Chapter 2 The Weight of Secrets

Lily couldn't shake Ethan Stone from her mind. Days passed since the gala, yet his presence lingered in her thoughts like a whisper in the back of her mind. She kept telling herself it was nothing-just another passing intrigue. But something about him was different, and it wasn't just his quiet demeanor or the way he seemed to hide behind his charming, yet distant, smile.

He was a billionaire heir, but unlike the others in his circle, he didn't seem to wear it like a badge of honor. There was a subtle darkness to him, a vulnerability she couldn't quite place. She found herself drawn to him, but she didn't understand why.

Her work was the usual whirlwind of meetings and calls, but it was hard to focus. In the quiet moments between tasks, Lily's mind kept returning to Ethan. What made him so guarded? Why was he so reluctant to step into the spotlight? She had seen it before-men like him, with power at their fingertips, yet burdened by something deeper. Was it guilt? Fear?

The thought of him stayed with her all through her meeting with her business partner, Alison. "You're distracted," Alison commented, glancing at Lily as they wrapped up their discussion. "Is everything okay?"

Lily smiled, though it didn't reach her eyes. "Just a lot on my mind."

"You're always a little too composed for your own good," Alison teased, but there was no hiding the concern in her voice. "If there's something on your mind, maybe it's time to deal with it."

Lily shook her head, trying to push the thought of Ethan aside. She didn't have time for distractions, no matter how intense the pull. The world wouldn't stop for her to unravel someone else's mysteries.

But deep down, she knew she was already in too deep.

Later that evening, after a long day filled with calls and meetings, Lily found herself on her balcony, gazing out at the city below. The lights twinkled like stars, but her thoughts weren't with the beautiful skyline. She was thinking about Ethan, about the way his eyes seemed to hold a quiet pain, and how his words, though sparse, carried more weight than she could understand.

Maybe she could keep her distance. Maybe she could focus on the things that mattered most-her career, her goals. But even then, she knew the pull would remain. There was something about him that called to her, and despite her best intentions, she wasn't sure if she could resist for much longer.

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