The Harper estate was as imposing as ever, with its grand marble pillars and sweeping driveway. Lila sat in the quiet of her father’s study, the dark oak furniture and soft hum of the clock on the wall amplifying the tension in the air. Across from her, James Harper regarded her with the same piercing gaze he always used when he wanted to push her into a decision.


    “You should attend the charity gala tomorrow evening,” he said finally, his tone leaving little room for argument.


    Lila crossed her arms, leaning back in the plush leather chair. “I’m not sure that’s a good idea,” she replied evenly. “It’s been years since I’ve been to one of these events, and honestly, I don’t see the point.”


    James sighed, removing his glasses and setting them on his desk. “The point, Lila, is to remind people that you’re still a part of this family. The Harper name carries weight, and while you’ve chosen to live your… simpler life, people talk. It wouldn’t hurt to remind them of who you are.”


    She stiffened, her father’s words cutting deeper than she wanted to admit. “Who I am?” she repeated. “You mean a Harper heiress?”


    James didn’t answer right away, his expression softening slightly. “I know things have been hard for you lately. I’m not saying this to punish you, Lila. I just think it’s time you stop hiding.”


    “Hiding?” Her voice rose slightly, frustration bubbling to the surface. “I wasn’t hiding, Dad. I was building a life that wasn’t dictated by the Harper name, one that I wanted.”


    “And look where that’s gotten you,” a sharper voice cut in. Lila turned to see her mother, Victoria Harper, sweeping into the room. Clad in a perfectly tailored dress, she was the picture of composure and authority.


    “Victoria,” James said in warning, but she ignored him.


    “Lila, your little experiment in living a normal life has clearly backfired,” Victoria continued, her tone clipped. “You’re back here, aren’t you? That should tell you everything you need to know.”


    Lila’s jaw clenched. “I came back because I needed space. Not to rejoin the circus.”


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    Victoria smirked, her perfectly manicured hand resting on the edge of the desk. “Call it what you will, darling, but you can’t run forever. The gala is tomorrow, and you will be there. Nathan will escort you. It’s non-negotiable.”


    Lila opened her mouth to argue, but Nathan’s voice came from the doorway, calm and steady. “She doesn’t need to be forced into this, Mom.”


    Her older brother stepped inside, his broad shoulders and confident stride commanding attention. He shot Lila a sympathetic look before turning his focus to their parents.


    “I’ll go with her,” Nathan said. “If she wants to leave early, we’ll leave early. But this is her decision.”


    Victoria looked less than pleased, but James nodded, his tone final. “That settles it. Lila, you’ll go. It’s time to remind people of your place in the world.”


    Lila bit back a retort, feeling cornered. She glanced at Nathan, who gave her a small, reassuring nod. She sighed, resigning herself to the inevitable. “Fine. I’ll go. But only for a few hours.”


    ---


    The next evening, Lila stood in front of the floor-length mirror in her suite, smoothing her hands over the sleek black gown she had chosen. The fabric clung to her frame elegantly, the understated design a deliberate choice to avoid drawing too much attention. Her hair fell in soft waves around her shoulders, and her makeup was minimal, accentuating her natural beauty.


    Nathan appeared in the doorway, adjusting the cufflinks on his tailored suit. “You look amazing,” he said with a small smile.


    “Thanks,” Lila murmured, her nerves bubbling under the surface.


    He stepped closer, his voice lowering. “Are you sure you’re ready for this? We don’t have to stay long. Just make an appearance, talk to a few people, and we’re out.”


    She met his gaze in the mirror, grateful for his support. “I’ll be fine,” she said, though she wasn’t sure she believed it.


    Nathan nodded and offered his arm. “Let’s get this over with, then.”


    Lila took a deep breath and looped her arm through his, bracing herself for the night ahead.


    ---


    When they arrived at the gala, the opulence of the event was almost overwhelming. The grand ballroom was bathed in golden light, the glittering chandeliers casting a warm glow over the sea of designer gowns and tailored tuxedos.


    As Lila and Nathan stepped onto the red carpet, the buzz of whispers followed them like a shadow. Cameras flashed, and reporters murmured among themselves, trying to identify the striking woman on Nathan Harper’s arm.


    “She’s stunning,” someone whispered.


    “Must be his girlfriend,” another voice speculated.


    Lila forced herself to keep her head high, her grip on Nathan’s arm tightening slightly. He leaned down and whispered, “Ignore them. You’re doing great.”


    She nodded, taking a steadying breath as they entered the ballroom.


    ---


    Across the room, Rowan Pierce adjusted his tie, his jaw tightening as Serena Hayes clung to his arm. Her laughter tinkled like glass, drawing the attention of several guests, but Rowan barely noticed. His eyes scanned the room, searching for something—or someone—he couldn’t admit to himself.


    Then he saw her.


    Lila stood near the bar, her hand resting lightly on Nathan’s arm as they talked with a small group of guests. She looked radiant, her smile soft and genuine, her black gown hugging her figure in all the right ways. Beside her, Nathan exuded charm and confidence, his hand lingering protectively at the small of her back.


    Rowan’s stomach churned. He recognized Nathan Harper immediately—one of the wealthiest and most influential investors in the city. His jaw tightened as jealousy flared, raw and consuming. Of course she’d moved on. Of course it would be with someone like him.


    “Looks like she didn’t waste any time,” Serena murmured, following his gaze. “Nathan Harper, huh? Guess we know her type, rich and powerful.”


    Rowan tore his eyes away, but the image of Lila and Nathan laughing together burned in his mind.