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WHERE LIGHT MEETS DARK CHAPTER 105
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2025-05-09 15:39:04
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WHERE LIGHT MEETS DARK WHERE LIGHT MEETS DARK CHAPTER 106
The officiant smiled at the best man, who produced the rings."Those rings serve as a symbol of the unending circle of love. Let them always symbolize the pledge you have given here today."Vandaulf put the ring on Lily's finger."With this ring, I thee wed."Lily mimicked the gesture, putting the ring on Vandaulf's finger."With this ring, I thee wed."The golden ring shone as Lily's trembling fingers forced it onto Vandaulf's palm. It shone like a promise not sworn in gold but in fire, in tears, in forgiveness. In love that had clawed its way out of devastation.Their palms stayed—his bigger, balancing hers, their fingers intertwining in a grasp that felt the world narrowing to them alone.The officiant smiled, voice rich with fervor."Lily and Vandaulf, before your family and friends, before the spirits which watch over you, you have said the words and performed the rituals that are binding your hearts to each other in marriage. By virtue residing in me—" she smiled lovingly at the
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-05-09WHERE LIGHT MEETS DARK WHERE LIGHT MEETS DARK CHAPTER 107
Her eyes lingered.Or the illusion of it, Lily guessed."To your courage," Brenna finished, lifting her glass, "and to your love—may it always be wiser than your fear."No mistaking the gravity of those words. Not for Vandaulf. Not for Lily.They lifted their glasses.And for a while, all was laughter and smooth jazz, candlelight and stolen glances. But under the table, Vandaulf grasped her hand—and when he tightened his fingers, she knew. The question he wasn't asking.Who are you, truly, Lily?For since the hospital, since the truth almost shattered the glass walls between them, he had known something lingered—unspoken. Unhealed.She leaned into him, kissed his cheek, and breathed, "Let's slip away."His eyes widened, surprised, but curious. "To where?"Vandaulf smiled as the emcee's voice boomed mock-seriously through the speakers, breaking the spell between them."Hep hep! The party isn't over yet! Get the couple out to the dance floor again!" he boomed in mock gravity. The crowd
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-05-09WHERE LIGHT MEETS DARK WHERE LIGHT MEETS DARK CHAPTER 1
Activity and noise reigned over the James estate. Bustling servants and glittering decorations surrounded Lily James, the smallest person in that grand ballroom. She pushed at the hem of her pale blue dress, a color chosen by her deceased mother and insisted upon by her grandmother—a hue meant to highlight the supposed innocence and beauty that Lily was believed to possess. She despised it.The air was electric with tension as the two families gathered to cement the union—an arranged marriage that resembled a corporate merger. The James family, airline moguls, required the funds from the Carlston real estate empire, while the Carlstons desired the prestige of the James name. Love was not invited to this equation.Lily stood nervously, her hands clasped tightly when he entered.Vandaulf Claude Carlston, the CEO of Carlston Architectural Firm, exuded an icy, calculating power that made everyone else seem infinitesimally small. He was tall, perfectly dressed in a tailored black suit, and
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-17WHERE LIGHT MEETS DARK WHERE LIGHT MEETS DARK CHAPTER 2
The door clicked shut, and Brenna looked at Lily. "You're playing with fire, girl. Letting your anger run amok won't give you the upper hand here. If you're going to burn, burn smart. Tell me your plan." Lily’s laugh was dark and unrestrained. She leaned forward, her eyes meeting Brenna’s without fear. “Plan?” she repeated, her voice dripping with defiance. “I don’t need a plan to remind them I’m more than their pawn. Let him think I’m weak. I’ll show him what a mistake that was.” Brenna’s lips pressed into a thin line, but a flicker of pride glimmered in her eyes. “Then you’d better be ready to outlast him. You’re a James, Lily. Don’t forget that.” Lily’s smirk spread wider. Her boldness ran unchecked. "Oh, I won't. I'll make sure he doesn't forget it either." She spoke with a self-assurance she never allowed during the day. It was another Lily entirely standing in Brenna's office: sharp-edged, unapologetic, and utterly defiant. At night, the character she kept veiled during the
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-17WHERE LIGHT MEETS DARK WHERE LIGHT MEETS DARK CHAPTER 3
Lily's head began to whirl. Everything in her life had been determined by others' needs. She had matured into an ideal daughter and a perfect heiress. The parents had been trained to smile and nod; play out her part in the world constructed for her. And here she was now, standing in front of two sheets of paper, everything seeming false.A tear threatened to spill, but Lily refused to let it fall. She was not that girl anymore. She was not that meek girl who allowed other people to tread on her weak self. "I won't sign it," she said her voice shaking defiantly. "I won't let you boss me around this way.Vandaulf's face darkened and the coldness in his eyes deepened. He leaned closer to her, speaking in a low, dangerous voice: "You think you have a choice, Lily? You think you can just walk away from this? Do you really believe you can challenge me? Do you have any idea what I could do to you?His words ran down her spine, but something inside of her snapped. She was not going to allow
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-17WHERE LIGHT MEETS DARK WHERE LIGHT MEETS DARK CHAPTER 4
His voice was so cold that it sent chills down her spine. He would remind her of her place. He would remind her that she existed for him, nothing more, nothing less.But deep within her, something began to stir.It wasn't rebellion yet, but it was something. Something that refused to be squashed.For now, she would act the part, keep her mouth shut, and endure. Deep inside, however, she had not given up. Not even close.Vandaulf might think he'd broken her, but what he didn't know was how far Lily would go to regain herself. He'd learn.He'd learn.The pulsing music flowed through the room as the rhythmic beat established the atmosphere, resonating in the large ballroom. Guests mingled and danced, filling the air with their laughter and faintly clinking glasses. Chandeliers sparkled like precious jewels, giving off a glittering glow against the ornate surroundings.But amidst the sea of polished faces, one woman stood apart. Lily.She strode into the ballroom as if she were a force o
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-17WHERE LIGHT MEETS DARK WHERE LIGHT MEETS DARK CHAPTER 5
The sun's rays flowing from the great windows of the hotel lobby poured onto the marble floor like golden rain. Lily sat very still on one of the soft armchairs, her hands folded neatly over her knees. She looked precisely the picture of a demure, dutiful bride: soft features that framed the gentle waves of her hair; her dress modestly and impeccably cut. There was nothing of the boldness that had characterized her scant hours ago.Vandaulf entered the lobby, walking with purpose, his face inscrutable. It was the sort of man who drew attention without doing much of anything. The sharp angles of his tailored suit cut the air around him as keenly as the edge on a fine knife. His eyes, glacial and analytical, raked over the room, paused on Lily, and passed on.He approached her with measured steps, a faint smile playing on his lips. It was a smile that could have passed as charming to an unknowing observer, but Lily knew better—it was a performance, just like everything else about him."
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-22WHERE LIGHT MEETS DARK WHERE LIGHT MEETS DARK CHAPTER 6
"Thank you, Mrs. Carlston," Lily said softly, but with conviction. "Lovely to be here."Helen's lips narrowed into a smile. "Mrs. Carlston for now, dear. But soon, I expect you to call me Grandmother.""Of course," Lily murmured, dipping her head respectfully.Vandaulf had been silent throughout the exchange but stepped forward. "Mother," he said with a sharp voice. "Everything all right?""Naturally," Helen replied, cool tones dripping from every word. She pointed toward the great entrance. "The staff has prepared everything for Lily's transition into the household. Don't you fret.""I wasn't worried," Vandaulf said, pushing past her toward the doors.Helen's eyes narrowed a little as she watched her son, then returned to Lily. "You must be tired from the journey," she said, though there was no warmth in her tone. "Come, I'll show you to your rooms."Lily followed Helen into the mansion, her steps light and deliberate. It was big Mansion more extravagant than outside, with soaring
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WHERE LIGHT MEETS DARK WHERE LIGHT MEETS DARK CHAPTER 107
Her eyes lingered.Or the illusion of it, Lily guessed."To your courage," Brenna finished, lifting her glass, "and to your love—may it always be wiser than your fear."No mistaking the gravity of those words. Not for Vandaulf. Not for Lily.They lifted their glasses.And for a while, all was laughter and smooth jazz, candlelight and stolen glances. But under the table, Vandaulf grasped her hand—and when he tightened his fingers, she knew. The question he wasn't asking.Who are you, truly, Lily?For since the hospital, since the truth almost shattered the glass walls between them, he had known something lingered—unspoken. Unhealed.She leaned into him, kissed his cheek, and breathed, "Let's slip away."His eyes widened, surprised, but curious. "To where?"Vandaulf smiled as the emcee's voice boomed mock-seriously through the speakers, breaking the spell between them."Hep hep! The party isn't over yet! Get the couple out to the dance floor again!" he boomed in mock gravity. The crowd
WHERE LIGHT MEETS DARK WHERE LIGHT MEETS DARK CHAPTER 106
The officiant smiled at the best man, who produced the rings."Those rings serve as a symbol of the unending circle of love. Let them always symbolize the pledge you have given here today."Vandaulf put the ring on Lily's finger."With this ring, I thee wed."Lily mimicked the gesture, putting the ring on Vandaulf's finger."With this ring, I thee wed."The golden ring shone as Lily's trembling fingers forced it onto Vandaulf's palm. It shone like a promise not sworn in gold but in fire, in tears, in forgiveness. In love that had clawed its way out of devastation.Their palms stayed—his bigger, balancing hers, their fingers intertwining in a grasp that felt the world narrowing to them alone.The officiant smiled, voice rich with fervor."Lily and Vandaulf, before your family and friends, before the spirits which watch over you, you have said the words and performed the rituals that are binding your hearts to each other in marriage. By virtue residing in me—" she smiled lovingly at the
WHERE LIGHT MEETS DARK WHERE LIGHT MEETS DARK CHAPTER 105
In the daylight, she was not the one who wore a mask to hide secrets behind her smile.No.She was Lily James.The last of her line.And tomorrow… she would be Lily Carlston.A soft knock echoed against the door."Come in," she said.Brenna entered, bearing a silver tray with a teacup and a plate of calming herbs. "Couldn't sleep either, could you?"Lily turned to her. "No. It's as if it's all too loud. My heartbeat. The silence. The stars outside."Brenna put the tray down on the table and pulled in the chair. "That's how I felt the night before I married your grandfather. Like the entire world knew that I was on the precipice of something enormous.""Was it a good marriage?" Lily whispered, her voice soft. True.Brenna's smile weakened, then smiled again with a weight of remembering in her eyes. "It was. messy. But it was mine. We broke and we fixed. We promised and broke promises. But always we came back to one another." She took Lily's hand. "Love is never kind. Sometimes it comes
WHERE LIGHT MEETS DARK WHERE LIGHT MEETS DARK CHAPTER 104
"Seriously," Helena said with a wicked grin, "we were just checking if you two had passed out hugging each other or eloped early."Brenna, stifling her giggles behind a silk handkerchief, contributed, "But this is better. You two are adorably sweet."Lily gently groaned and buried her face in Vandaulf's chest. "They were watching us?"Helena sauntered in, her hand waving. "Not watching. Observing. Appreciating. Lightly judging.""You two are impossible," Vandaulf grumbled, but his lips lifted into a helpless grin.Brenna advanced, wiping a thumb under Lily's tear-stained eye. "Darling, don't cry so much. You'll dehydrate before the ceremony even begins.""I wasn't crying," Lily whispered, obviously lying.Oh, sweetheart," Helena said, chuckling as she stood on her cane. "Don't lie to women who've cried in wedding dresses. We know the blotchy glow.""I should have locked the door," Lily growled."But then we would've missed this perfect little scene," Brenna winked. "The pendant… the v
WHERE LIGHT MEETS DARK WHERE LIGHT MEETS DARK CHAPTER 103
The sun poured into the bridal suite in liquid gold, its warm, forgiving light bathed all it touched. Dust motes floated serenely in the beams of light that poured in through the high French windows. Below the chandelier, Lily stood on a minute circular dais, her breath suspended, her gaze locked on the mirror opposite her.The dress glowed as moonlight did—silk and lace embroidered into poetry. It clung to her contours with grace, flowing down her legs like a liquid and lighting up with fire in every move."Stand still, darling," panted the seamstress, bent over Lily's feet. Her fingers flew rapidly, tugging on the hem, pinching intermittently."I am trying," Lily panted, eyes fuzzy, voice quivering. "It just does not seem true."Brenna swept in without knocking, her entrance as gentle as a lullaby. She stood in the doorway, her breath caught."Oh, Lily," she said, placing a hand on her chest. "You look like. you emerged from a dream."Lily moved her head, eyes shining with unshed te
WHERE LIGHT MEETS DARK WHERE LIGHT MEETS DARK CHAPTER 102
The post-engagement days were a fantasy woven out of strands of golden sunlight and gentle laughter. The Carlston Estate, foreboding and dark, was now radiant. It pulsed with purpose—florists dashing along hallways with arms loaded with ivory roses, tailors darting to and from with packages of silk draped over their arms, and cooks darting back and forth with taste-test plates that sent fragrant odors wafting through the air. There was laughter once more. There was music. There was hope.And in the midst of it all—Lily and Vandaulf.“You’re breathing too loud,” Lily muttered without looking up from her sketchpad, a pencil tucked behind her ear, the other in her hand, tapping against the paper.“I’m literally just existing,” Vandaulf replied from the couch, watching her from over a stack of fabric swatches. “You’re the one judging ribbon samples like they hold state secrets.”"Yes, they do keep state secrets," she told him sternly, holding two very similar champagne-colored swatches in
WHERE LIGHT MEETS DARK WHERE LIGHT MEETS DARK CHAPTER 101
Morning sunlight streamed through the Carlston house windows, bathing the stone floors in a warm golden glow once filled with power, secrets, and tears. But now, the quiet was serene. The war was over. Brigs Carlston had died. The ghosts were serene. And life—sweet, still life—started to take back its space again.At the heart of the estate garden in which sorrow previously grew like weeds, now blossoming roses graced that space.Vandaulf was among them.His eyes also looked for her simultaneously. Lily sat beneath the ancient tree where she had fled from the world. Her dark black hair fell down the sides of her shoulders like ink, and a half-opened journal lay across her lap. She wasn't writing anymore—just sitting with it. Remembering, maybe. Letting go.He swallowed hard. His heart pounded harder, the moment in his chest balancing like gravity."She deserves better," he whispered.“I’d say she deserves everything,” a familiar voice teased gently behind him. Vandaulf whirled, surpr
WHERE LIGHT MEETS DARK WHERE LIGHT MEETS DARK CHAPTER 100
James & Monroe Holdings, Boardroom – Friday MorningThe lift moved slowly as if delayed by frost to reach its forty-eight floor. Lily was quite alone. She wore a black turtleneck blouse, a buttoned, cream-colored placket displayed with black trousers.A blazer fit close to her, arms rolled back in a casual fashion to expose the monogrammed cufflinks belonging to her father.Her hair was pulled back in a neat, every inch of her person assembled.Her fingers were shaking.Not out of fear.Out of anticipation.The instant the elevator doors slid open with a gentle chime, the hallway fell silent, as if the building itself acknowledged who now filled its corridors. Assistants looked up from their desks. Phones ceased ringing. Men in suits halted their conversations.The heir had come home.Vandaulf moved beside her in silence, one step behind. He was not here to make speeches on her behalf.He was present to see her reclaim all that had been taken.They approached the dark mahogany doors of
WHERE LIGHT MEETS DARK WHERE LIGHT MEETS DARK CHAPTER 99
The gates of the James estate slowly swung open, leading to the curved, winding driveway lined with cypress trees that reached as high as the sky. The morning sun filtered through their leaves, casting golden spangles on the pavement. It was the same. And nothing was the same.Lily stepped out of the dark car, the gravel beneath her boots grinding. Her heart pounded in her chest, loaded with memory and significance. Vandaulf stood behind her in silence, letting her take it all in. It was sixteen years ago.The house stood like a sleeping giant—regal, proud, un touched since the world shattered. Ivy crawled up its stone front, and several of the windows were shrouded in mist, but it was still beautiful. Still hers.Brenna moved out of her way, the wind whipping clumps of her silver hair. "Your father designed every aspect of this house. Every beam, every tile, every windowpane. he wanted it to last for generations."Lily felt a wave of emotions. Tears filled her eyes as she tried to s
