Chapter 13: The Marble Hallway
Arthur, looking sharp in an elegant black tuxedo with a white vest and bow tie, was searching for his bride when he stepped into the open doorway of the quiet corridor.
He froze. There, sitting curled up in the corner of the elegant marble hallway, was his daughter. Her tear-streaked face was buried in her knees, her small shoulders shaking as she sobbed quietly.
Alarm instantly replaced his pre-wedding jitters. He walked slowly toward her, his heavy footsteps echoing softly on the reflective floors.
“What are you doing here?” Arthur asked, his voice gentle and laced with deep concern.
He crouched down beside her, his tuxedo trousers brushing the floor. Lily kept her head down, her hands clasped tightly in her lap around the unseen velvet box, trembling.
“Mom told me to stay hidden and never go outside,” Lily answered, her voice small and shaky between sobs.
May you like
Arthur’s brow furrowed in confusion, but his first instinct was comfort. He reached out and gently took his daughter’s small hands in his. Lily looked up at him, her tear-filled eyes meeting his steady, caring gaze. A slow, emotional connection built between them in the quiet space.
“Mom said it’s a secret…” Lily whispered through her tears, her lower lip quivering. “Mom said I mustn’t tell you anything.”
