Chapter 494
Lillian held her breath as she waited for Dominic to respond. Her heart pounded with the fear of rejection.
He was her addiction, and she was beyond redemption.
Dominic hadn't anticipated Elizabeth Prescott's blunt question. A flicker of irritation crossed his aristocratic features.
With practiced ease, he sidestepped the inquiry. "Mrs. Prescott, Lillian and I are still getting to know each other. We're very different people who need time to adjust. But now that we're together, I'll treat her well. Marriage requires careful consideration. When the time comes, I'll certainly introduce her to my family."
The elderly Prescotts exchanged satisfied nods.
Lillian's lips curved into a demure smile, her face glowing like a freshly bloomed rose. The man had just publicly claimed her as his girlfriend. It felt surreal.
"Grandfather, Grandmother, I'll take Dominic around now."
Receiving their silent approval, Lillian slipped her slender arm through Dominic's. She tilted her chin up proudly. "Let's go, darling. I'll introduce you to everyone."
She couldn't wait to announce that Dominic Blackwood - A City's most eligible bachelor - belonged to her now. She knew paparazzi lurked among the guests, and she intended to put on an affectionate display no one could miss.
First, to showcase her irresistible charm that had captured this extraordinary man.
Second, to ward off any potential rivals.
Dominic fought the urge to shake her off.
Her overpowering perfume disgusted him. It lacked Evelyn's natural freshness.
Circumstances forced him to play along. He endured the social rounds, accepting congratulations with strained politeness.
Lillian basked in the attention, her eyes gleaming with triumph. Among all the beautiful socialites vying for Dominic's attention tonight, she had emerged victorious.
Those other women could only watch in envy.
Dominic regarded her preening with detached amusement. To him, she was merely performing a ridiculous pantomime.
Across the ballroom, Genevieve Prescott stood quietly in her elegant gown and shawl. Though engaged in conversation with Sylvia Kingsley and other friends, her gaze kept returning to Lillian.
Her cocktail remained half-finished after thirty minutes.
"Something troubling you, Genevieve?" Sylvia followed her line of sight to where Lillian clung to Dominic. "Your daughter's grown now, found herself a fine man. You and Jonathan should start preparing for the wedding! I must say Lillian has excellent taste. Dominic's quite the catch - handsome, accomplished. You've nothing to worry about."
Genevieve shook her head slightly. "Dominic is exceptional, Sylvia, but wrong for Lillian. He's too reserved, impossible for most women to read. We've sheltered Lillian too much - she's naive about love and marriage. Anyone can see Dominic doesn't feel that spark for her. How can she find happiness in unrequited love?"
A glamorous woman beside Sylvia patted Genevieve's shoulder. "Don't overthink it. Among our circles, few marriages begin with love. Material comfort suffices. You and Jonathan found rare happiness together. Most men soften with time, especially after children come."
An aristocratic lady scoffed. "Nonsense! A loveless marriage is torture! Take mine - arranged from the start. My husband drinks nightly, reeking of other women's perfume. Claims he's found true love and barely comes home anymore. That mistress's son is older than our daughter! I only stay for the inheritance."
As her friends debated, Genevieve watched Lillian leaning against Dominic, her heart sinking.
Lillian was her precious daughter, her life's meaning for so many years.
She wouldn't let any man hurt her child.
Genevieve knew Dominic loved Evelyn deeply.
He'd declared that love publicly, vowed to marry Evelyn despite family opposition.
Such devotion didn't vanish overnight.
Yet here he was with Lillian. Something felt terribly wrong.
Was he fickle? Cold-hearted?
Regardless, Lillian was completely smitten. Genevieve wouldn't let him break her daughter's heart.
Excusing herself, she moved toward Dominic, studying him carefully.
Dominic suddenly turned, sensing someone's intense gaze.
Seeing Genevieve gave him a startling illusion - as if he were looking at an older version of Evelyn.
'My eyes must be deceiving me...'