Burning secrets

Lily’s POV. Love vs. Duty

Julian’s words hung in the air like a loaded weapon, and I watched as rage ignited in Mrs. Beckett’s eyes. The ground seemed to shift beneath me, as if the very foundations of our world were about to c***k.

“You’re making a huge mistake, son,” she said, her voice trembling with fury.

“This woman is not good for you.”

“I disagree, Mom,” Julian said, tightening his grip on my hand.

“Lily is the woman I want to spend my life with. I’m going to marry her, no matter what you or anyone else says.”

Before she could respond, Julian tugged me away, and we left the room together.

Within days, the entire mansion buzzed with gossip. The staff whispered behind my back, casting jealous glances my way. Even Mr. Beckett seemed less than thrilled about our relationship, though he kept his distance. I stayed on edge, careful around every corner—especially after the blowout with Mrs. Beckett. Her icy silence followed me wherever I went, and I knew better than to think we were safe. It was just the calm before the next storm.

And it came faster than I expected.

The Vanderbilts visited one evening, bringing their daughter, Vivian. I was assigned to serve dinner, trying to stay invisible as I moved between the guests. But then Mrs. Vanderbilt’s voice cut through the clatter of silverware.

“So, Diane, have you and your husband told Julian why we’re here?”

Mrs. Beckett smiled coolly.

“Not yet. We wanted to break the news together.”

I glanced at Julian. He looked completely clueless.

“What’s going on?” he asked, suspicion sharpening his voice.

“What haven’t you told me?”

Mr. Beckett cleared his throat, his tone formal.

“The Vanderbilts are here to discuss your engagement to their daughter, Vivian.”

My heart plummeted.

Engagement? Marriage? Was this some sort of nightmare?

Julian stiffened, shock flashing across his face.

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” he said.

“Vivian and I aren’t even dating. Why would I marry her?”

Mrs. Beckett leaned forward, her smile as fake as the pearls around her neck.

“Because, dear, we and the Vanderbilts have agreed to unite our families through marriage. It’s the perfect alliance.”

Julian’s jaw clenched.

“You made this decision without even talking to me? I’m not some pawn you can move around. I’m not marrying someone I don’t love.”

Mrs. Beckett’s expression didn’t falter.

“Love will come in time, just like it did for your father and me.”

Julian’s voice hardened.

“Just because it worked for you doesn’t mean it’ll work for me. I refuse to marry someone for business.”

He turned toward Vivian, offering a polite but firm apology.

“I’m sorry, Vivian. You deserve better than an arranged marriage.”

He rose from his chair, but Mr. Beckett’s booming voice stopped him cold.

“Sit down, young man. We’re not finished.”

Julian hesitated, his shoulders tense, before sinking reluctantly back into his seat. The table fell into an uncomfortable silence.

Mr. Beckett finally spoke again, attempting to smooth things over.

“I apologize for Julian’s reaction. He just needs time to adjust.”

Mr. Vanderbilt chuckled awkwardly.

“No worries. These things take time.”

But then Mr. Beckett dropped another bomb.

“This marriage will happen, Julian. And since you’re concerned about not knowing Vivian well enough, she’ll move into the mansion so you two can get acquainted.”

Julian’s fists clenched. He opened his mouth to protest, but his father’s warning glance silenced him.

I stood there, frozen, blinking back tears. My heart cracked with every word they spoke.

When the dinner finally ended and the Vanderbilts departed, I fled to my room, burying my sobs into my pillow so my roommates wouldn’t hear. The ache in my chest was unbearable.

Later that night, my phone buzzed.

Julian: Meet me in my room. Please.

Quietly, I slipped through the halls, heart hammering in my chest. I slipped inside his room, and he locked the door behind me.

“I’m so sorry,” Julian said immediately, his voice low and rough.

“I had no idea my parents were planning that.”

Tears blurred my vision. Julian stepped closer, wiping one away with his thumb.

“I’m sorry, baby,” he whispered, pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead.

I swallowed hard, my voice breaking.

“So… what happens to us now?”

Fear clung to every word.

Julian’s expression turned fierce, full of determination.

“Nothing changes,” he said firmly.

“We’re staying together. I don’t care what my parents want. I’m not marrying Vivian. You’re the one I want.”

Without another word, Julian captured my lips in a kiss that stole the air from my lungs. Heat flared between us, intense and consuming. He tugged at the hem of my dress, his eyes searching mine.

“You sure about this?” he whispered, his voice deep and husky.

I nodded, breathless.

Julian flicked off the lights, plunging the room into darkness, where nothing existed but us—two souls choosing love over duty, no matter the cost.

⸻

The morning after felt like a dream I never wanted to wake up from — Julian’s arms wrapped around me, his heartbeat steady against my cheek, the quiet promise of forever lingering between us.

But reality had a cruel way of creeping in.

A sharp knock echoed against his door, breaking the fragile peace. I jolted upright, my heart hammering in my chest. Julian pressed a finger to his lips, his eyes urging me to stay silent.

“Lily,” he whispered, his voice low and full of regret.

“You need to go before someone sees you.”

I slipped from the bed, gathering my clothes with trembling hands. The fear of discovery hung heavy in the air, tightening my chest. I knew we were living on borrowed time — that every stolen moment was a risk we couldn’t afford.

As I tiptoed toward the door, I dared a final glance back at Julian. His expression was torn — love and fear warring in his eyes.

I slipped into the hallway, the cool air prickling my skin, and hurried back to my room.

But a knot of unease twisted in my stomach.

Mrs. Beckett wasn’t done. I could feel it in my bones.

Something was coming — and this time, love might not be enough to protect us.