Page 25

As I’m led through the house, my footsteps echo down the hallways, the sound reminding me of how alone I feel here. A familiar ache settles in my chest, and all I can think about is Mom—her laugh, her hugs, the way she’d make even the darkest day feel lighter.
But Mom isn’t here. She hasn’t been part of this world for years.
When we reach a sitting room, I’m greeted by the sound of heels clicking sharply against the floor. A woman turns to face me, her eyes narrowing as she takes me in.
“Well,” she says, her voice clipped and haughty, “I suppose you’re Lila.”
I blink, caught off guard. She’s beautiful in a severe way, with dark hair pulled into a tight bun and cheekbones sharp enough to cut glass. Her dress is immaculate, her jewelry understated but clearly expensive.
“Hello,” I manage, my voice stiff.
She looks me up and down, her lips pressing into a thin line. “You’ve grown,” she says, though her tone makes it sound more like a complaint than an observation.
“Do I…know you?” I ask hesitantly.
“I’m Svetlana,” she replies, her tone icy. “Your father’s wife. Or have you forgotten?”
The words hit me like a slap. Of course I know who she is. The woman he married after the divorce. The woman my mom used to mutter about under her breath, her words laced with bitterness and pain.
“No,” I say, forcing a polite smile. “I haven’t forgotten.”
“Good,” she says, her eyes narrowing further. “Then you’ll know how important it is that you behave yourself. This wedding is about more than just you, Lila. It’s about the family.”
My jaw tightens, my fists clenching at my sides. “The family,” I repeat, my voice flat. “Right.”
She tilts her head, her smile sharp and insincere. “Your mother did a fine job raising you, I see.”
The mention of my mom makes my chest ache. I swallow hard, refusing to let Svetlana see how much her words sting.
“Speaking of family,” a familiar voice cuts in, and I turn to see my father entering the room. His expression is calm, as always, but there’s a weight behind his eyes that makes my stomach churn. “We need to discuss the wedding.”
My heart sinks. “The wedding?”
“Yes,” he says, his tone brisk. “It’s taking place tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow?” I repeat, my voice rising.
“Yes,” Svetlana says.
I glare at her, my chest tightening. “I need more time,” I say, turning back to my father. “You can’t just spring this on me.”
“It’s already decided,” he says firmly. “The arrangements have been made, and you’ll do as you’re told.”
Tears prick at my eyes, but I blink them back, refusing to let either of them see me break. “This isn’t fair,” I say, my voice trembling.
“Life isn’t fair, Lila,” my father replies. “You’d do well to remember that.”
The room falls into a tense silence.
I don’t belong here. I never have, and I never will.
As I leave the room, my chest aches with longing for my mom. I want her warmth, her reassurance, her reminder that I’m more than just a pawn in someone else’s game.
But she’s not here.
And tomorrow, my life is about to change forever.
I’m outside the chapel,waiting for the worst event of my life to begin.