Chapter 7: An Unexpected Invitation

Allie’s father, David Brooks, walked over, taking her hand gently. “Allie,” he began, his voice full of concern, “why didn’t you tell me about the breakup with Nick?”

Allie gave a small, resigned smile. “It’s nothing, Dad. Just... a breakup. It’s over.”

Though she tried to sound indifferent, David knew his daughter too well. Allie and Nick had been inseparable since childhood, and the Brooks and Lawson families had practically seen them as destined for each other. The sudden turn of events surprised everyone.

David sat down beside her, offering her a comforting smile. “You’re strong, Allie. And maybe this is for the best. Nick was never one to settle down. You deserve someone truly exceptional—someone worthy of my daughter.”

With that, David pulled a small, embossed card from his coat pocket. “This,” he explained, holding it out to her, “is an invitation to Mr. Grant Hart’s 70th birthday party. Every prominent family in the city has one, and it specifically says each family can bring their daughter. It’s pretty clear they’re arranging it as a way for Liam to meet potential matches.

And I’d like you to go.”

Allie’s eyes widened as she read the invitation. She hadn’t expected to hear Liam’s name mentioned in her family’s home.

She couldn’t tell her father, of course, that she and Liam had already secretly married. So she simply nodded.

David placed the invitation in her hand, his gaze softening. “Allie, I know I’ve been... absent at times. But you’re my daughter. You’re family, and I care deeply about you. Always remember that.”

If Allie had been a little younger, she might have believed him. Now, though, she just lowered her head and replied, “I understand, Dad.”

David gave a small sigh and, with one last look, left the room.

As the door closed, Allie stared down at the invitation in her hand, her mind racing. The Hart family was hosting this as a formal introduction for Liam, their "eligible heir." She felt a pang of disappointment realizing Liam hadn’t even mentioned it to her. But then again, why would he? They were in a hidden marriage—far from a fairytale romance.

Just as she was lost in thought, the door swung open again, and Vivian stepped in with her usual smug look.

Allie narrowed her eyes. “What do you want, Vivian?”

Vivian wasted no time. “I heard everything Dad just said. You really think going to this party will get Liam Hart’s attention? What a joke. Hand over the invitation.”

Allie hadn’t yet decided whether she’d go, but she definitely wasn’t about to hand it over to Vivian.

She slipped the invitation behind her. “Vivian, you’re not even eighteen. Are you looking to go on a blind date?”

Vivian sneered. “In two months, I’ll be eighteen. And even if I weren’t, I’d still be a better match for the Harts than you.

Nick dumped you—Liam would never look twice at you. Stop daydreaming. Hand over the invitation. It’s our only chance for this family to have a connection with the Harts.”

Allie’s tone was icy. “Get out, Vivian. I’m not giving you the invitation.”

When her words didn’t work, Vivian lunged at her, trying to snatch the card. But Allie was quick, grabbing her wrist and effortlessly twisting Vivian onto the bed, holding her down.

Allie’s calm, measured voice cut through Vivian’s struggle. “I’ve trained in self-defense since I was a kid. Now, leave before I decide to actually teach you a lesson.”

Vivian whimpered, her wrist still in Allie’s grip. “Let go of me! I’ll tell Dad you attacked me!”

Allie released her with a shrug. “Go ahead. See if I care.”

Seething with frustration, Vivian stalked toward the door. But before she left, her eyes narrowed. She’d spotted something—faint but unmistakable—a small, reddish mark on Allie’s neck.

A knowing smirk crossed Vivian’s face as she took it in, her mind already scheming.