Vivian Donovan was sickened by the charade. She gripped Lilith Whitehead's hand tightly, watching as Lilith's face turned red with pain before she pulled away.
Feigning indifference, Vivian said, "That depends on Bernard…" She paused, correcting herself, "I mean, my brother… when he'll marry you."
Vivian was disgusted not only by Lilith but also by her own pretense of being Bernard Jacobson's sister-in-spirit. Her words cut deep, turning Lilith's beauty into a mask of ugliness.
Nearby, Lainey Whitehead watched, fury simmering beneath her calm exterior.
With composed grace, she said, "They've only just gotten engaged. No need to rush into marriage."
"Yes, Mother's right," Lilith said, steadying her voice despite the turmoil inside.
Barely containing her anger at Vivian's mockery
