Chapter 36

• Lily stood outside the grand mansion, her heart racing as she adjusted the delicate fabric of her gown. The deep emerald green hugged her curves perfectly, accentuating her figure and giving her an air of confidence she desperately needed. She took a moment to breathe, the cool evening air contrasting sharply with the warmth of her anxiety. Tonight was not just another party; it was a farewell to her past, a goodbye to the life she had known.
• In her hands, she clutched a beautifully wrapped gift for Robert and Margaret—something thoughtful to express her gratitude for all they had done for her over the years. But as she stared at the majestic entrance, memories flooded her mind: laughter, warmth, and the haunting echoes of moments spent with Ethan. She hesitated, the weight of nostalgia pressing down on her. This was the last time she would step foot in this place. After tonight, she would be moving to another city, leaving behind everything that had once defined her.
• With a determined sigh, she straightened her shoulders and pushed open the ornate door, stepping into the opulent foyer. A sea of well-dressed guests swirled around her, laughter and clinking glasses filling the air. The lavish decorations sparkled under the soft glow of chandeliers, creating an atmosphere of wealth and privilege that felt foreign to her now.