Ayla's mood significantly improved after meeting her mother. She knew she couldn't entirely be free from Alistair's grasp, but she wanted to regain some control over her life and not be treated like a prisoner in this massive home.
Everything was lavishly provided for her, from food to cosmetics to clothes. It was as if she were in a harem, but everyone was only tending to her needs and ensuring she looked good for her husband.
However, Alistair forbade her to have any communication with the outside world. They had been married for over a year now, but Ayla had only seen her husband a handful of times, mainly during the earliest months of their marriage.
That said, his visitation immediately ceased as soon as she fell pregnant. Ayla then knew he was only tolerating her because the Han family pressured him to produce an heir for their family. If it hadn't been for this reason, Ayla had no doubt Alistair would have left her long ago.