Chapter 202

The morning sun cast golden rays through the curtains, stirring Lillian from her restless sleep. She blinked against the light, her body still heavy with exhaustion from the previous night’s turmoil. The scent of Donovan still lingered in her mind, a bitter reminder of the past she couldn’t escape.

Rolling onto her side, she caught sight of Sebastian’s sleeping form beside her. His dark lashes fanned over his sharp cheekbones, his breathing slow and steady. The sight of him brought a flicker of warmth to her chest, a stark contrast to the cold dread that had settled in her stomach.

She slipped out of bed as quietly as possible, not wanting to wake him. The wooden floor was cool beneath her bare feet as she padded to the window, pushing the curtains aside to gaze at the sprawling estate below. The gardens were already alive with activity—maids tending to the flowers, guards patrolling the perimeter.

A soft knock at the door made her turn.

"Come in," she whispered.

The door creaked open, and Beatrice peeked inside, her dark curls bouncing as she stepped in. "You’re awake," she said, relief coloring her voice. "I was worried."

Lillian managed a small smile. "Couldn’t sleep much."

Beatrice crossed the room, her eyes flickering to Sebastian before lowering her voice. "Donovan was here last night."

Lillian stiffened. "I know."

"He didn’t… do anything, did he?"

Lillian shook her head. "No. But he made it clear he’s not giving up."

Beatrice’s lips pressed into a thin line. "That bastard."

A rustling sound came from the bed, and both girls turned to see Sebastian stirring. His golden eyes flickered open, immediately locking onto Lillian.

"Morning," he murmured, his voice rough with sleep.

Lillian’s pulse quickened. "Morning."

Sebastian sat up, the sheets pooling around his waist, revealing the hard lines of his torso. His gaze shifted to Beatrice. "Something wrong?"

Beatrice hesitated before sighing. "Donovan was here last night."

Sebastian’s expression darkened instantly. "Where is he now?"

"Gone," Lillian said quickly. "But he’ll be back."

Sebastian’s jaw clenched. "Not if I have anything to say about it."

Lillian bit her lip. She knew Sebastian’s protective instincts were flaring, but she also knew Donovan wouldn’t be deterred so easily.

Beatrice cleared her throat. "I’ll leave you two to talk." She gave Lillian a meaningful look before slipping out of the room.

The moment the door clicked shut, Sebastian was on his feet, crossing the distance between them in two strides. His hands cupped her face, his thumbs brushing lightly over her cheeks.

"You okay?" he asked softly.

Lillian exhaled shakily. "I will be."

Sebastian studied her for a long moment before nodding. "Good. Because I’m not letting him near you again."

Lillian wanted to believe him. But deep down, she knew Donovan wasn’t the kind of man who took no for an answer.

And that thought terrified her.

This had to be the worst idea I'd ever agreed to. My stomach twisted with unease as the car pulled up to the campus. But I'd promised Beatrice I'd come to this party, and I wasn't about to back out now.

"Thanks for the ride, Frederick," I said as we neared the school.

He smirked, glancing at me through the rearview mirror. "Just doing my job. No need for thanks."

I shrugged. "Still."

His grin widened. "If you need an early escape, just call. I won't judge. These frat parties? Not exactly my idea of fun either."

I nodded, grateful for the lifeline. As he parked, I gave him one last wave before stepping out and heading toward the student lounge where I was supposed to meet Beatrice. We'd planned to walk in together.

But she wasn't there.

I perched on the steps, uncaring if my dress got dirty, and waited. And waited. After what felt like an eternity, I checked my phone—8:55 PM. We were supposed to meet at 8. Had she gone without me?

Just as I stood to leave, I heard my name.

"Lillian!"

I turned to see Beatrice rushing toward me, her dark curls bouncing with each step. She looked stunning in a sleek black dress that hugged every curve, the neckline daringly low. My simple outfit paled in comparison. Beatrice had always been effortlessly gorgeous, and a small, petty part of me envied that.

But as she got closer, I noticed her red-rimmed eyes.

"Are you okay?" I asked when she reached me.

She forced a smile, but it didn’t reach her eyes. "Yeah, just lost track of time. Had to hunt down this dress."

I looped my arm through hers. "No worries. Let’s just get this over with."

She laughed, the sound brittle. "That’s the spirit."

We made our way to the frat house, the bass from the music already vibrating through the ground. The place was packed—people spilled out onto the lawn, drinks in hand, laughter too loud. The warm night air did nothing to ease the headache already forming behind my temples.

We squeezed through the crowd, Beatrice clinging to my arm as she greeted guys she knew. Their eyes raked over her, lingering in ways that made my skin crawl. I tightened my grip on her. I didn’t trust any of them.

"Let’s grab a drink!" she announced.

I wrinkled my nose. "Beer? Really?"

She rolled her eyes. "It’s a frat party, Lillian. They don’t exactly stock champagne."

With a sigh, I followed her to the kitchen, where coolers overflowed with cheap beer. She handed me a can, cracking hers open with a sharp hiss.

"To our first—and hopefully last—frat party!" she cheered, clinking her can against mine.

I took a reluctant sip, barely suppressing a gag. Disgusting. But maybe if I drank enough, I’d forget the taste.

The living room was worse—music blaring, bodies pressed too close. Girls swayed against frat guys, their movements sloppy with alcohol. Beatrice tugged me into the chaos, her laughter too bright, too forced.

Something was wrong. And I wasn’t leaving until I found out what.