Chapter 14
The night before the banquet, Lily sat alone in her apartment, quietly fastening the delicate straps of her heels. Her dress–a simple but elegant off–shoulder black gown–lay draped carefully across her bed. Her hair was pinned loosely atop her head, wisps framing her face. There was a softness to her look, but also a quiet strength.
She applied her makeup with a steady hand, her heart beating a little faster than normal.}
Tomorrow, she would face him. Cameron.
But it didn’t matter anymore, she told herself.
After all, she was set to marry into the Reid family soon. Her future was already written.
This was just a formality. A necessary step to sever any last lingering ties to the past.
She would walk into that banquet alone. She would face whatever–or whoever–was waiting for her.“]
And she would survive it. Just like she always did.
The next evening, a sleek black limousine waited at the curb. Lily slipped into the backseat, her heart steady, her mind clear.
The city lights blurred past the windows as the car carried her toward the grand banquet hosted by the Brown family.
A new chapter was about to begin. One way or another.
Meanwhile, Katie was practically bouncing with excitement as she arrived at the luxurious ballroom. Her gold dress shimmered under the chandeliers, drawing admiring glances as she walked in.}]
Every step she took was confident, expectant. She knew–knew–this was the night her dreams would come true.}]
Mr. Brown would propose to her. Everyone would see her crowned as the future lady of the Brown family.
Katie entered the grand hall, feeling the weight of a hundred curious gazes settling on her.
And she loved it. Standing tall, she tossed her hair back and smiled, basking in the attention.
Any minute now, she thought. Any minute, Young Master Brown himself–would come to her, kneel at her feet, and offer her everything.”
She could already see it in her mind- the ring, the whispers of envy, the looks of admiration.
Katie was glowing with victory.”
But then, she saw her. Across the room, dressed in quiet elegance, standing near one of the marble pillars->
Lily. Katie’s entire body stiffened in disbelief.)
She stormed toward her, heels clicking sharply against the polished floor.
“What the hell are you doing here?” Katie hissed, grabbing Lily’s arm harshly.”
Lily didn’t flinch.
She simply turned her head, meeting Katie’s furious gaze with calm indifference.}
“None of your business,” Lily said smoothly.
“You’re not even invited!” Katie spat, her voice rising slightly.
Lily smiled coldly.
“I’m here on behalf of the Reid family,” she said quietly. “Even if he’s paralyzed, he still has a fortune that the Browns respect.”
Katie’s mouth opened–then snapped shut.
She couldn’t argue with that. But she tried anyway.}
“Hmph. It’s nothing compared to the Browns,” Katie said with a sneer. “I’m going to marry the Young Master himself. You’ll see.“}
Lily simply scoffed and pulled her arm free.
“I don’t care,” she said flatly.
With that, she turned and walked away, leaving Katie fuming behind her.
Lily moved through the crowd, trying to avoid attention, her heart beginning to pound faster despite herself.”
She was almost to the terrace when she saw him.
Cameron. He entered the room wearing a perfectly tailored black suit, his hair slightly tousled, his presence commanding immediate attention.
Lily instinctively turned her head, pretending not to see him. She had come here to represent the Reid family, not to reopen old wounds.} Besides, Katie was already pushing her way toward Cameron, clinging to his arm with forced sweetness. Lily watched them for a moment -Katie laughing too loudly, Cameron answering stiffly–and then looked away.
It was none of her business anymore.
She found the balcony easily, stepping into the cool night air. The city stretched out before her, glittering and endless.}
She closed her eyes, breathing deeply, letting the quiet wash over her. Maybe if she stayed out here long enough, the night would pass without incident. Maybe she could leave without ever speaking to him.”
Maybe-
She felt it then.”
A presence behind her. Before she could turn, strong arms wrapped around her from behind, pulling her into a warm, familiar embrace. Her breath caught in her throat.
12:16 PM
She froze.
“Cameron,” she whispered without meaning to.
She tried to pull away–but he only tightened his hold.
“Lily,” he said hoarsely against her hair. “Please… just stay like this for a moment.”
Her body trembled.
She should push him away. She should scream at him. She should demand why he dared to touch her now, after everything.§
But for one heart–wrenching second–She didn’t move.”
Because even if he had broken her once, part of her heart still remembered the way he used to make her feel safe. Still remembered how
she had once dreamed–stupidly–that maybe he could be hers.
She closed her eyes tightly, forcing down the lump in her throat.}
This meant nothing. It had to mean nothing.
Slowly, she placed her hands on his arms–and pushed him away.
Cameron let her go immediately, stepping back as if the loss of contact physically hurt him.
“Lily,” he said again, his voice cracking. “Please… listen to me. I need to tell you something.“}
Lily turned to face him, her expression cool and unreadable.}
“There’s nothing you can say that matters anymore,” she said quietly.
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