Chapter 31
Lisa’s POV_
I turned to Alexandra. I was still leaning against the washroom counter. “If I could,” I said softly, “I would just stay in here until the whole party is over.”
She burst out laughing, her bright eyes lighting up with amusement. “No, you can’t do that,” she said and shook her head. “As tempting as it sounds, you would probably draw more attention that way.”
I managed a weak smile. “It was worth a try.”
She stepped forward and patted my arm reassuringly. “Listen, before you go out, I’ll check to see if your ex is still hanging around. If he is, we wait until he moves somewhere else. The feast is about to start soon, and once it does, everyone will head to the dining hall. He’ll have to go there too.”
That gave me a little hope. I nodded slowly, clinging to her words.
She continued, “Once the coast is clear, we’ll sneak out together. I’ll call my friend. He is a taxi driver. He owes me a favor, so he’ll pick us up right outside.”
I blinked at her. “You have thought of everything.”
She grinned. “You’re not the first person I have helped escape a party. Trust me.”
I hesitated. I was chewing on my bottom lip. “But… what will we tell Rylan?”
She waved her hand casually. “We’ll say you’re not feeling well, and I offered to take you home. Simple.”
“But then… you’ll miss the feast,” I said, guilt rising in my chest. “All because of me.”
She shrugged. “It’s not a big deal. Besides, I’m kind of tired myself. These events can be exhausting, especially with all the small talk and fake smiles.”
I stared at her, surprised. “Really?”
“Absolutely,” she said with a chuckle. “And honestly, a quiet dinner at home sounds way better than a
crowded banquet.”
Emotion swelled in my chest. I reached out and hugged her tightly. “Thank you… for helping me. For understanding. For everything.”
She returned the hug warmly. “There’s no need to thank me, Lisa. We’re friends. That’s what friends do.” I nodded against her shoulder, my eyes stinging a little. It had been a long time since someone had stood beside me like this; without expectations or hidden agendas. Just kindness. Just care.
She pulled away with a smile. “Alright, let me go check the hallway.”
I watched her leave the washroom and waited in silence, every second feeling like an eternity.
A minute later, she popped her head back in, her voice low but excited. “The coast is clear. Let’s go now!”
I took a deep breath and prepared myself. “Okay.”
We stepped out of the washroom and into the hallway. I looked around cautiously.
There was no sign of Kael.
Rylan was still by the far wall, deep in conversation with a group of well-dressed men and women. Judging by their laughter and the easy way they talked, they seemed to know each other well.
My gaze lingered on him for a moment. Guilt pricked at me again. He had brought me here, made me feel safe… and I was leaving without even saying goodbye.
But I couldn’t stay.
Not with Kael here.
Not with my parents lurking just across the room.
Alexandra tugged gently on my wrist. “Come on.”
I quickly followed her. My heart was pounding. I felt nervous, like we were doing something wrong, even though we weren’t.
We walked quietly through the garden, keeping close to the shadows. The evening air was cool, and a soft breeze carried the scent of flowers and food. I could still hear music and laughter from the party, but it
was far behind us now.
I looked around, searching for any sign of Kael.
Nothing.
No dark and brooding figure. No piercing eyes watching me from the distance.
Alexandra checked her phone and whispered, “I texted my friend. He said that he is on his way. Should be here in ten minutes. Let’s head to the pack’s outer gate.”
We walked quietly down a narrow path lined with trees. The moonlight filtered through the leaves, casting silver shadows on the ground. My shoes crunched softly on the gravel.
Each step I took away from the mansion, I felt a little lighter.
Maybe I really could escape. Maybe I didn’t have to face Kael tonight. Maybe I could finally breathe. My parents would never know that I had attended this party.
Alexandra kept close beside me, glancing back every now and then.
“We’re almost there,” she said softly.
The outer gate came into view. It was small, meant for pedestrians, and was used mostly for staff or early guests leaving. No guards were stationed there right now.
Freedom.
I could almost taste it.
We reached the gate, and Alexandra placed her hand on the latch.
“Just a few more minutes,” she said. “Then the car will be here, and we’ll be gone.”
I nodded, my heart racing.
Then I heard it.
A voice.
Low.
Deep.
Familiar.
“Lisa.”
I froze.
Every hair on my body stood on end.
I didn’t need to turn around to know who it was.
His voice wrapped around me like a chain, dragging up all the pain I had tried to bury.
And just like that, the air turned cold.
I turned around slowly. My heart was pounding like a drum inside my chest.
And there he was.
Kael.
His eyes locked onto mine with such intensity, it was like he could see right through my soul. His voice was low, almost broken. “Lisa,” he said again.
I couldn’t speak. My voice had disappeared. My throat felt dry and my limbs were stiff. I was frozen to the spot, every part of me screaming to move, to run but I couldn’t.
Alexandra stepped in quickly. She was trying to shield me. “You’re mistaken,” she said calmly. “This is my
sister, Juliet.”
But Kael shook his head. “No. I know that this is Lisa. Lisa, please… say something.”
What did he expect me to say? What did he even want from me?
I swallowed hard, forcing myself to breathe. Then I whispered, “I’m not Lisa. My name is Juliet.”
But he stepped closer, his eyes pleading. “No… stop lying. Lisa, I know it’s you.”
Just then, I heard the sound of a car approaching. Alexandra grabbed my arm and whispered, “Let’s go.
The car is here.”
I turned, ready to leave… but Kael reached out and grabbed my hand.
He wasn’t going to let me go.
