Page 43

Adam is quiet for a long moment, studying my face. When he speaks again, his voice is softer than it's been all evening.

"You're different when you talk about him," he observes. "More... certain. Like you've found something you didn't know you were looking for."

The insight hits me like a physical blow because it's true. Talking about Theo, thinking about that night and remembering the way he looked at me like I was precious, it does make me feel different. More myself than I've been in years.

Before I can respond, our car reaches the front of the line. A uniformed valet appears at Adam's window, all professional smiles and practiced efficiency.

"Good evening, sir. Welcome to Thornfield Palace. If you'll just step out, we'll take care of your vehicle."

The interruption breaks whatever spell had fallen over us, but this time it doesn't feel like a fracture. Instead, it feels like a moment to breathe before we continue a conversation that needs to happen but doesn't need to be finished tonight.

I gather my clutch and mask with steadier hands than I expected. The beaded purse no longer feels impossibly heavy, and my beautiful mask feels like armor I might actually be strong enough to wear.

As I climb out of the car, the cool evening air hits my skin, but instead of feeling alone and abandoned, I feel... hopeful. Because Adam isn't looking at me like I'm a stranger anymore. He's looking at me like I'm his best friend who's been through something difficult, someone who needs his support rather than his judgment.

Adam comes around to my side of the car, and this time he does offer me his arm with the gentle care he has always shown me.

"We're okay?" I ask quietly, needing to hear him say it.

"We're going to be okay," he says, and I can hear the promise in his voice. "I'm still scared for you, Belle. I'm still worriedabout what happens next. But we're going to figure it out together, like we always do."

Around us, other couples are ascending the grand staircase arm in arm, their voices carrying laughter and excitement. They all look like they belong here, like they were born for moments like this. Women in gowns that cost more than my monthly salary, men in tuxedos tailored to perfection, everyone moving with the easy confidence of people who've never had to question their place in the world.

For the first time tonight, I don't feel out of place among them.

Through the massive entrance doors, I can see glimpses of impossible opulence, and crystal chandeliers that throw rainbow light across marble floors, elaborate floral arrangements, guests moving through the space like dancers in some elaborate ballet.

This is still a world I don't really belong to, full of people who probably have more money than I'll ever see. But I'm not walking into it alone anymore. I have Adam beside me, and somewhere in that glittering palace might be the alpha who helped me through my darkest moment.

"Adam," I say as we approach the entrance, needing to tell him one more thing before we step into whatever tonight brings. "Thank you. For caring enough to be scared for me. For wanting to protect me even when you didn't know I needed protecting."

"That's what family does," he says simply, squeezing my arm gently. "And Belle? Next time you're in trouble, then you call me. Promise me."

"I promise," I say, and I mean it completely.

"Good. Now let's go see what all the fuss is about with this ball."

As we step across the threshold together, I realize that maybe the confidence I've been trying so hard to project isn't as fragile as I thought. Maybe it's been growing stronger all evening, fed byhonest conversation and the kind of friendship that can survive even the most difficult truths.

The mask on my face no longer feels like armor against judgment. It feels like an invitation to discover who I might become when I stop being afraid of taking up space.

And for the first time in just over a year, I'm excited to find out.

18

THE WILLOWBROOK CHRONICLE

Dearest Secrets-Seekers,

Tonight is the night, darlings! The Masquerade Ball at Thornfield Palace is finally upon us, and Lady Inkwell is positivelytremblingwith anticipation!

Our beloved librarians, Mr. Adam Chen and Miss Belle Hartwell, will be gracing the ballroom together as a couple, it is a development that has set tongues wagging across our fair town. One can only hope their literary romance translates beautifully to the dance floor.

Of course, Lady Inkwell has heard certainwhispersabout recent activities at our public library involving unexpected after-hours visitors, but a lady never tells tales about such delicate matters. Some secrets are simply too precious to share, even for this devoted chronicler of social happenings.

Tonight's guest list promises to be absolutely divine! Young Claire Mitchell from the flower shop, Dr. James Rodriguez, the charming Walsh twins, sweet Emma Thompson, and dear Jake Sullivan will all be in attendance. And let's not forget Mrs. Henderson's lovely niece, who's visiting from the city. Lady Inkwell has it on excellent authority that Cupid himself couldn't have orchestrated a more perfect opportunity for romance!

The palace will be absolutely magical tonight, and Lady Inkwell can hardly contain her excitement about the revelations that are sure to unfold when masks come off and true hearts are revealed.