As Lily strolled the streets, her thoughts focused solely on getting revenge, the city lights glistened against the gloomy sky. Anger had taken root in her heart, burning hot and furious, but it still felt raw and bruised by the news. She had to do something. To ensure that Cassandra and Daniel experienced the repercussions of their treachery. Despite her desire to harm them, she was aware that meticulous planning was necessary. She couldn't allow her feelings to influence her decisions.
Lily's thoughts were racing as she sorted through the data she had discovered. Cassie. The key must have been hers. The lady Daniel had chosen to betray Lily with, or at least the one who had captured his heart. She was clueless as to why Cassandra had initially dated him. Did it feel like love? Or was it something more sinister and cunning? Lily was keen to find out even if she didn't yet have the answers.
Lily felt both exhilaration and fear at the prospect of facing Cassandra head-on. How would she respond? Would she say no? Would she make an effort to clarify? It made no difference. There was nothing to excuse what had occurred. But even if it meant going into the lion's den, Lily couldn't resist the need to confront the woman who had taken her husband.
Lily found herself standing outside the opulent art museum, where she knew Cassandra was attending an event, the night air chilling her skin. Rich parties, exclusive social circles, and pricey art were all things Cassandra had always appreciated. She would naturally be here, surrounded by luxury and wealth. Thinking about how easily Daniel had fallen for someone so different from the life they had shared, like Cassandra, made Lily's stomach turn.
After adjusting her jacket and inhaling deeply, Lily moved toward the door. She had no idea what to anticipate. An altercation? A scene? Or perhaps she would just observe the woman who had been instrumental in upending her world from a distance.
There were a lot of people in the gallery, and the sound of champagne glasses clinking and conversation filled the air. Lily searched the crowd for the woman who had caused all of this. Before long, she was able to identify her. Cassandra was standing next to a display, laughing with some well-known guests, and she looked stunning. Her beautiful outfit hugged her slim figure, and her long, red hair fell over her shoulders. There was no doubt that she was beautiful. However, Lily was not duped by the appearance. Now she was aware.
With a rush of adrenaline coursing through her veins, Lily's heart thumped in her chest. Something stopped her from confronting Cassandra head-on and exposing her for who she was. Rather, she remained concealed in the darkness, observing. Making calculations. Taking note.
She was tapped on the shoulder at that moment.
Lily turned quickly and saw a set of sharp blue eyes. Blake, Ethan. Cassandra's sibling. The man she'd always found mysterious. He was distinct from his sister, even though he shared her keen features. Something more powerful. He stared at her for a moment longer than he should have, as if he was attempting to locate her.
"You mean Lily Harper?" He had a nice, slightly inquisitive voice.
Lily felt a knot in her stomach. She hadn't anticipated his approach. Although they had occasionally crossed paths at social gatherings, they weren't particularly close. Nevertheless, she gave him a forced smile in an attempt to hide the strain within herself.
"That's correct," she said calmly, making herself stand up straight. "You must be Ethan Blake, too."
Ethan nodded slightly, but his eyes remained fixed on hers. "I've heard great things about you."
Uncertain of what he meant by it, Lily arched an eyebrow. "Really?"
He lowered his voice and leaned in slightly, grinning. "Not everything positive."
Lily didn't flinch even though her stomach constricted. "I'm positive."
She turned to face Cassandra, who was still talking to someone on the other side of the room. Ethan stared after her, his face unreadable.
Ethan said in a slightly different tone, "I didn't expect you to show up tonight." "Why have you come here?"
In an attempt to regain her composure, Lily inhaled deeply. "I considered looking at the show. Why? Is it forbidden?
He gave a casual shrug. "Not at all. But considering everything, I'm shocked.
Lily's heart started to rush as she narrowed her gaze. "What does 'everything' mean to you?"
Ethan laughed quietly, as if he were privy to a secret she was not. I thought you were wiser than this, Lily, you know. However, I suppose I was mistaken.
Anger flickered behind her eyes as her chest constricted. "I don't know if I understand."
Something darker briefly appeared in Ethan's eyes as his smile dimmed. Cassie has experienced a lot, you know. Perhaps you should reconsider making things worse for her.
Lily's blood froze. This was not the kind of encounter she had anticipated. What are you trying to say?
Ethan lowered his voice to a whisper and leaned closer. "Lily, exercise caution. You're not sure what you're getting into.
Unspoken tension permeated the words that hovered between them. Just the two of them stood there, ensnared in a wordless challenge as if the entire room had vanished into the distance.
Lily was furious, but she controlled herself. She had no intention of being intimidated by Ethan. But beyond the surface, something else moved as she gazed at him. There was no denying their connection—tense, electric, and razor-sharp. She was drawn to him in a peculiar way that she couldn't ignore.
She stepped back a little and remarked calmly, "I'll take that as a warning."
A half-smile formed on Ethan's lips. "Take it as one."
Lily pushed herself to concentrate on the task at hand and turned away. However, she couldn't get rid of the impression that this interaction was just the start of something far more intricate.
New questions swirled in her mind as she made her way to the exit. In reality, who was Ethan Blake? And why had he stepped in this evening? Had he always been aware of the affair? Or was he just being self-serving?
One thing was certain despite the elusive answers: the road ahead would be far more difficult than she had initially thought.