Chapter 33: Was I seen?
As the party continued, Lila felt a mix of joy and anxiety. The atmosphere was electric, filled with laughter and the promise of new beginnings. Yet, beneath the surface, her heart raced with the weight of her secret. She had to keep her affair with Ethan hidden, especially now that she was pregnant. The stakes had never been higher.
As the evening wore on, Lila found herself cornered by Eleanor, who had rejoined the festivities with a newfound determination. "Lila," she said, her voice dripping with false sweetness, "I hope you're enjoying the party. It must be nice to be the center of attention."
Lila forced a smile, her heart pounding. "Thank you, Eleanor. It's a wonderful celebration."
Eleanor leaned in closer, her eyes narrowing. "You know, I heard some interesting things about you and Ethan. It seems you two have been spending quite a bit of time together."
Lila's stomach dropped. "What are you talking about?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.
"Oh, just rumors," Eleanor replied, her tone casual but her eyes sharp. "You know how people talk. It's just that I saw you two in the garden earlier. It looked rather… intimate."
Lila's heart raced. "We were just talking," she insisted, her voice trembling slightly.
Eleanor smirked, clearly enjoying the discomfort she was causing. "Oh, come on! It was just a little accident," she said, stepping in front of her. "You don't have to be so rude."
Lila felt a surge of anger. "I am a perfect wife," she shot back, her voice firm. "And I don't need your approval."
Eleanor's smile widened, a predatory glint in her eyes. "Oh, I think you do. Especially with a baby on the way. You wouldn't want any scandals to tarnish your reputation, would you?"
Before Lila could respond, Alexander appeared, his expression brightening at the sight of her. "Lila! There you are! Come meet my uncle!" He took her hand, pulling her away from Eleanor.
As they walked away, Lila felt a mix of relief and dread. She had narrowly escaped a confrontation, but Eleanor's words echoed in her mind. The tension between them was palpable, and Lila knew she had to be more careful than ever.
Later that night, as the party began to wind down, Lila found herself alone in the garden, the cool night air refreshing against her skin. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart. Just then, her phone buzzed with a call from Ethan.
"Lila," he said, his voice low and urgent. "Are you still at the party?"
"Yes," she replied, glancing around to ensure no one was listening. "I'm outside in the garden."
"I was worried you might have left," Ethan said, his tone filled with concern. "I need to know if you're safe."
"I'm fine," Lila assured him, her heart racing at the sound of his voice. "But Eleanor is here, and she's been asking questions."
Ethan's voice turned serious. "You need to be careful. If she finds out about us, it could ruin everything."
"I know," Lila replied, her voice trembling slightly. "I can't let that happen. I can't lose Alexander, not now."
"Just promise me you'll be cautious," Ethan urged. "I can't protect you if you keep putting yourself in danger."
"I will," Lila promised, her heart heavy with the weight of their secret. "I have to go. I'll talk to you later."
As she hung up, Lila felt a mix of relief and determination. She had narrowly escaped a confrontation, but she was resolute in her commitment to her family and the life she was building with Alexander. The night continued, and Lila focused on enjoying the celebration, determined to embrace the joy of the moment and the love surrounding her.