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I shake my head in confusion. “Then why did you want to arrange a marriage for me?”
“Because we saw how closed off you were to love, and we thought that once you were settled down with a nice woman, the love between the two of you might blossom. It seemed the best option at the time.”
I study her. “But it’s not now?”
She returns my level gaze. “The circumstances have changed. Lily has entered your life.”
I sigh. “No. Not like that. Lily…”
But I can’t finish the sentence. Under my mother’s appraising, honest gaze, it’s becoming increasingly harder to lie to myself.
I’m not the person I was when this whole charade began. I’ve morphed, changed into a man who is thinking and feeling things he never thought were possible.
“You love her.” My mother’s words are soft. “I see you denying it, but the truth is there. You might be afraid of love, but don’t let that fear cause you to miss out on something amazing.”
Her words resonate within me, as if a long-dormant chord has been struck. I can’t deny the truth in what she’s saying; the thought of being vulnerable and admitting my feelings for Lily terrifies me.
But deep down, I’ve known all along how much she means to me. How could I not, when every memory of Albavarre seems to hold her laughter, her warmth, her spirit?
I swallow hard. “You’re right, Mother. I should have done everything in my power to keep Lily. And now… it might already be too late. She ended the engagement. She told me she can’t do it anymore.”
“Nothing is impossible, my son.” My father places a reassuring hand on my shoulder. “If Lily is truly the one for you, then fight for her. Show her how much she means to you, and don’t let anything stand in your way.”
Their faith in me sends a surge of determination coursing through my veins. I may have made mistakes, but I refuse to let those define my future. I will do whatever it takes to win Lily back, to prove my love for her, to create the family we both deserve.
“Thank you,” I whisper, my gratefulness spilling over as I embrace them both.
As I pull away, I can see the pride in their eyes, and it only strengthens my resolve. My heart races with anticipation; time is of the essence, and I cannot afford to waste another moment.
CHAPTER 27
LILY
Piano music drifts through the ballroom as I step out onto the marble floor. Tonight is my latest fundraiser, and while I prefer to work directly with the kids at my charity, I know how important these glitzy galas are for attracting new benefactors and raising funds for specific targets — this time, a new community center.
My silver gown sparkles under the lights, its delicate beading shimmering like thousands of tiny stars. The room buzzes with laughter and conversation as people dressed to the nines mingle and sip champagne from crystal flutes. I take a deep breath, inhaling the scent of roses that adorn the tables, and feel a surge of determination. This will be a successful night.
It has to be.
“Lily!” a familiar voice calls.
I turn to see Meg striding toward me in a deep red dress.
“You made it!” I hug her.
“You know I wouldn’t miss it for anything.” She scans the room. “You’ve done a wonderful job organizing this.”
“Thank you.” A blush creeps across my cheeks, but I try to brush it off.
There’s no time for modesty tonight. As crass as it seems, I need to focus on encouraging people to open their wallets.
As I make my rounds, greeting familiar faces and thanking them for their support, I marvel at how many people have come together for this cause.
My parents stand by my side, the perfect picture of high-society grace, as they chat amiably with some of their influential friends. I know they’re proud of me, and it warms my heart.
“Isn’t this just wonderful, darling?” my mother gushes, her arm looped through my father’s. “I knew you’d pull it off.”
“Thanks, Mom.” I try to sound casual despite the swell of emotion threatening to overwhelm me.
