Chapter 36

Lily stood outside the grand mansion, her heart racing as she adjusted the delicate fabric of her gown. The deep emerald green hugged her curves perfectly, accentuating her figure and giving her an air of confidence she desperately needed. She took a moment to breathe, the cool evening air contrasting sharply with the warmth of her anxiety. Tonight was not just another party; it was a farewell to her past, a goodbye to the life she had known.

In her hands, she clutched a beautifully wrapped gift for Robert and Margaret—something thoughtful to express her gratitude for all they had done for her over the years. But as she stared at the majestic entrance, memories flooded her mind: laughter, warmth, and the haunting echoes of moments spent with Ethan. She hesitated, the weight of nostalgia pressing down on her. This was the last time she would step foot in this place. After tonight, she would be moving to another city, leaving behind everything that had once defined her.

With a determined sigh, she straightened her shoulders and pushed open the ornate door, stepping into the opulent foyer. A sea of well-dressed guests swirled around her, laughter and clinking glasses filling the air. The lavish decorations sparkled under the soft glow of chandeliers, creating an atmosphere of wealth and privilege that felt foreign to her now.

At the front of the room, she spotted Robert and Margaret, their faces glowing with pride as they greeted their guests. Beside them stood Ethan, his tall frame unmistakable, with Sarah at his side, her presence radiating confidence. A pang of bitterness shot through Lily, but she quickly quelled it. This was not about them; it was about honoring the couple who had once welcomed her into their family.

As she approached, whispers began to ripple through the crowd. Eyes turned toward her, some filled with curiosity, others with judgment. “Isn’t that Lily? The one who was obsessed with Ethan?” a voice murmured, and she felt the weight of their scrutiny.

“Look at her now,” another voice chimed in, laced with disdain. “She thought she could be part of their world.”

But Lily stood tall, her heart pounding with newfound strength. She was no longer the weak, submissive girl who had once chased after Ethan. She had grown, evolved, and tonight, she would face them all—one last time.

As she reached the group, she forced a smile, her gaze locking onto Robert and Margaret first. “Mom, Dad, it’s so wonderful to see you both,” she said warmly, extending the gift toward them. “I wanted to thank you for everything. You’ve always been like family to me.”

Margaret’s eyes softened as she accepted the gift, her voice filled with genuine warmth. “Oh, Lily, you didn’t have to! It’s so thoughtful of you,” she said, her smile radiant. “We’ve missed you so much.”

Robert nodded, his expression serious but kind. “You’ll always have a place in our hearts, Lily. We’re proud of you, no matter what.”

Lily felt a swell of emotion at their words, but she quickly turned her attention to Ethan and Sarah, who stood nearby, their expressions unreadable. Ethan’s gaze flickered with surprise, but there was also a hint of something else—regret, perhaps? Or was it anger? She couldn’t tell.

“Lily,” Ethan said, his voice low and steady, but she could hear the tension beneath the surface. “What are you doing here?”

“I came to celebrate your parents,” she replied, her tone firm. “This is their night, and I wanted to honor them.”

“Is that so?” Sarah interjected, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “I thought you were too busy wallowing in your misery to show up.”

Lily met Sarah’s gaze, unflinching. “I’m not wallowing, Sarah. I’m moving on. Something you wouldn’t understand.” The words slipped out before she could stop them, but she felt empowered by her honesty.

Ethan’s expression hardened, and he stepped closer, his voice low. “You think you can just walk in here and act like everything is fine? You’re the one who always messed up things.”

“I am not here for you; don't think too much.” Lily shot back, her voice rising slightly. “Just take care of you… Mistress, I am here for Mom and Dad”

Sarah’s face flushed with anger, and she stepped forward, her voice sharp. “You’re just bitter because you lost everything. You’ll always be the girl who chased after Ethan, and now look at you—alone and desperate.”

“Alone?” Lily laughed, the sound ringing with defiance. “I’m not alone. I have my own life, my own path, and I’m finally free from your toxic games. You can have Ethan. I won’t be a pawn in your twisted love story any longer.”

Robert and Margaret exchanged concerned glances. They could not ignore the growing commotion, especially with so many guests watching.

“Ethan, Sarah, that’s enough!” Robert’s voice rang out, authoritative and firm. He stepped forward, placing himself between Lily and the couple, his presence commanding immediate attention. “This is our celebration, and we will not have our family drama unfold in front of all these people.”

Margaret nodded in agreement, her eyes softening as they landed on Lily. “Lily, dear, we’re so glad you’re here. You’ve always been part of our family,” she said gently, her voice filled with warmth. “But please, let’s keep this civil. We don’t want anyone witnessing a scene.”

Lily turned to Robert and Margaret, feeling a surge of gratitude. “That’s why I didn’t want to come,” she admitted, her voice steady but tinged with emotion. “I didn’t want to bring any negativity to your night.”

“Lily, you’re not the problem here,” Robert replied, his tone softening.

Robert cleared his throat, commanding the attention of the guests with a wave of his hand. The chatter died down, and all eyes turned to him, curiosity piqued. Ethan and Sarah exchanged glances, expecting a heartfelt speech directed at his wife, Margaret.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” Robert began, his voice steady yet filled with emotion. “Thank you all for being here tonight to celebrate our anniversary. Family is everything to me, and I want to take a moment to express my love and gratitude for each and every one of you.”

Lily stood beside Margaret, feeling a mix of pride and apprehension as she listened to Robert speak. He continued, recounting cherished memories of family gatherings, laughter, and the bonds that had held them together through thick and thin.

“I’ve watched my children grow into remarkable individuals,” he said, his gaze shifting to Ethan. “Ethan, you’ve always been a source of pride for us. Your determination and passion inspire me every day.”

Ethan smiled, momentarily basking in his father’s praise, but the smile faded slightly as Robert’s gaze moved to Lily. “And then there’s Lily,” he said, his voice softening. “You’ve been a part of our family for so long. Your kindness, strength, and resilience have touched our lives in ways you may never fully understand.”

Lily felt a warm flush spread across her cheeks, gratitude swelling in her chest. She had always admired Robert and Margaret, and hearing such words from him meant the world.

“But tonight, I want to talk about something important,” Robert continued, his tone shifting to a more serious note. “As you all know, I’ve spent my life building this company and our family legacy. It’s time for me to ensure that legacy continues in the right hands.”

The room fell silent, the weight of his words hanging in the air. “I’ve decided to distribute my shares in the company as follows: 20% will go to my son, Ethan,” he said, glancing at Ethan, “And the remaining 80% will go to Lily.”

The room erupted into shocked gasps, and Lily’s heart raced as she processed his words. Ethan’s expression shifted from surprise to disbelief, while Sarah’s mouth fell open in shock.

“Wait, what?” Ethan exclaimed, his voice rising. “Dad, are you serious?”

Lily stood frozen, her mind racing. She hadn’t expected this at all. The weight of Robert’s decision crashed over her, leaving her breathless.

“Yes, I am serious,” Robert replied firmly, his gaze unwavering. “Lily has proven herself time and again, and I trust her to carry on what we’ve built. This is my choice, and I stand by it.”