eality of her life settled around her like a suffocating blanket. She had known that t

choed in her ears. Every time she saw her stepsister, it was a reminder that she wasn't welcom

ed her thoughts, and Lucy turned t

s study," he said, his voice as

, winding halls of the mansion, her steps heavy with the weight of anticipation. She

hind him. Lucy's eyes found William immediately. He was seated behind his large desk, his exp

gesturing to the ch

ds in her lap. She waited for him to speak, but he remained silent for a

William finally said,

wirling in her mind. "Car

e replied, his tone sharp. "Quest

with Brad the day before. She hadn't meant to eavesdrop, but n

't tryi

interrupted, his eyes narrowing. "To d

arpness of his words cut throu

erstand something, Lucy. This is not your family's little world of secrets and ma

iam was right. She had been curious-too curious. But the more time she

ocked onto hers. "Stay in your lane, Lucy. You'r

neutral as possible. She didn't want to show him how much his

said quietly, lowerin

expression cold and unreadable once ag

made her way back to her room, she couldn't help but feel a sense of dread creeping into her chest. Willi

-

nt that William was hosting later that evening. She wasn't sure why she had offered to he

behind her. Turning around, she saw her stepmother, Mirabel,

abel said, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "

she kept her voice steady

"How noble of you. But I'm afraid that won't change an

skin. She knew that her stepmother enjoyed tormenting her-always

r to do, Mirabel?" Lucy asked,

ling, I'm just here to remind you of your place. You see, I know how these things work.

her chest tightening with anger. "I'm not

leaming with cruelty. "Oh, but yo

her voice dropping to a whisper. "William may tolerat

y, leaving Lucy standing there, her hands shaking

-

iness that hung over her like a storm cloud. William's harsh words, combi

own. The dress was elegant, sleek, and fit her perfectly, but no amount of fi

tered the room without waiting for an invitation,

e dripping with false kindness. "But then

knew what Isabel was here for-to gloat, to remind her that she didn't belo

n't be long before William tires of this little arrangement. A

remained silent. She knew that Isabel's goal was to break her, t

smirk, turning to leave the roo

hing that had happened. She felt trapped, not just by her marriage but by the people around her-Isabel, Mi

-

ople, and suffocating in its extravagance. Lucy stood beside William, her arm link

rm was firmer than usual, almost possessive. His demeanor, alw

ross the room, his eyes watching them closely. There was something in

ftly, glancing up at hi

nstead, he steered her toward a quiet corner of

m turned to face her, his expression

on swirling in her mi

am said, his voice low and cold.

his words. "Notice what? I

n't understand. You're drawing a

er chest tightening. "

perfect wife? This isn't about you, Lucy. This is about keepin

ove her crazy. She had known that William's feelings for her w

Lucy said quietly, h