The Climax
Everything shattered the night of the Blackwood Charity Gala.
Black tie. Mansion full of elites. Victoria made it clear I wasn’t attending as a guest—only as staff watching Lily.
I was in the nursery reading when the door flew open. Ethan stood there in a tuxedo that stole my breath. He was furious.
“Why aren’t you dressed?”
“Dressed?” I glanced at my jeans. “Victoria said—”
“I don’t care what Victoria said,” he cut in. “I bought you a dress. It’s on your bed. Didn’t you see it?”
“I… I haven’t been back since this morning.”
“Go,” he said. “Put it on. You are not staff tonight, Maya. You are the reason my daughter smiles.”
I ran.
On the bed lay an emerald silk dress. Perfect. Breathtaking.
When I descended the grand staircase, the room seemed to stop. Ethan stood at the bottom. The hunger in his gaze was unmistakable.
“You look breathtaking,” he said, taking my hand.
We danced. The world fell away. Victoria’s glare meant nothing.
Then came the scream.
“DADDY!”
Pure terror.
We ran.
Lily was slipping over the stone railing, fingers losing grip.
“Hold on!” Ethan shouted.
I didn’t think. I kicked off my heels, vaulted the hedge, slid across slick stone—and lunged.
I caught her wrist.
The force nearly dragged me over. Pain exploded through my ribs, but I held on. “I’ve got you! I’ve got you, Lily!”
Ethan reached us, hauling us both to safety.
We collapsed together, sobbing.
“I’ve got you,” he kept whispering—but he was holding me too. “I thought I lost you. Both of you.”
