The email from her mother lingered in her inbox like a quiet whisper from the past. Lila stared at it for a moment longer before finally clicking it open.
> "Sweetheart, I have some big news. I'm getting married this weekend—to someone wonderful. His name is Travis Damaris. I can't wait for you to meet him. He has a son, Nico—he's a kind, handsome boy. I know you'll get along. I want you with me on this day. It means everything to me."
Her fingers trembled slightly as she lowered the phone. A lump formed in her throat—not from joy, but from memory.
She turned to the readers in her mind, as if to speak directly into their hearts.
"I never talk about my past. Because remembering hurts. My father, Gabrielle Clark, was... a monster. Behind closed doors, he made life hell for both me and my mom. There were nights I'd lie awake, praying for a miracle. And one day... the miracle came. He died. A drunk-driving accident. It should've brought relief. But the scars didn't fade. Not for either of us."
Now, Helena Kensington was choosing love again. And Lila? She was learning to breathe again.
The weekend came faster than she expected.
The ceremony was small but elegant. Helena glowed like she hadn't in years. And Travis—he was everything Gabrielle wasn't. Gentle. Respectful. Charming.
When Lila approached the couple, her mother wrapped her in a long, warm hug. "You look beautiful, darling," Helena whispered. "Thank you for coming."
Travis stepped forward and kissed her hand. "It's a pleasure, Lila. I've heard so much about you. I hope you know this is your home too—from now on."
Lila smiled, genuinely. "Thank you... Dad." The word tasted foreign, but warm.
They all sat together, talked, laughed. For a while, she felt safe.
As the afternoon waned, she rose to leave. Helena pulled her aside.
"You didn't get to meet Nico today. He had to fly out last-minute for a business emergency. But oh, sweetheart—you'll love him. He's so intelligent, so kind. And—well, he's quite the looker." Helena winked.
Lila blushed. "Mom, stop."
Helena grinned. "I'm just saying... don't be surprised if your heart skips a beat when you meet him."
Lila returned to her apartment feeling lighter. That peace, however, shattered in seconds.
She spotted a figure outside the building.
Astor.
He leaned against his sleek car, eyes on his phone. Waiting for someone.
Her heart leapt into her throat. She ducked behind another car, hoping he wouldn't notice. Minutes passed. Then—
"Ahem."
She froze.
Slowly, she turned. Astor stood there, smirking, arms crossed.
"Were you seriously hiding behind my car?" he said with a laugh.
"I... I thought you were someone else," she lied quickly.
"Liar." He stepped closer.
She tried to walk past, but he grabbed her wrist and pulled her back, gently but firmly. "You've been avoiding me."
"Astor, let go," she snapped.
He didn't. Instead, he backed her against the wall, lowering his head until their noses almost touched. "You slapped me. That was mean."
"You kissed me without permission," she shot back.
He smiled darkly. "And yet, you didn't push me away. Not immediately."
Her eyes narrowed. "You think this is a game?"
"No," he murmured, brushing her lips again. "But you taste like sin and honey—and I'm a man with a sweet tooth."
She slapped him again. Harder this time.
Astor chuckled, rubbing his jaw. "God, I love it when you fight back."
"I don't have time for this," she barked. "I want to focus on my life, not chase some twisted idea of romance!"
He raised a brow. "Then why did you leave these behind?"
He held up a folder of documents.
Embarrassed, she snatched them. "Thanks," she muttered, and fled upstairs.
Alone in her room, she buried her face in her hands. "Why did I even hide? Why did I slap him again? Ugh!"
But a tiny part of her—one she'd never admit to—was still trembling... from the kiss.
Days passed. Astor kept calling. Watching her. Sending her food she didn't ask for. Some nights, she'd find herself glancing at the security camera, knowing he was probably on the other end.
At work, Maya Sinclair became a close companion.
"So... is it true the boss is obsessed with you?" Maya teased over coffee.
Lila choked. "W-what?!"
"Come on, Lila. He stares at you like a starving man at a buffet."
John Green joined in. "Yeah. He never calls anyone up to his office except you. We all thought you were secretly his fiancée."
Lila rolled her eyes. "That man is a walking red flag."
"Hot red flag though," Maya whispered. "If I were you, I'd let him ruin my life just a little."
They all laughed. But Lila knew the truth was darker than they could guess.
That Friday, another email came from Helena.
> "Family dinner this Sunday. It's a must, honey. Nico will be there this time. You'll finally meet him!"
Lila stared at her reflection the evening of the dinner. The wine-red dress hugged her in all the right places. Hair perfect. Eyes glowing.
She didn't know what to expect.
But something in her gut whispered:
This dinner... will change everything.