Lily’s POV………..
The invitation had arrived sealed in gold foil and embossed with Sterling Corp’s insignia. I’d barely finished reading it before Jenna squealed behind me.
“A gala?!” she said. “You’re so lucky!”
Lucky wasn’t the word. I’d attended events before — quiet charity dinners, formal presentations — but this one had Andrew’s name printed in bold on the front. Which meant it wasn’t optional.
So here I was hours later, standing in front of my mirror, trying to calm my racing pulse.
I chose a black silk dress that hugged my figure softly without screaming for attention. The neckline dipped modestly, the hem kissed my knees, and a small slit ran along the side for ease — not seduction. I curled my hair in soft waves that framed my face, brushed on a deep shade of red for my lips,
