Breakfast at the Greyworth mansion was unusually bright that morning. Sunlight streamed in through the tall glass windows, making the polished silver ware and marble floors glimmer.
Estelle sat at the head of the table as always, dressed an ivory suit and beautiful pearls. Her smile was warm _ and deliberate.
Allegra buttered her toast with careful hands, feeling uneasy under Estelle's watchful presence.
"I must say, Allegra dearest," Estelle started casually. "You looked divine at dinner. And you handled yourself gracefully. Don't you agree, Nicholas?" Estelle asked.
Nicholas entered the dining room, his presence instantly commanding.
"She did well." He simply said, taking his place beside Allegra at the table.
"You must look your best at the gala tonight, Allegra. I already told Molly to assist you." Estelle spoke, stirring her tea.
"I—- I didn't know there was a gala we had to attend." Allegra replied carefully.
"Of course you didn't, you're new to this family." Estelle flashed a sweet, false smile. "The Annual Greyworth Foundation Ball is a family tradition. Tonight is very important, dear. It's your first public appearance with Nicholas. Everyone will be watching closely."
The thought alone made Allegra's stomach tighten.
Nicholas noticed her discomfort. "She doesn't have to go if she is not prepared."
Estelle's smile was unwavering. "Allegra is a Greyworth now. And Greyworths are always prepared." Her words sounded like kindness, but felt like command. "Besides, you of all people should know just how important appearances are."
Allegra smiled at Nicholas, silently thanking him for trying to rescue her. He did not respond, but she was sure he had noticed.
Molly, the housekeeper, appeared in the dining room with a fresh tray of fruit. "Mrs Greyworth, your fitting appointment with Madame Elizabeth is by noon." She announced . "She'll make you look like an angel."
Allegra forced a smile, despite her nerves.
Jonathan joined them a few minutes later, changing the mood immediately.
"Morning." He muttered, sliding into his seat. His eyes brushed Allegra's _ too brief for anyone else to notice _ and his jaw tightened.
Later in the day, Molly returned to help Allegra prepare for the Gala, fussing over her dress.
"You look breathtaking." Molly said as she adjusted the clasps of Allegra's dress.
Allegra stared at her reflection in the mirror. She didn't recognize the young woman staring back at her _ frightened eyes and a beautiful gown _ but whoever she was, she did look breathtaking.
"You think so?" Allegra asked softly.
Molly nodded, then grinned to encourage the young woman. "Keep your head high tonight. You are the prettiest of them all. Walk like you know it." She advised, giving Allegra a shoulder squeeze. "Mrs Estelle Greyworth likes confidence."
That evening, the gala was a world of gold, old money and generational wealth. The ballroom glittered with chandeliers and precious stones, worn by wealthy women. Music flowed smoothly through the hall, and heads turned as Nicholas Greyworth wheeled into the ballroom with his young bride by his side.
Conversations slowed. Cameras flashed. Allegra's heart raced. How could she ever get used to this much attention?
The whispers followed them.
"That's Greyworth's new wife."
"She's far too young. Poor thing, she looks frightened!"
"She's beautiful. And doesn't she look just like-"
"Shh. Don't say it."
The unfinished name lingered in the air like smoke.
Allegra smiled like she had practiced, trying to steady her breath.
Nicholas, sensing her discomfort, leaned towards her, his voice low enough for only her to hear. "Ignore them." He said. "You're doing fine."
"I hope so." She whispered, keeping her smile in place.
Somehow, his voice _ firm and protective _ comforted her.
Nicholas did not leave her side. He was silent but commanding, and somehow, the room seemed to bend around him. He was no fragile invalid — he was control in human form.
People stopped to greet him, with practiced smiles and cautious words. It was almost like they reverenced him.
Jonathan stood across the room in a perfectly tailored suit, surrounded by admirers. His gaze, however, was fixed on Nicholas and Allegra.
Estelle was the picture of the perfect hostess. She drifted through the room like a queen, exchanging smiles that didn't reach her eyes. Every now and then, she glanced towards Allegra, checking if the young woman was doing her part.
Eventually, Nicholas was pulled aside by a group of investors and Allegra found herself alone.
But not for long.
A tall woman in purple silk approached Allegra with an unfriendly smile. "You must be the new Mrs Greyworth. Nicholas' new wife." She said, assessing Allegra with her eyes.
Allegra responded with a polite nod. "It's lovely to meet you."
"Indeed." The woman's eyes swept over her. "We were all surprised when news of your marriage broke. Nicholas said he'd never marry again. Oh, how he loved Amelia." She sighed "You actually remind me of her, it's uncanny. She was a sweet soul."
Allegra stiffened. She had not even known the name of Nicholas' late wife!
"Life surprises us all." Allegra replied, managing to keep her voice smooth.
"I agree." The woman smirked. "Although some surprises raise many questions."
Before Allegra could even think of a response, Nicholas appeared beside her _ quiet but intimidating. "Is there a problem?" He asked, his commanding gaze resting on the woman.
"Not at all." The woman's smile faltered. "We were just talking."
"Good." Nicholas said. "Now excuse us."
The woman nodded. "Of course. It was lovely seeing you, Nicholas."
As the woman walked away, Allegra turned to Nicholas. "You didn't have to do that."
"I did." Nicholas stated. "Don't let them get under your skin."
Their eyes met for a moment and Allegra thought she saw his eyes soften very briefly.
Jonathan appeared immediately, interrupting the tender moment. His smile was very fake.
"Father." He greeted, venom dripping behind his words.
Nicholas simply nodded in acknowledgment. The exchange between father and son, showed distance, pride and resentment.
Jonathan turned to Allegra with a sneer. "You've captured everyone's attention tonight."
"Jonathan." Nicholas warned, his voice low and dangerous.
Jonathan did not back down, staring at his father with contempt and mockery. "I'm simply admiring your taste, father. We're all surprised."
Estelle swooped in immediately, noticing the tension. "Relax, my dears." She cooed. "We're all family here. Jonathan, where's your sister?"
Her eyes flickered between both men, warning them to behave. She would not let them ruin her perfect ball.
Emily appeared with a photographer, who was ready to take a "Greyworth family picture." Estelle insisted. No one dared argue.
Allegra took her place beside Nicholas, while Estelle stood tall behind him. Emily posed with a sweet smile beside her grandmother, while Jonathan stood beside Allegra, putting a daring arm around her waist. Allegra managed a rigid smile just before the flash went off.
The rest of the gala was pure torture for Allegra. Every time she looked up, she caught Jonathan staring at her. His gaze burned her from across the room.
By the time they returned to the Greyworth mansion, her face was aching from forcing smiles all night. She was halfway through the corridor when she saw Estelle, standing gracefully in the shadows.
"Allegra dear." She called. "Come to my study for a moment, would you?"
The woman turned and walked to her study, while Allegra followed meekly with her heart beating rapidly in her chest.
Estelle Greyworth summoning her for a conversation in the middle of the night could not mean anything good.
The study door shut tightly behind them.
"Sit." Estelle said firmly. This time, there was no false kindness in her voice _ just command.
Allegra obeyed.
Estelle remained standing. "You were radiant tonight. The press will adore you, Allegra." Estelle spoke like she was giving a review. "Though you seemed a little nervous."
Allegra nodded. "I was."
Estelle stared at Allegra for another long, silent moment, every trace of her party smile had disappeared.
"I came across something curious today. Old pictures from Jonathan's university days." Estelle said, placing an envelope on the table. "I told you I hate surprises."
Allegra froze. "I don't understand."
Estelle motioned for Allegra to open the envelope. Allegra reached for it with shaky hands.
It was an old picture of her and Jonathan, from years ago. They were intimately close _ she sat on his lap, smiling, with his arms around her _ unaware of what the future held for them.
Allegra's blood ran cold.
She stared at the picture with her heart pounding in her chest.
"Imagine my surprise." Estelle smiled _ a beautiful, terrifying smile. "You've been quite selective with your truths, haven't you, Mrs Greyworth?"