Semua Bab Love Lies and Deceit: Bab 41 - Bab 50

* Julliane *Even though I had carefully chosen the perfect dress for my wedding with Lance, the one that felt like it had whispered my name from the rack, Fany, the designer, had insisted I try on a few more gowns. She wanted to be certain I wouldn't have a last minute change of heart. It was her art, after all, and she approached it with the passion of a sculptor fine tuning their masterpiece.Despite my firm decision, she paraded in gown after gown, each more ornate and dazzling than the last, as if hoping one might sway me. Much to my discomfort, my mother had planted herself in the plush armchair by the full-length mirrors, her critical eyes sweeping over every option. She clucked her tongue at the intricate lace of one dress, scrunched her nose at the delicate pearl beading of another, and sighed audibly at the sheer panels of yet another, her opinions as sharp as her manicured nails on her lap."Oh, this one is too plain," my mother said, her voice carrying that unmistakable no

* Julliane *There was still about a month to go before the wedding when the jeweler arrived at Magnolia Manor with the ring samples. The afternoon sunlight streamed through the tall, arched windows, casting a warm, golden glow over the room as I sat beside Lance on the velvet settee. The air carried the faint, sweet scent of magnolias from the gardens outside, mingling with the subtle, rich aroma of polished wood and aged books.Lance leaned forward, his tall frame angled protectively toward me as the jeweler carefully laid out the rings on the low mahogany table. The velvet boxes snapped open one by one, revealing a dazzling array of white gold bands set with tiny diamonds that shimmered like captured starlight.Lance reached over and took my hand, his touch warm and firm, his thumb tracing gentle circles over my knuckles. "How do you feel about these rings, sweetheart?" he asked, his eyes flicking from the rings to my face, searching for my reaction.I followed his gaze, noting th

* Julliane *That evening, I felt a warm flicker of contentment as Lance managed to come home early. It was a small, unexpected joy, the kind that settled in the chest and lingered, comforting like the last light of day through the stained glass windows in the hallway. It was rare for us to have these quiet, unhurried family dinners, the kind that felt almost like a forgotten luxury in a house too often filled with unspoken words and echoes of past conflicts.Penny, the youngest in the family, was already seated at the long, polished mahogany table, her small frame dwarfed by the high-backed chair. Her legs swung gently beneath the table, toes barely brushing the floor, a silent reminder of her youth in this house of high expectations. Her nanny sat beside her, carefully adjusting the linen napkin on Penny's lap, ensuring the little girl looked perfectly composed, as if this were some sort of unspoken expectation. "Hi there, Penny! You're here early, good girl," I said warmly, leani

* Julliane *I woke to the soft, lingering warmth of Lance's lips pressing gently against my forehead, his breath a tender whisper against my skin. The weight of his arm around my shoulders felt like a silent promise, grounding me in the midst of our chaos."Go home and get some sleep, sweetheart," he murmured, his voice a low, soothing rumble that stirred something deep in my chest.Blinking away the remnants of a fitful, couch bound slumber, I lifted my head, suddenly aware of the sterile, too bright hospital lights flickering above us. I hadn't realized I'd drifted off against his chest, comforted by the steady rise and fall of his breaths as we watched over Darren.I glanced at the clock on the wall, the fluorescent hands creeping toward dawn. "What time is it?""About five," he replied, running a tired hand through his hair. His sleeves were rolled up, revealing the faint trace of a day-old stubble along his jawline. "I called the driver a while ago. He's bringing me a change of

* Julliane *I wake up early the following morning, sunlight just beginning to seep through the sheer curtains of my bedroom, casting soft, golden patterns on the walls. I have a promise to keep, one made to my six-year-old sister Penny over dinner last night.After a quick shower, I step out of the bathroom, still towel drying my damp hair, only to find Penny already in my room. She stands by the doorway, her small frame almost bouncing with excitement, her phone in one hand and a tiny pink sling bag draped across her shoulder. She's dressed in a neat pair of jeans and a white blouse with little embroidered flowers, an outfit she likely picked out herself, determined to look her best."Good morning, Jullie!" she chirps, her voice bright and ringing through the room, cutting through the quiet morning air.I glance at the nanny, Aida, who stands a step behind her, a hint of apology in her eyes for allowing Penny to burst into my room unannounced. I offer a quick, understanding nod, not