Lila Connors stood in front of the ornate mirror in her childhood bedroom, her reflection a blur of cream and gold, her heart pounding in her chest. She adjusted the delicate veil that hung over her head, her fingers trembling slightly. Tonight was supposed to be the culmination of everything she'd ever dreamed of; a perfect engagement to Aiden Steele, the man she'd been dating for over three years, the man she loved with all her heart.
The bedroom door creaked open behind her, and Lila turned to find her mother, Elizabeth, standing there, her eyes shining with pride. "You look stunning, sweetheart," Elizabeth murmured, coming to join her. "Aiden is a lucky man."
Lila forced a smile, trying to mask the gnawing unease in her stomach. "Thank you, Mom."
"Are you okay, Lila? You seem… distracted."
"I'm fine, Mom. Just a little nervous, I guess." Lila turned back to the mirror, avoiding her mother's searching gaze. In truth, she wasn't nervous about the proposal itself; she was terrified of what the night might bring after.
Elizabeth stepped closer, wrapping her arms around Lila's shoulders. "Everything is going to be perfect tonight, darling. Aiden is the best thing that's ever happened to you."
Lila nodded, her voice catching. "I know, Mom. I just… I'm worried something might go wrong."
Her mother's brows furrowed. "Lila, what is it? You're not having second thoughts, are you?"
"No," Lila said quickly, shaking her head. "Of course not. I love Aiden and I want this. I just…" She sighed, trying to put her worries into words. "It feels like there's something hanging over us tonight."
Elizabeth's expression softened. "Lila, sweetie, it's just jitters. You're overthinking things. Just enjoy the night."
Lila forced another smile, nodding. "You're right, Mom. It's just nerves."
As the two women descended the grand staircase into the dimly lit ballroom, Lila's heart thundered louder. The space was filled with people, the air thick with laughter and the clinking of glasses. She spotted Aiden across the room, looking dashing in his dark suit, his eyes alight with excitement.
Lila's gaze flickered beyond him to another figure—a man standing by the tall glass doors that led out to the terrace. Damon Steele. Aiden's older brother. The last person she wanted to see tonight. He was a striking man, tall and impeccably dressed, his sharp features darkened by an unreadable expression.
Lila quickly averted her eyes, forcing herself to focus on Aiden. "There he is," she said with a forced smile, trying to ignore the knot in her stomach. "Aiden looks so handsome, doesn't he?"
Elizabeth beamed. "He does. And you look beautiful together."
Lila nodded, plastering a smile on her face as they approached Aiden. Her mind was racing—Aiden's father had called this engagement party, and Lila knew it wasn't just a celebration of their love. It was about cementing the Steele family's power and influence, about securing a future for Aiden in the Steele Empire.
"Lila! Elizabeth!" Aiden beamed as he approached, his eyes shining with excitement. "You both look stunning."
"Thank you, Aiden," Elizabeth said warmly, giving him a brief hug. "We're so proud of you both."
Aiden's gaze turned to Lila, his smile widening. "Ready for the night, babe?"
Lila nodded, her smile a little more genuine this time. "Ready."
They exchanged another quick hug, and then Aiden took her hand, leading her into the heart of the room. "Let's make this night special, okay?"
Lila's heart ached as she glanced back at Damon, who was now staring at her with an intensity that made her stomach churn. Why was he here? And why did he have to look at her like that—like he knew something she didn't?
The night passed in a blur. Aiden was the perfect gentleman, introducing her to his family and friends, showering her with compliments, making her feel like the center of attention. But Lila's mind kept drifting back to Damon. Why did he look at her like that? Like she was the one who didn't belong.
The evening hit its peak when Aiden led Lila onto the dance floor. "May I have this dance, my beautiful fiancée?" he murmured, his voice low and smooth.
Lila smiled, trying to ignore the tightening in her chest. "Of course."
They danced slowly to a soft ballad, Aiden's arms warm around her waist, his smile bright. "You're everything I've ever wanted, Lila. I'm so lucky to have you."
Lila's smile faltered slightly. "Thank you, Aiden. I feel the same way."
His expression softened. "I can't wait to marry you. To start our life together."
Lila's heart skipped a beat, her stomach twisting. Was she making the right choice? Was this all just a façade? She glanced over Aiden's shoulder, her eyes meeting Damon's across the room. His expression was unreadable, his eyes dark and stormy. There was something there—something Lila couldn't quite place.
The song ended, and Aiden pulled back, his eyes searching hers. "Are you okay, Lila?"
"Yeah," she lied, forcing a smile. "Just… tired."
He nodded, squeezing her hand. "We should head home soon, then."
Lila's stomach churned. She didn't want the night to end, but she didn't want it to continue, either. Something was wrong—she could feel it. And then, the moment she'd been dreading arrived.
Aiden's father, Victor Steele, approached them, his expression hard. "Aiden. Lila. Can I have a word?"
Aiden's smile faded, and he nodded. "Of course, Dad."
Lila's heart sank as she followed them across the room to a quiet corner. Victor Steele's face was a mask of steel. "Aiden, I think it's time you met with Damon," he said, his voice low and commanding. "He's been waiting for this moment."
Aiden's eyes widened. "But, Dad, it's our engagement party. Can't this wait?"
Victor's jaw tightened. "No. It can't. Now."
Lila's stomach dropped as Aiden's hand tightened around hers. "Come on, Lila. We should go."
She nodded, her heart racing. What was happening? Why did Damon have to be here? And what did his presence mean for their future?
They found Damon standing by the terrace doors, his expression unreadable. "Damon," Aiden said, his voice tense. "This is Lila."
Damon's eyes flickered over her, his gaze cool and detached. "Lila."
Lila forced a smile, though her hands were trembling. "Nice to meet you."
Damon's lips curved into a slight, mocking smile. "Is it?"
Aiden shot him a warning look. "Damon, this is Lila. My fiancée."
Damon's eyes narrowed. "Is it?"
Aiden's jaw clenched. "What are you getting at, Damon?"
Damon's gaze shifted to Lila, his eyes darkening. "You don't belong here, Lila."
Lila's heart lurched. "What?"
Damon's smile widened. "You're not the one Aiden should be marrying. You're just a distraction."
Aiden's face flushed with anger. "Damon, that's enough. Leave Lila alone."
Damon's smile dropped, his eyes darkening. "You should have listened to me, Aiden. Lila isn't who you think she is."
Lila's stomach churned. What did Damon mean? And why was he looking at her like that, with such intensity?
Victor stepped forward, his expression cold. "Damon, that's enough. Lila is Aiden's fiancée. There's no room for your games here."
Damon's eyes flickered to Lila one last time, his expression unreadable. "Enjoy the night, Lila. While you still can."
With that, Damon turned and walked away, leaving Lila and Aiden standing in stunned silence.
Lila's heart pounded in her chest, her mind whirling. What had just happened? And why did Damon Steele look at her like he knew something she didn't?
The night seemed to stretch on forever after that, Lila and Aiden surrounded by laughter and celebration, but all Lila could think about was Damon's words. What did he mean? And why did his warning make her feel like everything she knew was about to crumble?