Chapter 8 LILITH 288 Vouchers Upon returning to the ballroom , I noticed the lights had been dimmed , and the projector screen was already set up . Just in time , I thought . All around me , murmurs spread among the guests - some wondering whether there was a surprise show planned . Across the room , I spotted my father waving his secretary over , his brows furrowed . Immediately , I felt a sinking feeling in my stomach . Things were about to go south . Originally , I had planned to remain the mastermind behind the scenes , feigning ignorance when the truth was exposed . I wanted to appear as a shocked , innocent victim to everyone . But I'd overlooked one crucial detail - businessmen like my dad were always cautious . Especially at a major event like this - one that marked the beginning of an official alliance between two prominent families . There was no shortage of people eager to sabotage this alliance . So the moment he senses something remotely off , he'd take action to guard against it . If I didn't step in now , all of my arrangements - everything I had meticulously planned for tonight - would go to waste . I paused mid - step . 08:48 Chapter 8 288 ( Vouchers Wasn't the whole point of this second chance to live on my own terms ? So why the hell was I still being cautious ? Then , the answer hit me . I was still afraid . Still worried my parents would blame me once they realized the truth - that I was behind everything . I smirked . If they wanted to blame me , then let them . Let this be a prelude of what was to come . Because from now on ... I'd be breaking every rule they ever imposed on me , and focusing on doing what truly made me happy . With a newfound resolve , something in my aura shifted . And in that same moment , that familiar , intense stare from earlier returned - someone was watching me , no doubt . But like before , I paid it no mind and headed straight toward my dad and his secretary , Robert Meyer . " Uncle Rob , " I greeted with a warm smile . The stern - aged man beside my dad turned around , his expression softening as soon as he saw me . " Miss Lilith . You look beautiful tonight . " I smiled sweetly in return . " Thank you for the compliment , Uncle Rob . " 08:48 CAMAR Then I turned to my dad , putting on a www grown " What weze you tellany sent ! just now ? " In front of his ' naive daughter , my dad didn't Gesturing to the screen above , he replied , " Neither your mother nor i arranged for a sides display , but it appears someone else did . " " I asked Robert to contact the control room to retract the projector , but there's no response . I suspect someone's up to no good , so I'm sending him to shut it down in person . " I blinked , " Oh , that . " Both men turned toward me . " You know what's going on ? " my dad asked . With my eyes lowered and a bashful smile , I nodded . " Actually I prepared a surprise video for tonight . " I didn't have to say anything else , as someone else will fill in the blanks for me . Never underestimate the power of human imagination . Sure enough , a teasing smile tugged at my father's lips . " A surprise video , huh ? " " What video ? " a familiar voice interrupted . My mom . I'd only just spotted her mingling with a group of ladies , but I suppose the sudden appearance of the projector screen had also raised her suspicions , prompting her to excuse herself and come over 0848 Chapter 2 " Lily said she prepared a surprise video for the guests , " Dad added with a wink in my direction . He looked every bit the indulgent father . 288 Wachers On the surface , I smiled even more bashfully . But inwardly , I wondered what exactly he'd imagined in that head of his ? A montage of Brandon and I , perhaps ? I scoffed . Then I'd better hope he's not too disappointed when the time came . Meanwhile , my mom eyed me with her usual sharpness . " Where have you been ? This banquet was organized in your name , yet you've barely shown face . " " Even when I was trying to introduce you to important guests , you were nowhere to be found . " Then as expected , she dropped her iconic line . " You really should learn from Claire . " Internally , I rolled my eyes . Here we go again with the tiresome and neverending comparison between Claire and I. As if I hadn't heard enough in my past life . Thankfully , before she could nag any further , the long - awaited moment arrived . Overhead , the projector screen flickered to life - displaying a wide shot of a couple in an intimate embrace in a park . Brandon's face was clear as day , while the woman in his arms had her back to the camera . 08:48 Chapter 8 288 ( Vouchers Naturally , most people would misunderstand and assume it was me - especially my parents , given I'd just told them I was behind the so - called ' surprise video . ' " But ... she's not wearing pink ? Is that really Lilith ? " I heard someone whisper in doubt . If not for the situation , I might've found it amusing . Who knew that wearing pink could one day serve as a means of identification ? Amidst the growing murmurs , my mother's head snapped toward me . " Lilith . Is this how I raised you ? How many times have I told you that a young woman must be demure and reserved at all times ? " She pointed toward the screen , her voice laced with disgust . " And that ? Is that the behavior of a respectable young lady ? " I couldn't help but let out a soft chuckle . My mom always had a sharp eye , that much I'd give her . How else could she have pinpointed the heart of the matter with just one picture ? With a twinkle in my eye , I replied , " Maybe you should look more closely , mom . You might've accidentally guessed the truth . " Confusion flickered in her gaze , but she didn't have long to linger in it . Because a moment later , the screen cut to a close - up clip of the same couple , kissing in an underground garage . The woman's face , once hidden , was now fully visible . " Claire ! It's Claire and Brandon , not Lilith ! " The shout from somewhere in the crowd landed like a grenade tossed into still water . The room erupted in chaos . 08:48 Chapter 8 Murmurs turned into gasps . People craned their necks , pulling their cell phones and recording the screen . Looking at my parents ' faces , their expressions had frozen . How could it not ? I knew how much they had invested in this alliance with the Scotts . But so what ? 288 ( Vouchers In my past life , I'd done exactly as they wanted . I married Brandon ( despite my own selfish motives ) and secured their alliance , made it unshakable . And what did I receive in return ? Separation from my child , confinement and a broken body . If preserving this alliance came at the cost of my happiness and my life ... then no , thank you . Let them find someone else to be their sacrificial lamb . I had already paid the cost of life once , I would be beyond redemption to try it again . My father turned to me . Gone was his affable appearance and warmth from earlier . " You planned this ? " It sounded like a question , but his eyes told me he already had his answer . There was no reason to hide anymore so , I met his gaze head - on . 08:48 Chapter 8 11 Fechouders " Yes , " I said simply . " I did . " Subsequently , my mom's hand clamped onto my arm , her nails digging sharply into my skin . " This is the surprise you mentioned ? " she hissed , " Do you have any idea what you've just done ?! " Her voice rose higher with each word , trembling with fury I smiled sweetly , tilting my head like an obedient child , " Isn't this what you always taught me , Mom ? To be considerate of others ? " I blinked innocently , " Naturally , I thought I'd be doing everyone a disservice by hiding such an important truth from tonight's guests . " " You- ! " Her hand shot up , ready to strike me across the face . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!