Betrothed To Six Lovers

Lila’s P.O.VThe sun beamed its bright light on my forehead as I stood at the mountaintops of Palms Spring, retreating one step at a time, checking out my suitors one after another.The wind howled around me, tugging at my dress as I faced the six men, each standing between me and the sheer drop behind them.My pulse hammered in my throat. "This is madness," I said to myself.Gazing at the crowd, my hands stiffened. I had my fingers crossed behind my back and my heart wide open to declare and accept the man I choose for the rest of my life. My feet trembled as I fell to my knees."Huh!" the crowd chorused, turning to one another in astonishment.The ring bearer stepped forward, opening the glass case that bore a silver ring. I picked it out, looking at it hungrily while he stepped back.Before I knew it, the priest declared very loudly with eagerness, "It’s been years, months, and weeks since you’ve been betrothed to six. Now it’s time to fix the ring to its owner."He continued..."H

Lila's P.O.VThe days that followed our wedding were wrapped in sunlight and soft mornings.The Blackwood estate, once cold, distant, and lined with grief, began to glow with laughter.Although our union was born from convenience, the atmosphere of the house slowly began to melt in the warmth of shared moments with Shay.Before our marriage, Shay always carried himself like a storm waiting to break, but all that was slowly thawing, and I was helplessly drawn to the man beneath the scars.He would kiss my forehead in the early hours of the morning, trail his fingers down my spine, and whisper things like, "You are my home," and I would blush like a teenage girl starting to learn about love.On our honeymoon, we traveled far away from the judgmental walls of Blackwood Estate, we tasted what peace could feel like.We stayed in a suite nestled between the coast and a field of wild roses.At night, we would drink red wine by the fireplace, the orange glow reflecting in Shay’s deep eyes alw

Shay’s POV:Serena’s visit that morning wasn’t casual. It was obviously intentional.She showed up draped in wine-red silk, and with lips to match. She had a smile that curled like smoke.She’d always known how to slither into a space like she owned it.Even now, she looked around the estate like she still had a claim.Lila wasn’t home.I should’ve told her about Serena and what we had, but I didn’t.I feared it'll break her. We would lose the bond that we shared.Serena walked into the sitting room like it was her own home. She acted like nothing had changed.“Still playing the good husband?” she asked, head tilted like a curious cat. “You know it’s only a matter of time before she finds out who you really are.”I didn’t flinch. “I don’t hide from her. Not like we used to.”“You think she’ll love you once she knows?” she purred, stepping closer. “You forget who you were. What we were.”I met her gaze coldly. “What we were doesn’t exist anymore.”But Serena wasn’t finished.“Tell her

Lila’s POV:Nico and I packed in silence as we folded clothes and some of the belongings I'll be needing in my new apartment. The house felt heavier than usual. Every corner reminded me of Shay, the hallway where he surprised me with roses, the staircase he playfully carried me up, even the bathroom towel he always left crumpled.I paused for a moment, staring at the shelf in Shay’s study. There were picture frames still intact, little souvenirs from our honeymoon in Santorini, and a wine cork we saved from our first dinner as husband and wife. I couldn’t throw any of it away, but I couldn’t take them with me either.“I don’t think I can do this,” I whispered, sitting on the edge of the bed.“You don’t have to do it all at once,” Nico replied softly. “But you can’t stay here. Shay made that clear.”I nodded, and wiped a stray tear away with the sleeve of my shirt. “We should leave now.”Before we walked out of the house, I handed the estate keys to Madam Lavigne. She had been there si

Lila's POVThe next Monday, I found my way to Mrs. Glad Jonas' office, and her secretary received me with a warm smile and guided me through a long hallway lined with luxurious art and subtle golden light. Everything about the Evicon Group building screamed elegance. The floor was Italian marble, the walls were tastefully finished in muted creams and golds, and the scent of fresh lavender hung lightly in the air."Wow," I whispered, unable to stop my eyes from scanning the surroundings. "Who did the interiors? This is stunning."The secretary chuckled softly. "We get that a lot. Mrs. Glad Jonas will be glad to hear you like it."Soon enough, the large double doors to her office opened. "Come in, child," Mrs. Glad said with a welcoming gesture. She stood behind a sleek mahogany desk that overlooked a wide view of the city skyline. Her presence was strong and comforting."I hope you weren’t waiting long," she added as I sat down."Not at all, ma, your office is beautiful. I have to ask,