Lila’s POV“SMILE,” Adrian murmured beside me. “This is your night.”The words sounded like instruction, not encouragement.I lifted my chin anyway as the doors to the east hall opened fully, light spilling out onto the front steps of the estate. Music drifted toward us, something classical and restrained, the kind of sound meant to signal wealth without joy. Inside, voices overlapped in careful conversation. Laughter arrived on cue, timed and polished.The estate board event had been Adrian’s idea.A “show of stability,” he had called it. A reminder to investors, trustees, and distant relatives that the Montgomery house remained composed despite loss. Despite rumors. Despite the will.Despite me.Adrian’s hand rested at the small of my back as we stepped inside. It pressed there, not quite painful, not quite gentle. A reminder of where I was
Last Updated : 2026-02-06 Read more