Chapter 3

Behind Emory stood Leo and Ophelia. All three were dressed in matching shades of deep blue, looking for all the world like a real family. Ophelia clung to Emory’s arm, her other hand stroking Leo’s hair. A triumphant smile played on her lips, her eyes full of challenge as she looked at me.

"Sister Liliana," she cooed sweetly. "Leo's birthday wish is for me to stay in the main house tonight. You don't mind, do you?"

Leo bounced on his feet. "Yeah! I want to sleep with Daddy and Auntie Ophelia! Like a real family!"

Emory looked uncomfortable, but he didn't stop them.

"I don't mind," I said flatly.

Leo clapped his hands in delight. "Great! Our family of three can all sleep together!"

Ophelia feigned a shy glance downward. "Oh, Liliana, he's just a child. You can't be mad at him for speaking his mind, can you?"

But Emory didn't look pleased. He had expected me to scream and protest, giving him the chance to accuse me of "ruining our son's birthday."

I forced a smile. "Of course not. Make yourselves at home."

I couldn't stand the sight of their happy little charade any longer and turned to leave.

"Aren't you staying with us, Mommy?" Leo’s voice was probing.

"Didn't you say a family of three?" I said, looking back at him. "I'd only be in the way." With that, I went upstairs to the guest room.

Later that night, I stepped onto the balcony for some air. It was adjacent to the master bedroom's balcony, and I could see inside through the glass doors. Ophelia, dressed in a flimsy silk nightgown, was deliberately parading in front of Emory. Leo played his part, asking for a glass of water. As Ophelia bent over to pour it, the neckline of her gown gaped open.

"Leo, go get Auntie Ophelia a blanket," Emory's voice was tight.

Leo nodded obediently, then "accidentally" bumped into Ophelia. She stumbled right into Emory's arms, the thin silk strap sliding off her shoulder as her body pressed against his chest.

"I'm sorry, I'm so unsteady," she murmured, looking up at him with misty eyes. "It must be a side effect of the medicine." Her hand slid up to his chest, releasing a subtle, inviting scent.

Emory’s throat bobbed. His eyes darkened with heat.

I had no interest in watching their little show, but as I turned to leave, Emory caught my reflection in the glass door. He shoved Ophelia away and stormed onto the balcony.

"Liliana!" He grabbed my arm, his voice thick with shame and anger. "It's not what you think!"

"I'm not thinking anything," I said calmly. "What you do is none of my business."

"Stop pretending!" he snarled, his embarrassment turning to rage. "You were spying on us!"

"Emory, don't blame Sister Liliana," Ophelia cried, following him out with tears in her eyes. "It's all my fault, I shouldn't have..." She grabbed my hand. "I'll do anything, just please forgive me!"

"Bad mommy!" Leo rushed out too, shoving me hard. "Why are you bullying Auntie Ophelia? Go away!"

I was standing on the edge of the balcony. His push sent me stumbling backward. At that exact moment, Ophelia, who was still clinging to my hand, let her body go limp and fell with me.

"Emory, save me!" she shrieked in terror.

The second-floor balcony wasn't fatally high, but the fall would still cause serious injury. Without a second of hesitation, Emory bypassed me—the one closer to him—and lunged with an Alpha's speed to grab Ophelia's hand.

And I fell.