LOGINLucy had just finished changing into her pajamas, soft cotton shorts and a tank top, when she heard the knock. It wasn't the polite, gentle knock of the household staff. This was harder, more urgent. She knew who it was before she opened the door.Barry stood in the hallway, still in his suit pants and white shirt, though he'd lost the jacket and tie somewhere. His sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, his hair messy like he'd been running his hands through it. His dark eyes were stormy, anger still simmering just beneath the surface."We need to talk," he said."Now?" Lucy crossed her arms, suddenly very aware that she was in her pajamas, her face scrubbed clean of makeup, her hair pulled back. "I thought you didn't want to talk.""I changed my mind." Barry stepped into her room without waiting for an invitation, and Lucy closed the door behind him. "What the hell was that tonight?""What was what?""Don't play dumb, Lucy." Barry turned to face her, his jaw tight. "You know exactly w
Two days after the wardrobe fitting, Lucy found herself standing in front of her closet, staring at the new clothes that had been delivered and hung with perfect precision."Wear the black one," Julia called from where she sat on Lucy's bed, scrolling through her phone. "The one with the slit up the side. Trust me.""I still don't understand why I have to go to this," Lucy said, pulling out the dress Julia mentioned. It was elegant and dangerous... black silk that would cling to her curves, with a high slit that showed just enough leg to be interesting."Because Barry wants you there." Julia looked up, her expression serious. "These family meetings don't happen often. The fact that he's bringing you means something.""But I'm just his guest, right? That's what he said.""Guest." Julia snorted. "Sure. And I'm just his sister who happens to live here. Lucy, everyone's going to know what you mean to him the second you walk in together."Lucy's stomach flipped. "That's what I'm afraid of.
Lucy barely had time to process her lunch with Vanessa before the next surprise hit.She'd just walked into the estate, her mind still spinning with thoughts of Jessica and Vanessa's strange behavior, when one of the household staff stopped her in the foyer."Miss Lucy," the woman said, her tone polite but urgent. "Don asked me to bring you to the main sitting room. There's someone here to see you."Lucy's stomach tightened. "Someone to see me?""A stylist, miss. For your wardrobe fitting.""My what?"But the woman was already walking away, clearly expecting Lucy to follow. Lucy shot a confused look at Marcus, who just shrugged and gestured for her to go ahead.The main sitting room was on the second floor, a large, elegant space with tall windows and cream-colored furniture. When Lucy entered, she stopped dead in her tracks.The room had been transformed. Racks of clothes lined the walls, dresses, blouses, pants, jackets, all in various colors and styles. Shoes were arranged on a lon
Lucy checked her reflection one more time before heading downstairs. She'd chosen a simple outfit, dark jeans, a soft pink blouse, and a leather jacket. Nothing too fancy, but nice enough for lunch with a friend. Her hair fell in loose waves around her shoulders, and she'd applied minimal makeup. Normal. She looked normal.Marcus was already waiting by the car when she stepped outside, his expression as unreadable as ever. He opened the door without a word, and Lucy slid into the back seat.The drive to Bruno's café took about thirty minutes. Lucy watched the city pass by through the tinted windows, her stomach fluttering with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. It had been so long since she'd done something this ordinary.Bruno's was in a busy part of downtown, nestled between a bookstore and a flower shop. The café had large windows facing the street, small round tables scattered inside, and the smell of fresh coffee and pastries wafting out even before Lucy entered.Marcus par
Lucy was in her room, fresh from the shower after training, when her phone rang. She'd just pulled on comfortable jeans and a soft sweater, her damp hair twisted into a messy bun. The name on the screen made her heart jump.Vanessa."Hello?""Lucy! Oh my god, finally!" Vanessa's familiar voice burst through the speaker, bright and energetic. "I've been trying to reach you for weeks! Where have you been, girl?"Lucy sank onto her bed, a smile tugging at her lips despite everything. "I'm sorry, V. Things have been... complicated.""When are things not complicated in your life?" Vanessa laughed, that warm, infectious sound Lucy had missed so much. "Look, I know you're busy and everything, but I really miss you. Can we please meet up? Just for lunch or coffee or something? I feel like I haven't seen you in forever."Lucy glanced at her closed door, thinking about the estate, about Barry's world that had swallowed her whole. When was the last time she'd done something normal? Something tha
Lucy pulled on her black leggings and fitted tank top, her mind still replaying the breakfast conversation. Barry had been so formal, so controlled, but that moment when his hand had touched her shoulder... it made her stomach flip just thinking about it.A knock at her door interrupted her thoughts."Lucy? You almost ready?" Julia's voice came through. "The guards are waiting downstairs."Lucy grabbed her gym bag and opened the door to find Julia already dressed for training in black athletic wear, her dark hair pulled back in a high ponytail."I'm ready," Lucy said."Good. I figured I'd come with you today." Julia started walking toward the stairs. "After all that drama at breakfast, I could use the distraction."They found Dean waiting by the SUV, his expression as neutral as ever. He opened the back door for them without a word, and soon they were pulling away from the estate.The drive to the training facility took twenty minutes, winding through the city until they reached the i
Julia gave Lucy’s shoulder one last squeeze before she straightened. “Alright, I’ll leave you to breathe a little. I’m going to my room. But remember what I said.”Lucy nodded, hugging herself lightly. “Okay. Thanks, Julia.”Her friend flashed a small smile before heading to the door. “Don’t thank
Lucy sat at the edge of her bed, her hands resting limply on her knees. The adrenaline that had fueled her slap earlier was gone now, leaving her body heavy, almost trembling. She stared at her palms as if they still carried the sting of that moment.Julia paced across the room, her arms folded tig
The room still vibrated with the echo of Lucy’s slap. Jessica’s cheek was flushed red, her breathing harsh. The maids stared wide-eyed, Julia still rooted in place beside Lucy, her lips pressed together.Barry hadn’t moved. His expression stayed unreadable, his sharp gaze sweeping over everyone. Th
“I… I didn’t...” Her voice broke. She tried again, forcing the words out though they shook. “I didn’t take it. I swear I didn’t.”Jessica scoffed loudly. “Please. The file didn’t crawl under your bed on its own.” She turned to Barry, her tone smooth and poisonous. “She’s been here only a short time







