~ Lila ~
---
The elevator doors slid open with a gentle chime, and suddenly, all eyes in the lobby were on me as I stepped out.
Not discreetly.
Not courteously.
They just stared.
The sound of my heels echoed too loudly against the marble floor. My ID badge dangled from my neck like a spotlight, drawing even more attention. And even though I was dressed just like every other professional woman in that building—structured blazer, silk blouse, subtle makeup—I felt like I was strutting in wearing a neon sign.
Natalie was waiting by the reception desk, tablet in hand, her mouth set in a practiced, unreadable expression. She looked just as I remembered—polished, poised, and a little too perfect to be real.
“Mrs. Blackwood,” she greeted with a nod. “You’re early.”
I fought the urge to re
