Lyla Greene slipped into the Victorian-style dress Cameron Carlson had picked out for her and twirled in front of the mirror, caught off guard by her reflection. She always knew she was beautiful, but this look was different—captivating and mysterious. The semi-sheer black fabric gave her an enigmatic charm, and she felt a flicker of nervousness.
The dress wasn't revealing; in fact, it was quite modest. With its full-length skirt, cinched waist, and a white knitted shawl, it accentuated Lyla's form without showing too much. She was puzzled as to why Cameron had chosen such an old-fashioned, demure gown for the party, especially since he usually preferred her in trendier attire. Yet, she had to admit, the dress did its magic in its own way.
“Seems like I know your figure well,” Cameron noted, his eyes gleaming with appreciation as she descended the staircase. He nodded in approval, satisfied. He didn’t want other men to enjoy the sight of Lyla in something less modest, hence his choice for the evening. Even he was surprised by his growing possessiveness.
“No matter how conservative, your allure can’t be hidden,” he added, pulling Lyla into a warm embrace. Her presence stirred unfamiliar feelings in him.
The sudden embrace made Lyla’s heart flutter. She looked up into Cameron’s intense eyes, feeling her cheeks warm slightly. “Let… let go of me. We’re in the living room!” she exclaimed, trying to wriggle free. But his strong arms only held her tighter.
“How about we skip the party altogether?” Cameron suggested, caressing her styled hair before impulsively kissing her neck. “Mrs. Carlson, you’re irresistible.”
“Cameron, let me go. We’re going to be late!” Lyla protested, his kisses causing a mix of discomfort and excitement, her face flushed.
“Eager, aren't we?” Cameron teased, masking his own conflicted emotions. “Have you forgotten how they humiliated you at your wedding? How your so-called friend walked away with your fiancé, her pregnancy turning into a public scandal?” He tilted her chin up, his eyes clouded with anger. “Tonight is their child’s baptism. Are you really in such a rush?”
“Enough! Stop reminding me of the past,” Lyla pleaded, her heart heavy with the memories. “Please, Cameron, let’s not dwell on it.”
“Not say anything?” Cameron continued, his tone sharp. “A year’s gone by, and you’re still too trusting. I thought you were stronger now. If you can’t handle this, how will you reclaim what’s yours?”
“I know what I’m doing,” Lyla said, her fists clenched, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “I haven’t forgotten how I ended up here, and those who hurt me will face the consequences.”
“Good. Accepting reality is the first step,” Cameron replied, releasing her and stepping back. “But remember, you also have to understand your current role.”
“My role?” Lyla repeated, perplexed. “I’ve been cut off. After the wedding fiasco, my father got seriously ill, and my stepmother and uncle took everything. You know that.”
“I know. That’s why you’re no longer Lyla Greene. Until you take back your place, there's no Lyla Greene in this world.” Cameron glanced at his own wedding ring, lost in thought. “You need a new identity.”
“A new identity? What identity?” Lyla asked, baffled by Cameron’s intentions.
“You’re my wife. At the party, being Mrs. Carlson will have much more clout than being Lyla Greene.” Cameron smiled, a hint of coldness in his expression, as he caressed her face.
“You…” Lyla was confused. Cameron had never publicly acknowledged their relationship. Who would believe she was Mrs. Carlson?
“Don’t worry. I’ve always said you’re special. Tonight, everyone will know who you are.” He deliberately brushed her ring finger before leading her out.
“What do you mean?” Lyla asked, uneasy. She had a strong feeling something significant was about to happen.
“Nothing really. You’ll see soon enough,” Cameron replied, dismissing her concerns as he opened the car door and settled into the driver’s seat.
Lyla shook her head, exhaling slowly before getting into the car. Despite spending a year with him, Cameron remained a mystery to her.
Meanwhile, Jude Holmes was face to face with Emerie Adams by his flashy sports car on a bridge, visibly upset. Lyla, trapped inside the car, could only watch through the window as Jude gestured wildly during what looked like a heated argument with Emerie.
“Why is she here?” Lyla wondered, surprised but not entirely shocked by Emerie's presence. Her life had become a string of unexpected events.
“Emerie, say what you want. If you’re here to harm Lyla, I won’t let you get near her. You’ll regret it,” Jude warned, his tone unusually fierce.
Emerie laughed mockingly. “Oh please, with your family’s name, do you think you’re untouchable? Or maybe you want to stage a dramatic showdown with her?” she taunted, trying to push past Jude towards Lyla.
“We don’t have time for this, Emerie. Step back now!” Jude said, grabbing Emerie and shoving her away.
“Oh, Jude. Since when did you become so ruthless? Or do I need to remind you how to treat a lady?” Emerie flirted shamelessly, reaching to brush Jude’s chest.
“Get off me, you vile woman!” Jude shouted, warning her. “If you keep this up, I won’t mind tossing you and your car off this bridge!”
“Go ahead, Jude. I’m not scared. I’ll call Cameron right now, and we’ll see who ends up worse!” Emerie threatened, her face twisted in anger as she pulled out her phone.
Jude didn’t expect her audacity. There was barely any time before Lyla needed to leave for the airport, and he couldn’t afford delays.
“Give it to me!” he demanded, trying to snatch the phone.
“No way, Jude. Call him! Let’s see him deal with your precious Lyla,” Emerie smirked, keeping the phone out of reach.
“You witch!” Unrestrained, Jude lunged for her arm to seize the phone.
But in their struggle, they forgot they were on a bridge with traffic rushing by. A single misstep could be fatal.
“Watch out!” Jude shouted too late.
Emerie never imagined her malicious plans would lead to this. Focused on her phone, she didn’t notice the oncoming truck.
The crash was swift. Emerie’s body was hurled through the air before hitting the ground hard. The terrifying moment lasted seconds but felt like an eternity.
Emerie lay in a pool of blood, her body spasming in a final struggle. The truck driver, shaken, hurried out, glancing at Jude before checking Emerie’s pulse.
Jude stood frozen, mind blank. Though he didn’t need to check, he knew Emerie wouldn’t make it.
Lyla, having witnessed everything, was pounding on the car window. “Emerie! Emerie!” she cried, tears flowing freely.
“Open the door! Let me out!” she shouted, but Jude was immobilized, incapable of movement.
Shock had paralyzed Jude—his own guilt weighing heavily. He was, in part, responsible for Emerie’s fate.
Finally, Jude turned to see Lyla’s tear-streaked face and made a decision. “Lyla, something’s happened. Listen, I’m taking you to the airport. You can’t stay here,” Jude said, his usual gentle tone now replaced by urgency and a hint of desperation.
“Let me out! Emerie’s hurt; I have to help her!” Lyla insisted, ignoring Jude’s warning.
“Lyla, Emerie’s gone! There’s nothing you can do!” Jude’s voice broke, eyes brimming with grief and guilt.
Jude arrived at Skyler Lopez’s estate just as Lyla was stepping out. She had no idea Cameron was already aware of Keily’s existence and appeared calm.
After settling Keily for a nap, she decided to return to Jude, but found her way blocked by him.
“Lyla, where’s Keily?” Jude asked, holding her arm with urgency.
“He’s asleep. It’s been a long flight. Jude, what’s wrong? Why are you so frantic?” Lyla asked, puzzled by his demeanor.
“Lyla, listen. Don’t panic, but it’s possible Cameron knows about Keily,” Jude began hesitantly, unsure whether to share the news.
“What? How could he know?” Lyla’s heart raced, disbelief coloring her voice.
“It’s likely he’s been tailing you. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have known. We have to leave with Keily before he has a chance to confirm it,” Jude advised, urgency in his tone.
“I’m not panicking!” Lyla insisted, though clearly shaken. “But if he finds out, do you think he’ll let go easily? How did he find out, Jude? Explain!”
“Maybe he’s been tailing you,” Jude suggested, trying to calm her. “But we have to act fast.”
Lyla’s world was spinning. If Cameron discovered the truth about Keily, she knew he’d recognize his own child in him.
Meanwhile, Nora James’s fainting spell, stirred by Jolie Stone’s antics, became the talk of the town. Nora, a public figure, found herself in fresh scandal thanks to Jolie’s media stunt. The incident turned Lyla into a laughingstock, with rumors spreading that her jealousy had driven Nora to the hospital.
Even as Lyla sat in Nora’s hospital room, tabloids painted her as a villainous homewrecker. Yet she knew in her heart that wasn’t the truth. What she wanted was not revenge on Nora—it was answers.
“Ma’am, don’t worry about it. That woman always makes a fuss over nothing. Don’t stoop to her level,” the housekeeper urged, trying to comfort Lyla. She secretly hoped Lyla and Cameron would reconcile, having seen their undeniable connection.
“You’re overthinking it,” Lyla replied, setting the papers aside. “Go check if she’s awake yet. She should be by now.”
“I’ll go see if she’s awake. Here, have some coffee to keep you going,” the housekeeper said, handing Lyla a thermos.
“Madam, she’s awake!” the housekeeper announced shortly after.
“Is she?” Lyla stood and headed toward the room. “Have you called the doctor?”
“Yes, they’re on their way,” the housekeeper replied, following Lyla. “But she doesn’t seem fully coherent.”
Lyla stood by Nora’s bedside, watching her lips move faintly.
“The doctor will be here soon. Don’t worry, I won’t harm you now. Unlike you, I know right from wrong,” Lyla assured, noting Nora’s frightened expression.
“No… I…” Nora struggled to speak, bound by some unseen force.
“What?” Lyla leaned in closer to hear Nora’s whispers, despite their strained relationship.
“Something…” Nora tried, her voice weak, but her urgency clear.
“Let’s wait for the doctor, then we can talk,” Lyla said, stepping back as the doctor entered.
The doctor conducted a brief examination before gesturing for Lyla to step outside.
“Is it serious?” Lyla asked once they were outside.
“The patient shows signs of a cerebral hemorrhage. We need to prepare for surgery immediately,” the doctor informed her, jotting notes on a chart.
“Then proceed with the surgery,” Lyla instructed without hesitation.
“The risks are significant. Are you her family?” the doctor questioned, skeptical of her authority.
“I’m aware you’re not,” he added, implying Lyla’s involvement was unwelcome.
The doctor’s insinuations and dismissive remarks stung, but Lyla remained composed. Her immediate concern was Nora’s health, despite their past. Her thoughts lingered on how to reach the person who might help resolve this.
