's what my husband would want. And for the first time in my life, after growing hateful of the color green in my husband's eyes, I find myself not hating the color in this girl's eyes as I stare into them.

Ms. Swan's eyes were gentle, truthful, and sweet. Though the truthful part, I had yet to find out for sure. Truth and promises weren't something I easily believed in. Especially not promises. But, judging from the gentle and sweet look in her eyes, I could tell immediately that this girl was nowhere filled with ambition. At least not for money.

She was the kind of girl I had always envisioned for Audrey to have by her side. And it's finally happened. And as Audrey's mother, I couldn't be happier.

I prayed to God, Emma wasn't a huger. My shoulder was already aching enough as it was from the beating I had received this morning. Courtesy of my dear husband. I mentally roll my eyes, simply because Leopold was anything but dear. He wasn't like all those other husbands where he would greet his wife of twenty-four (soon to be twenty-five) years with a loving kiss every morning. No. Leopold's ways of greeting me included demanding dinner or breakfast. And if something was remotely out of place or didn't go the way he expected it. I would get the beating of a lifetime.

Why, earlier this morning, I could recall not only being injured from my shoulder from this morning's beating, but also being struck with a belt time and time again along my back over spilled coffee. No one- except Sidney- a longtime friend and employee of Leopold's family knew about these beatings. Even Leopold went to extraordinary lengths to keep this secret from Audrey. Because what father would want his precious little girl to know the kind of monster he truly was?

Not when I already had the honor of discovering it for myself, since the day I was forced to say 'I do.'

I had showered before Audrey arrived home, hoping to soothe my aching bruises and lashes along my back. It helped. Until Audrey hugged me and accidentally- and unknowingly- brought back to life that ache. And it didn't help that Leopold had pressed firmly along my bruised shoulder, simply as a reminder that I needed to be all smiles and have dinner ready for tonight.

There's more to my life, but that was a story for another time.

Honestly, it wasn't worth telling anyone about. I've kept it a secret for so long, I am already used to this so-called-life of mine. I knew since the day I had Audrey, at just sixteen years old, that my life was never going to change. And there wasn't a single soul that could save me from it.

But, something happened the moment I shook Emma Swan's hand as soon as she stepped up and introduced herself to me. Something I couldn't quite place.

To begin with, I had never been comfortable with having visitors inside Leopold's home, simply because whoever came would come to see him. Except for Belle. Belle, I would say- apart from Sidney- was my one and only friend. But not enough for me to trust her with what was going on inside of these four walls. Every single time Leopold had a visitor, I would find myself wearing clothes that would cover up any bruising, away from the public eye. Normally I could never wear a short sleeve blouse, much less wear whatever I wanted when Leopold was around.

Especially not in front of Audrey.

Today's choice of clothing? A pair of my best black dress up pants and a long sleeve buttoned up shirt, white. I had a part to play and I had to be damn good at it, if I didn't want to face the consequences for it later. Although now, some way, somehow, I felt that with Ms. Swan's presence here, maybe those beatings would subside. If there was one phony thing about Leopold was that he always wanted people to like him. He would never allow for anyone, much less Audrey's friends, to see him for what he was.

The man was a wolf in sheep's clothing, if you will.

I glance down at my hand as it is joined by Ms. Swan's. Swan. What a lovely and unique last name. I think to myself rather quickly. She truly was a beautiful young woman, with her whole life ahead of her and I'm sure, with a promising future. She carried herself well. Her hair was as bright and yellow as the car she drove. It suited her. It shined so bright it almost hurt my eyes every time I glanced at it, which made me focus on her eyes next as we introduced one another.

And to get my point across from earlier- some way, somehow, I didn't feel so scared as I looked into the girl's eyes before me. Ms. Swan just brought some type of peace along with her that I wasn't sure it was normal to begin with. I can honestly say that I had never met anyone quite like her in all my life.

And what came out of Ms. Swan's mouth next surprised me all the more-

"Wow," Emma flashed me the most dashing smile I had ever seen on a person or imagined on a character's face belonging to the pages of my many books as she shook my hand. "With all due respect Mrs. White, but you are truly a beautiful woman."

Was that an actual compliment? And on my own appearance? Especially when I didn't think I looked my best at all. "Thank you very much, Emma." My cheeks felt a sense of warmth, that I even placed one of my hands along the skin, trying my best to stop whatever was happening from happening. Especially in front of Leopold. I didn't have to turn to him to know he was side-eyeing me in a deadly manner.

For starters, Leopold never accepted the fact that Audrey had come out to us since her High School years. He hated it even more once she called sometime last year and informed us that her and Emma had begun dating. Of course, he went along with what Audrey wanted, because all he cared about- apart from himself- was that Audrey was happy.

Something him and I could agree on.

And I know it made him impossibly angry. Good. The corners of my lips almost wanted to tilt upward into a satisfactory smile by just witnessing his scowl. But if he so much as caught me smiling because of that, let's just say I wouldn't have a pleasant night. I probably wouldn't have one anyway. But why risk finding out as if I were flipping a coin, preparing myself to call out heads or tails?

I turn to my daughter, choosing to ignore my husband's scowl, and find her grinning at me with signs of approval towards Emma. Of course I would approve. Emma didn't seem to have a harmless hair on her head. And as I turn the other way, I find myself staring back into Emma's kind, and gentle green eyes again as she apparently didn't stop looking at me.

Again, nothing could prepare me for what came out of her mouth next-

"I'm serious, I could definitely see where Audrey gets her looks." She says to me, grinning from ear to ear. Her grin is so big, it's almost a little intimidating. And I can't quite place the reason behind as to why, but it makes me feel a little nervous.

"Uh, Audrey," Leopold finally spoke, and I try my best not to flinch at his touch as I felt his arm snake around my waist. Pretending to be the ever loving husband that he claims to be in front of company as he continues, "I wish you would have told us that you were bringing… a girlfriend home with you. Your mother and I would have been more prepared to welcome her properly."

"Well, it was a last minute decision." I see Audrey give her father a smile, practically pleading with him with her eyes to allow Emma to stay. "It's summer and Emma didn't have any big plans, so," she exchanged a quick doting smile with her girlfriend. And the corners of my lips smile up at that a little. "I told her she could spend the summer here."

The way Emma looked at my daughter. With such kindness, and love I'd imagine. It warmed my heart. At least I had an idea that Audrey was possibly with someone who seemed to treat her the way one should be treated. Not like me, who the thought of going against a man like Leopold frightened me.

"I'm afraid she insisted," Emma grinned at both of us as she pointed an accusing, but playful finger to our daughter.

Audrey was such a driven young woman- absolutely nothing like her father- I was so proud of her and what she was accomplishing for herself. And the fact that she looked at Emma with all the love in the world flashing along her eyes, told me that Emma made her happy. And that's all a mother could want for her daughter.

A chuckle that appeared beside me startled me. It had come from Leopold as he placed on his best smile and slapped poor Ms. Swan playfully along the arm. I could tell Emma was displeased with the brute's action as she rubbed her arm afterward just a tiny bit. While I could see Audrey frowning slightly, scowling at her father. She was the only one Leopold would allow a scowl from. "Don't worry about a thing! You are welcomed here, of course!"

I turned to him, obviously surprised by his tone of good mood to say the least.

"Why, any friend of our daughter, is a friend of ours and is always welcomed." His smile seems so genuine toward Emma, that even I almost believe it. Almost.

My eyes exchange their gaze on Emma and I notice the corner of her lip tilts up into a small smile, but it's more directed toward me than at Leopold. I get a feeling that Emma might not buy into Leopold's facade but I can't be sure of that. All I can find myself thinking is: Poor girl. She has no idea the type of scorpion she will unleash upon her back if she becomes a part of this family sometime in the near future. Leopold is worse than a scorpion, of course. But in comparison, I know he would be the type to sting you once your back was turned.

"Girlfriend, dad. Girlfriend." I feel free to smile toward my daughter when she corrects her father. As her mother, I've sometimes forgotten that Audrey isn't his little girl anymore, even if Leopold still sees her as this fragile woman half the time. But, it's always a nice reminder for me when I see her stand up for what she believes in and wants. Then again, Audrey has never cared about what his father thinks on women who like women, or men who like men.

"Right," I hear Leopold clear his throat and smile leaves me. I can see the tension in his body, a discomfort that he shakes off with another grin directed only at Audrey as he says, "Well, who's hungry, huh? Your mother has cooked us all a delicious meal. Your favorite!"

Audrey turns to me with wide eyes and filled with excitement, "Ooh, mom, really? Lasagna?" I smile in response and give her a small nod as she turns back to her girlfriend and tells her the short version on the best lasagna in the world. "You are going to love my mom's lasagna. It's the best in the world."

"Really?" I see Emma's eyes take a quick glance at me and I quickly look away, keeping my eyes directed at my heels. Poor dear. I imagined she was absolutely famished.

"Well, I wouldn't say that." I realized then that after I spoke, I shouldn't have smiled. Because my eyes, once again, turned to Emma in that very instant and I felt my cheeks turn slightly pink. It was her gaze! There was something about it that made me want to look into the girl's eyes, but I couldn't bring myself to do such a thing. At least not in front of Leopold. I think the matter was that I had never seen such gentle and kind eyes before in my life.

Okay, I wouldn't say never. There were Belle's eyes and Sidney's or Victor's or Daniel's. Even Audrey's. But none of their kind gazes compared to Emma's. I couldn't understand why, but her gaze was entirely different. And something told me that Emma was the type of girl who would jump in front of a bullet to save the lives of those she loved.

Audrey was lucky, indeed.

"Well, why don't you two get settled into your old bedroom, hm?" I see Leopold smile at them once again. "Freshen up and come down for dinner."

"Yeah!" Audrey's attention turns to Emma once more. Her smile is so loving toward the girl, it makes me smile. "Come on, I'll show you my old room."

Leopold and I stand aside, together, posing like an actual loving couple as we watch our daughter head inside the house, practically dragging Emma away with excitement. And once again, I catch Emma's eyes turn to us, particularly me as she says, "It was nice to meet you both."

"Likewise, dear. Welcome." I smile at her and give off a curt nod, gaining another smile from her as a reward before she disappears inside the house.

I don't care if Leopold isn't happy about having Audrey's girlfriend here. I would make sure to make the girl's stay as pleasant as I possibly can. And Audrey's as well. Having my daughter back feels like I can breathe again. Like I have something to look forward to, even if it was just for a little while, without the constant nagging of my dear husband. But I'm not here to impose on Audrey's and Emma's time together, either. What kind of mother would I be if I was?

Thank God for Sidney, who helped me prepare dinner and get the house in order before Audrey's arrival. Everything was going according to Leopold's plan. Perfectly. Just the way he likes things to be in his presence.

My body tenses as I Leopold's arm comes straight up to wave at Audrey, pretending to be the good father he was far from. But my body tenses even more once I feel his arm snake around my waist to hold me closer to him. How I hated that. Under different circumstances, had Leopold treated me fairly and the way I know a husband should treat a wife since the very beginning, maybe things could have been different. I possibly would have grown to love him. Or then again, maybe not, but I would have felt comfortable being his wife. But there was no way I could do that now.

I hated the way he held me when he pretended to be a good husband in front of company. I even hated the scent of his cologne that coated my nostrils every single time he was near me. Who hates a scent as pleasant as cologne? Fact is, over the years, it stopped being pleasant for me. At least Leopold's did. But I suppose anything was better than when he reeked of alcohol.

"It's good to have her home." I hear his voice beside me and even that startles me, but the only way I show it is by blinking a few times in that moment. I keep a bit of my smile however, forcing it.

"It is." I reply to him, feeling his arm tighten around me on purpose, just to hurt the lashes on my back.

I swear, he took a sick and twisted kind of pleasure just to watch me squirm.

"Dinner is almost ready, I presume?" Leopold stares at me now and I can see the demand in his eyes. The words, please and thank you were never a part of this man's vocabulary for as long as I've known him. So there was no way I ever expected to hear that from him. Not now. Not ever.

As he's looking at me, I don't hold back my glare- now that our daughter and her girlfriend are clearly out of sight. "It's ready. No need to worry. Dear." I spit that last word like venom toward him, to which he simply smiles at me. He smiles because my words don't hurt him, my words don't affect him. On the contrary, I think Leopold wouldn't feel the thrill of things if I didn't challenge him with a glare from time to time. He would just look for any excuse to come at me. Sometimes, not even that.

"I wasn't. I have faith that you will make dinner spectacular tonight. After all…" I catch Leopold's hand coming up to my bruised shoulder, but don't have time to react. I hiss, and my body squirms as I feel his fingers grab hold and squeeze directly where my skin is black and blue. Freshening up old or new wounds was his favorite sport with me. Just as a simple reminder of what awaited me if things didn't go, as he would say, 'perfect' tonight.

My eyes glare up at him just as my hand comes up with pure survival instinct and land right on his. I plead with my eyes- never demand- that he let me go. The pain of him taking another squeeze along my bruised and battered shoulder was too much to stand a second time that my eyes momentarily closed on me before they glared back into a soul that Leopold White didn't possibly have.

"Our daughter is home, and as it would seem she deemed it so that we attend to her guest." He holds onto my shoulder firmly as I attempt to move away. Keeping my feet rooted to the ground. The corners of his lips tilt in an almost sinister way as he watches me squirm. "And that is what we are going to do. As extraordinary parents. Aren't we?" He gives my shoulder one last squeeze just to watch my eyes close again, just to listen to my hiss, and feel my hand tighten around his with no source of strength what-so-ever.

Leopold was always much stronger than I was. And he would always be stronger. And that thought sickened me.

"I have dinner to attend too first, sweetheart. So if you please…?" My eyes darted down to his hand that kept a firm hold along my shoulder before I glared right back into his soulless, dark eyes as I hissed through gritted teeth, "Kindly let go of my shoulder."

There's a smug look on his face that I would gladly slap, but won't. And I hated that about myself. The lack of courage, above everything else. I hated my life, and all it stood for. Especially when I could very well provide for myself if I ever dared to leave my husband's side. I never would, because I was always too much of a coward to actually do it, but if I did. My father left me with enough money to make it on my own for a while. And thankfully, I did consider myself an educated woman. Although I lacked experience in many things.

But I couldn't leave. Leaving was far from my plans, even if I had a million reasons as to why leave. Maybe I was stupid- I thought that half the time- because any other woman in my shoes would have worked up the courage to stand up to their abusive husband, confine in their children for help. But I was alone.

Since the day my mother gave her consent and forced me into the life of this man's claws, I have been utterly alone. And after my father's death everything just became easier for them and harder on me.

I look down at the wedding band that's been sparkling along my ring finger for almost twenty-four years. I hated this thing. I hated what it represented. To me a wedding ring didn't represent happiness, but slavery, and Leopold thrived on me knowing that. I turn toward him as he's walking up the stairs and entering the front door, and my eyes look to what's been my prison cell. This wasn't a house. Not to me. And as beautiful as it truly is, there was nothing beautiful about it.

This house, the ring, and even Audrey were just reminders for me that Leopold had me strapped down and secure to his side. 'I'm in control around here. We are bound by marriage and by our daughter, and the sooner you come to realize that, the better things will be for you.' His words played in my mind.

"Ma'am." Sidney's gentle voice pulls me back into my harsh reality. But I smile at him with warmth just a little. "Would you like me to see that dinner is served?" He asked me kindly.

"No, don't trouble yourself, Sidney. I'll go. You just make sure the table is set." I give him a nod. "You know how Mr. White likes it."

"Yes, ma'am." Sidney gives me a nod in return and goes on his way.

Before going on about my 'good wife' duties for the day and in front of company, I take another second to myself to close my eyes and sigh. Lights, camera, action! I think to myself before turning on my heels and heading up the three steps of the house before entering through its doors. I could have been an actress in another life. That thought always makes me chuckle.

Entering the house, I shut one of the double doors. My eyes glance to the second floor along the stairs, wondering how our daughter's guest was settling in. A question to ask for later. I walk down the small hallway, past the closed door to Leopold's office. Surely, he was locked in there until dinner was served. He always was. As I enter the living room, I stop mid-step to straighten a picture frame before entering the kitchen.

The scent of freshly cooked lasagna takes over my sense of smell and it is divine. I actually smile. Cooking always made me feel at ease. Apart from reading a good book every now and again, cooking was my way of escaping and thanks to my father's culinary skills and teaching me his ways- I was pretty damn good myself. Cooking was the one thing Leopold, not even my own mother could take away from me. Well, and the Orchard.

I place on my oven mitts one at a time and part open the oven. I step aside to prevent my skin from feeling the hot smoke dance its way out of the oven before bending down and reaching for the lasagna platter. My head turns to Sidney, who enters the kitchen and I give him a small smile.

"It smells wonderful as always, ma'am." Sidney says to me. He always loved complimenting my food.

"Thank you, Sidney." I reach for a knife and a spatula while Sidney gather's the plates, placing them before me on the kitchen counter. "But, you do know you don't have to lie to me. You'll always get seconds." I say jokingly.

Sidney lets out a friendly chuckle as he stands by me, watching me carefully. "I would never lie about your cooking." He says. "You have a certain…" His hand sways from side to side in thought, trying to place his words. "Magical touch when it comes to the kitchen. Your cooking reminds me somewhat of my own mother's when I was a boy. A long time ago."

"Sidney, you don't look a day over twenty-five." I joke with him and hear the richest chuckle escape his lips.

"Please! How I wish I was twenty-five again." Sidney shakes his head as he grins, reaching for two of the plates. "It's good to have Ms. Audrey back home." He smiles.

I smile in return as my eyes turn and lock into his. "Yes," I nod. "It truly is." I draw in a deep breath and let it out slowly, "I have missed her so much."

Sidney's places down one of the plates and uses that hand to gently grab a hold of my shoulder. One thing about Sidney, he was always careful where to touch me, too afraid of hurting me where I was already possibly aching. "Are you alright, ma'am?" He asked with a kind voice.

No. I will never be alright. But I had to be. I blinked and gave a small nod, "I have to be." My voice almost catches in the back of my throat as the memory of this morning, staring at my own fogged up reflection and fresh new bruises, hating myself and my life even more.

I remember looking at a bottle of pills and considering taking them at that moment. Ending my so-called life. But, I know the pain of losing a loving parent like I lost my father when I was just sixteen years of age. The day my life changed forever. I couldn't do the same to Audrey.

"Ma'am," Sidney's voice is gentle as his eyes as they lock into mine profoundly. "It won't be like this forever." He says to me.

Is that a promise? I don't do promises. My reaction isn't to chuckle, but I do in that moment as I simply walk past him, but not before thanking him for all of his help as I carry the plates toward the dining table before coming back for the rest. Sidney helps me prepare everything around the dining table. I straighten one of the utensils that was unaligned with the rest before I give him a nod and see him scurry off to inform my husband that dinner was ready and served.

While me, I head upstairs, walk through the hallway of the second floor and stop in front of Audrey's bedroom door. The door was opened so there was no reason for me to knock. I stopped before the doorway and my cheeks turned a shade of pink upon seeing Audrey and Ms. Swan's lips were locked in a passionate kiss that because of me, was about to become interrupted.

I clear my throat and see them quickly part, Emma's cheeks turning pink, which makes me feel a little embarrassed myself. "Sorry, I don't mean to interrupt." I excuse myself, my eyes turning to Emma before they look back at Audrey.

"No, mom- come in." Audrey gives me a smile, and beckons me inside the room.

I take a few steps inside, my eyes landing on Emma once more, "I trust you're settling in alright, Ms. Swan?" I keep it formal.

"Just Emma." She smiles at me. "You have a beautiful home, Mrs. White."

Mrs. White. Every time I was called that I could taste bile form in the back of my throat that I had to swallow down. I didn't need another reminder of who I was. Because deep down- that's not who I was. "Thank you, dear. Not too overwhelming, then?" I grin, shaking myself from having swallowed the familiar bile.

"Well, maybe a little." I can hear a chuckle escape Emma, and I see her grin, but my focus- strangely- remains on the sea green color of her eyes.

"You'll get used to it after a few days here." Audrey's hand wraps along Emma's arm as she smiles, and I can't help but smile along with both of them. I can feel Emma's eyes trained on me for a moment, but I am too busy glancing at my own daughter's smile to say anything. Audrey just looks so in love, and I couldn't help but wonder what that felt like for a moment. To be so in love with someone that you couldn't keep your eyes off of them for one single moment.

"Dinner is ready if you wish to join us. Your father is already waiting, and you know how he hates to wait." I informed them, my eyes trained on Audrey.

"Right. We'll be right down." Says Audrey. I give them both a curt nod and turn on my heels to be on my way.

Dinner followed to Leopold's liking, and mine. I enjoyed a single serving of our meal that night, as well as Leopold and Audrey, while Emma helped herself to seconds, which possibly meant that it was either that great, or horrible but Emma was just too nice to say anything. I had never seen anyone eat seconds of my lasagna before. Poor girl certainly looked hungry.

Whatever the reason behind Emma's second serving- the corners of my lips gave a small satisfactory smile.

I push my plate slightly forward and I watch Leopold's eyes as they glare directly toward Emma. Just for a short moment, but they glare. He wasn't at all pleased with having her here. Not like I was. Or Audrey was. And judging from how silent and cautious Emma looked, I could guess that she wasn't easily fooled by him.

"I must say, Mrs. White…" My eyes fall on Emma's as her voice, breaking the thick silence, surprises me. "This lasagna is amazing."

"Thank you, Emma." I give her a small smile, reaching for my glass of wine and helping myself to a sip.

"Now I'm not much of a cook myself, but I think I may have to ask you to teach me to make this. Even if mine doesn't come out as good as yours." Emma says, and I watch as she stabs at another piece of lasagna and quickly pops into her mouth.

I try not to smile so much as I watch her enjoy that slice. But I smile enough, just to keep it polite.

"I don't think that'll be possible. Mom has been making her lasagna in secret for years. She won't even share her secret ingredient with her own daughter." I see Audrey throw a playful glare at me and I actually raise my eyebrow at her.

I chuckle, "We've discussed this, Audrey. Once you become a married woman, then I will reveal my secret." I say to her.

"Well, what if one day I want to cook it for Emma myself?" I see Audrey's hand come up on the table, resting along Emma's immobile hand and quickly lacing their fingers together. They share an equal smile with one another. And while that action alone between a loving couple could make me- the mother- smile; it made Leopold- the father- feel a little uncomfortable to have to witness it.

I hear him clear his throat next as he turns his ruthless attention toward Emma, "So, Ms. Swan…"

"Just Emma." I mutter, apparently for the entire table to hear as heads and gazes turn my way. I could feel all eyes on me at that very moment, including Leopold's hardened gaze, throwing daggers at me for daring to interrupt him as he spoke. And as I look up, the first pair of eyes I see looking my way are Emma's, sparkling with kindness and a glint of appreciation.

It almost makes me smile, but I hold back on that action.

"From what my daughter has told me before over the phone, you and her go to the same school, is that correct?" Leopold asks, turning his attention back to Emma. His elbows landing on the table as his hands come together.

I take a sip of wine as I see Emma nods, "That would be correct, yes, sir." She was so polite. I had to give her that.

But even with the amount of her politeness, Leopold was not as impressed as I was, "Hm." We all hear him hum. "And what, may I ask, are you studying?" He doesn't look amused nor sounds amused.

"Dad," I can hear Audrey's murmur under her breath, her eyes glaring directly at her father. "Don't start grilling her with questions. It's summer."

"I am simply taking an interest in her life choices. As your father, I think I'm entitled." Leopold says, and I can't help but roll my eyes a little.

"It's okay, Audrey." I hear Emma say reassuringly, smiling lovingly at Audrey before turning her attention back to my husband and answering with the most proud tone. "I'm actually studying photography."

A future photographer? My brow lifts, impressed by the level of confidence in Emma. I take the last bite of my lasagna after all.

Leopold however, is still not amused. "Photography? Really?" He chuckles once Emma nods in confirmation. Bastard always liked looking down on those around him. Especially me. "That doesn't pay very much, does it?"

"Dad!" Audrey glares once more, harder this time.

"Leopold." I hiss under my breath, glaring directly at him. I can feel my cheeks heat with embarrassment as I look toward Emma, who simply gifts me with a small smile of her own before turning her confident attention back to my idiot husband.

"I'm sorry, Em." I watch Audrey give Emma the same apologetic look I gave her just a second ago. However to my surprise, Emma doesn't seem phased or insulted. This girl was clearly made of steel.

"No, it's- it's fine." She turns to stare at my husband and wipes her mouth before she says, "And you're right. I won't be making not even half of what you make, career wise, but at the end of the day, Mr. White; I'm not in it for the money. I'd like to think that photography can provide you with the satisfaction of knowing people."

The corners of my lips give off a small smile, one that no one noticed then.

"Knowing people?" Leopold's voice still sounds unamused. Just by looking at him, I could tell Emma was no more than a joke to him.

"That's right." I see Emma nod, not at all bothered. "Take Audrey for example," my eyes move to my daughter as does Emma's. I watch them smile at one another. "When we met, I could tell right off that she was not only beautiful, but self-driven, smart, and she had a lot on her mind."

Clearly observant. I thought to myself, impressed that she had described Audrey well.

Audrey chuckles as she says, "Nothing got past Emma. It's one of the things that made me fall in love with her."

I turn my attention to my daughter, "And how is it exactly that you two met?" I ask her.

Even though Leopold's discomfort, which I can clearly see, Audrey reaches for Emma's hand on top of the table once more. "We actually met through a mutual friend. He threw a party one weekend, and Emma was there, standing across the room." I see her smile at the memory. What a lovely memory to have. "And our eyes met."

Young love. Something I knew nothing about.

"Oh, mom," My gaze remains on Audrey. "I was showing Emma our picture, you know the one I keep in my bedroom when you were showing me to ride." I smile at the memory. I loved that picture of us two together. It was one of my favorites. "I told her how you are the best teacher there was."

My cheeks turn a shade of pink as Audrey grins, and I try my best to hide my shyness from behind the glass of wine as I bring it up to my lips. I take a small sip, feeling Emma's eyes on me as I say, "I wouldn't say that, sweetheart, but thank you for the compliment."

"It's the truth." Audrey smiles at me. "Anyway, do you think maybe sometime during our stay here we could all go to the stables and maybe you could teach Emma how to ride one of your horses?"

Teach her to ride? My heart stops because I hadn't taught anyone since Audrey, let alone ridden in quite some time. Of course, riding a horse was very much like riding a bike. You never forgot.

Audrey's answer goes unanswered as my gaze falls on Leopold, who is quickly standing after wiping his mouth and downing his last sip of wine. He hated the Orchard and all it represented for me. He hated the horses and the smell of them. He hated it even more when I would come home smelling like them. He's always had it in his mind that Daniel- a long time friend, and confident- always had something going on while I would visit.

"I have a lot of work to catch up tonight, so excuse me. Emma," I watch him smile, quite forcefully, but it's his best smile directed toward her. "It's been a pleasure. Make yourself at home, hm?"

"Will do. Thank you, Mr. White." Emma smiles back at him.

I then see Leopold move toward Audrey to give her shoulder a gentle and loving squeeze- unlike the one he gave mine earlier- followed by a loving fatherly kiss along her cheek. The sight makes me nauseous. I could almost believe the man had a heart. "It's great to have you home again, sweetheart." I hear him mutter.

"Thanks, dad," I hear Audrey reply. My eyes glanced over at Emma, who's eyes were looking right at me. I provide her with a gentle and small smile before looking away. "I'm happy to be back. We'll need to do something together soon, just you and me."

"You can count on it." And with that, Leopold is gone to lock himself back into his office again.

Good riddance. Hearing Leopold's footsteps, for me, were both a blessing and a curse. It was a coin toss. You never knew which side you would get. Heads being his footsteps coming toward me, tails being his footsteps walking away from me.

"I hope it's alright with your husband that I stay here? I really wouldn't want to impose." I looked over to discover Emma was talking to me. Even she looked a little more relaxed with Leopold gone. But at least she got to get out of this house whenever she wanted. While I had to stay.

"No imposition whatsoever. Just ignore my oger-of-a-husband- I do." I shrug carelessly and pick up my glass to give it one last drink of wine. My eyes look over from behind the glass and I notice a small smile given to me by Emma.

The next thing that comes out of that smile is a small laugh. An infectious small laugh that even makes me laugh along with Emma. I don't laugh easily, so for her to make me laugh simply by laughing took me by surprise. What imposition could you possibly be, Ms. Swan? If anything, the girl's company was refreshing to have around.

"So, mom, is that a yes on teaching Emma how to ride?" Audrey's smile matches mine. There's excitement in her eyes. Audrey always loved the Orchard as much or more than I did. How can I deny her of going when even I craved to go?

"I have no problem with that, but, I think you should be asking Emma how she feels about it first." I say as I turn to Emma, who slightly shifts in her seat.

"Oh. I don't know." Her eyes are like ping-pong balls, glancing from side to side from Audrey to myself.

"Is there a problem?" I can't help but ask her, tilting my head in a quizzical manner.

"Um, well…" Emma was about to speak, but is stopped as I see Audrey's hand land on top of hers in a comforting manner. So there was a problem.

"I forgot to mention that Emma might be a little terrified of horses." Audrey smiles at me.

"Oh?" I quirk my eyebrow upward as I look at Emma, who's cheeks turn a shade of pink.

"Okay, I wouldn't say terrified," I hear Emma chuckle, her eyes on me. "I've just never done well with larger animals. There's a difference."

I gave the poor girl a nod, understanding completely where she was coming from. As a child, I remember I used to be terrified of horses when I fell off of one while my father was teaching me to ride. But growing around them, I learned to love them and ride them as much as my father did. And to ease Emma's mind some, I then said, "This might surprise you, Emma, but believe it or not, there are some breeds that are the most gentle giants of horses. They will think twice before acting aggressive toward a human being."

"You should listen to her," I see Audrey point proudly at me and that makes me smile. "You are talking to a woman who knows her breeds."

"Really?" Emma's eyes glow as they stare back at me and I can't tear my gaze from them.

"Oh, I'm no expert," I shrug. "But, if you'd like a lesson in riding, just say the word. Audrey will be there, which I am sure will make you feel perfectly safe." I give a reassuring smile.

"Well… I'll consider it, then. Thank you." She thanks me in the most shyest of manners, it's endearing.

"And, Emma, please- accept my apologies for Leopold's behavior. You are my daughter's guest, and as such, you are welcomed here anytime, so… Make yourself at home while you are here." I give her an apologetic smile. Leopold may not care that he rubbed off wrong toward Emma, but I do. The last thing I wanted Emma- or anyone to think- was that I was exactly like him.

"Thank you. I appreciate your hospitality, Mrs. White." Emma's eyes look to me so kindly and with a warmth that only her own mother could have taught her.

I liked her. Emma was a sweet girl, and she made Audrey happy- which is what mattered to me. Plus, the idea of having her around the house didn't seem so bad to me. And with that, I decided on allowing her to call me- "Regina." I nod in approval as she looks at me with a glint in her eye.

If Emma was going to trust me with her first name, why shouldn't I trust her with mine? Which was surprising for myself considering I didn't trust easily, given my circumstances.

"Regina," I hear my own name roll off of her tongue as she tries it on for size. And immediately fell in love with it. Who would have thought that after hating the sound of my name spoken for so many years by my abuser, I would grow to like it just by hearing it out of the lips of my daughter's girlfriend?

My eyes can't possibly look away from Emma's sea green eyes, making me wonder: How was it that looking into her eyes didn't bother me?

A/N: Next chapter will also be Regina's POV, then comes Emma for chapter 4. Stay tuned!