he lake. Lily groaned softly, blinking her eyes open as the soft sunlight streamed through her white curtains.

inois' largest and most respected law firms. Her first day as a

, and her gaze fell on the sma

y Smit

s she whispered under her b

hts and all the tears that had

ugged her curves with effortless grace. Her dark hair, straightened to a glossy sheen, fell ov

look twice. It wasn't just her beauty; it was her quiet poise, the kind

e shop on the corner, she was off to work,

lss!

amiliar voice instantly. Only o

ed, her smile stretching wide as she saw

first day," Gillian said, brushing her curls out of her fac

artner of Barton & Myers had offered her the position, she'd agreed on

ith offers from several prestigious firms, but the jun

lding's glass doors, chatting and lau

ssions, and emotional breakdowns that sometimes ended in laughter, sometimes in tears. Gillian had been there when L

of it Gillia

ugh every breakdown, every lonely night, and the long silence that still lingered after her

r life was one she still

like a book she'd promised herself

greeted by the receptionist. "Ms. Smith? Ms.

leek furniture, and walls lined with awards and framed newspaper cl

area, Lily's excitement had doubled. One of

," he said with a professional sm

hrumming with a mix of thrill

ed in her bag. She sighed a

same

r the screen. For a mome

st maybe i

e'd made it, that she was starting a new li

ut

ur years ago and she'd learne

ll and slipped the ph

Gillian; her best friend, he

illian asked, notic

forcing a smile. "Come on, let's get t

d at Lily's door as she and Gillian were

Mr. Barton would like to

e hall. The managing partner's office was sleek and tastefully modern.

warmly. "I just wanted to personally welcome

Lily replied, stra

ion this during the graduation ceremony, you have quite a striking resem

d. "I... no, sir. I'm

smiling, though clearly intrig

ted uncomfortably. Gillian knew exactly what that name

waver. Her voice stayed calm.

for a while before they final

desk, she told herself she was fine, th

r knew the past had a strange