Chapter 2 Carmela

Before Lily could respond, a sharp voice interrupted. "Mr. McDernaunt, we need to discuss the gala," said a striking woman in a sleek black dress. Her tone carried authority, but her eyes flicked to Lily with thinly veiled contempt. Jake didn't move. "Later," he said firmly, dismissing her with a glance.

The woman hesitated, then walked away, her heels clicking against the polished floor. "I apologize for that," Jake said, turning back to Lily. "Where were we?" Before Lily could answer, a commotion erupted behind them. "Wait a moment!"

A man's voice rang out, and Lily turned to see an older gentleman approaching. His gray hair was wild, and his glasses were slightly slanted as he pointed directly at "Lost Horizons"

"That painting..." His voice trembled. "It looks like a stolen masterpiece!" The air in the room grew heavy, the hum of conversation replaced by gasps and murmurs. "What?" Lily said, her heart pounding. "No, it's not! I painted it myself." The man shook his head, his expression serious. "The style, the colors, it matches a piece that disappeared twenty years ago in a famous gallery theft." Jake stepped forward, his presence commanding. "That's a serious claim," he said coolly. "Do you have proof?"

The man hesitated, but the crowd had already taken notice. Whispers rolled through the room, and Lily felt the weight of every judgmental glance.

"I don't need proof," the man said finally. "I recognize it. Someone needs to investigate this." Lily's hands trembled as she backed away. Her dream, her hard work, was getting destroyed before her eyes. She couldn't breathe. The walls seemed to close in, and the noise became unbearable. Without another word, she turned and fled, pushing through the crowd until she reached the balcony. The cool night air hit her face, but it did little to calm her. Tears welled in her eyes as she gripped the railing, trying to steady herself.

"Lily?"

She turned to see Jake standing behind her, his expression filled with concern. "I'm sorry," she said, wiping her tears. "I didn't mean to cause a scene. "You have nothing to apologize for," Jake said, stepping closer. "That man doesn't know what he's talking about. Your work is yours. I could see it in your eyes when you talked about it."

Lily looked at him, searching for sincerity. "How? You don't even know me. What if he's right? What if my painting really does look like something stolen? I didn't mean for that to happen."

Jake shook his head. "Even if it does resemble something else, that doesn't mean you're at fault. Let me help you clear this up."

"Why?" Lily asked, her voice small.

"Because I believe in you," Jake said simply. "And because I think you have something special."

Lily swallowed hard, caught off guard by his words. Before she could respond, footsteps echoed behind them. She turned to see the woman from earlier, Jake's associate. She stood in the doorway, her designer black dress hugging her body like a second skin. Her expression was unreadable, but her eyes pierced through Lily like a dagger.

"Well," Carmela said slowly, stepping forward. "This is... interesting."

Lily stiffened as Carmela's gaze dragged over her, assessing, calculating.

Jake's entire posture changed, his warm protectiveness turning cold and rigid.

"Carmela," he said, his tone sharp. "Not now."

Carmela ignored him. She kept her focus on Lily. "You must be new to this world," she mused, her voice sickly sweet. "But let me give you some advice. People like you don't belong here."

Lily's breath caught. "Excuse me?"

Carmela tilted her head, as if examining something weak. "This game? The one you just stumbled into? It will eat you alive. And Jake," she turned to him, her lips curling "can't save you from it."

Jake's fists clenched. "That's enough."

Carmela smirked, her eyes glinting with dangerous amusement.

"Oh, Jake," she purred. "Still playing the hero? It's cute, really. But let's be honest" she leaned in slightly, her voice lowering "when it comes down to it, you and I both know you'll choose power over love. You always do."

Jake's eyes darkened. "Leave."

Carmela chuckled, stepping back. "Enjoy your little fairytale while it lasts."

And then she disappeared into the night, leaving unease in her wake.

Who was that?" Lily asked, uneasy.

"My ex," Jake admitted, his tone bitter. "She doesn't know when to let go."

Lily exhaled shakily. "She really doesn't like me."

Jake sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Carmela doesn't like anyone who threatens her control."

Lily hesitated. "Was she right?"

Jake frowned. "About what?"

Lily's voice was small. "That people like me don't belong in your world?"

Jake stared at her, something undeniable shining in his gaze.

"No," he said quietly. "She's wrong."

A gust of wind swept across the balcony, but Lily barely felt it.

Because something had changed. Something had begun, and neither of them knew where it would lead.

As she left the gallery, Jake handed her his card. "Call me if you need anything," he said.

Lily nodded, clutching the card tightly. But as she walked away, she felt the weight of a gaze on her. She turned, but no one was there.

The night had opened a door she wasn't sure she wanted to walk through, but something told her there was no turning back.

Somewhere in the city, someone knew the truth about her painting.

And soon, that truth would come crashing down.