Money

Just as Lilia's father was about to speak again, a knock on the car window interrupted him. He rolled it down, revealing a chauffeur standing outside. The man nodded politely, his well-tailored suit and pristine uniform exuding an air of elegance and authority.

The interruption did nothing to ease Lilia's nerves. She sat stiffly, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. No one had needed to tell her outright that it was time for her to leave for her new home—her unexpected, out-of-the-blue new home. If anyone had asked her, she would have called this a flash engagement.

But who would ask her? Who would care?

Lilia knew better than to place the blame on anyone but herself. She had been the one to point at him at the ball. She had sealed her fate with a single, foolish gesture. Her own hands had dug this grave.

And now, here she was, being given away without so much as a second thought by the people who were supposed to protect her. She didn't need anyone to spell out the truth: her father had agreed to this arrangement for one reason only—to protect his precious public image. He couldn't let this opportunity slip through his fingers.

It wasn't just about appearances, though. Her father had seen something else in Zethan—something he knew he couldn't find in anyone else. Power. Command. Wealth. The kind of wealth that opened doors her father had only dreamed of.

Lilia's chest tightened as she thought about the business deals her father would soon boast about. How many influential people had he already met because of this engagement? She didn't want to know.

Her father's faint smile broke through her thoughts as he addressed the chauffeur. "She'll be there in a minute," he said.

The chauffeur nodded but didn't move. He stood tall, his posture unyielding, like a soldier waiting for orders.

Her father turned to her next, his tone clipped and emotionless. "You may go."

Lilia stiffened. Was that it? Was that all he could muster? A curt dismissal, devoid of even the slightest hint of affection. The love she had once believed he had for her now seemed like a cruel joke.

It wasn't her mother's coldness that stung the most—it was this. Her father's indifference. She realized now that his kindness had only ever been conditional, tied to the engagement she was supposed to have with Lowell.

A bitter smile tugged at her lips as her mother spoke, her instructions vague and unimportant. Lilia barely registered the words, but she caught the sharpness in her father's whisper as he leaned closer.

"Don't do anything foolish once you get there. Follow your husband-to-be's orders. He will treat you well. After all, what else is better than money?"

Lilia blinked, trying to process what she'd just heard. Was her father serious? Did he think this was the time to talk about money?

Her mother, ever the silent accomplice, said nothing.

Lilia's bitter smile deepened. No goodbye. No words of comfort or reassurance. Nothing. What more had she expected? A hug? A promise that things would get better? She bit her lip hard, willing herself not to cry. She had to wake up from her foolish dreams. This was her reality now.

Steeling herself, Lilia stepped out of the car. The chauffeur was already waiting, his hand outstretched to guide her toward the sleek black car parked nearby. Its glossy exterior reflected the dim light, making it look almost otherworldly.

As she slid into the back seat, she was greeted by the sight of a woman sitting elegantly on the other side. The woman wore a black gown, far too sophisticated to be a typical maid's uniform. Her presence was commanding, her polished appearance unnerving.

"Good evening, Miss Lilia," the woman said with a practiced smile. "My name is Evie. I'm your assistant. I'll always be by your side if you need anything."

Lilia studied her quietly. Evie's hair was styled into a sleek bun, every strand perfectly in place. Her face, though serene, carried an air of professionalism that bordered on intimidating.

Lilia couldn't help but wonder if beauty was a prerequisite for working under Zethan. The chauffeur was handsome, and now this assistant was just as striking. Did Zethan surround himself with people who looked perfect? But why did she even care?

She quickly shook the thought away. There were more important things to worry about. She had to find a way out of this mess. But how? Where would she go? She had no one. Running away would mean being homeless.

Would that be a better fate than staying with Zethan?

Maybe…

No, Lilia. You must escape tonight.

Her fists clenched at the thought. She couldn't wait. Tomorrow night was their engagement, and the last thing she wanted was to be tied to a man she barely knew—a man her mother had once described as dangerous. The same man she had been slapped for mentioning was now the one her parents were pushing her toward.

Turning to Evie, Lilia asked, "If I may ask, is Mr. Zethan traveling in a different car?"

Evie's polite smile didn't falter. "I'm not certain of Mr. Zethan's personal arrangements, Miss. That isn't my area of responsibility."

Of course. What had she expected?

The car began to move, and Lilia stared out the window, trying to memorize the unfamiliar streets and landmarks. If she was going to escape, she needed to know where she was. But the world outside was foreign to her, a blur of lights and shadows. Her parents had kept her so sheltered, homeschooling her and escorting her everywhere, that she hardly knew her way around.

Her reflection in the glass caught her attention. It seemed to mock her, the word "useless" echoing in her mind. Was she really that powerless? That unprepared for the life she was being forced into?

She let out a small sigh, barely audible, but Evie noticed.

"Miss Lilia, are you alright?" Evie asked, her tone gentle yet professional.

Lilia nodded quickly, forcing a smile. "I'm fine, just tired," she replied, her voice soft and unconvincing.

Evie nodded in return, her expression unreadable.

"If you're worried about your belongings," Evie continued, "I assure you that everything you need has already been provided at the mansion. If there's anything else you require, you can tell me, and I'll arrange it for you immediately. There's no need to worry."

Lilia almost laughed at the absurdity of it all. Her belongings? That was the least of her concerns. She smiled bitterly but said nothing, unsure of how to respond.

It was then that she realized she was still wearing her mask from the ball. The event was long over; there was no reason to keep it on. As she reached up to remove it, Evie spoke again.

"We'll take you to your room tonight so you can rest properly, Miss Lilia. It's important for you to look your best for tomorrow's engagement party."

Look her best. Of course, they wanted her to look perfect—for a party she didn't even want. Lilia nodded absently, finally removing the mask and setting it aside.

For a brief moment, Evie's composed expression faltered. Her eyes widened slightly, betraying a flicker of surprise. She quickly regained her composure, her face once again calm and unreadable.

Lilia noticed the reaction but misunderstood its cause. She assumed Evie was reacting to the mark on her face—a mark left by her mother's slap.

She smiled faintly, the bitterness in her heart growing heavier. You don't have to worry, she told herself. I'll look my best—for my escape.

Her decision was final. Tomorrow would never come. She would leave before anyone could stop her.