chapter 81
Tori's POV:
They stood side by side, like a pair created by destiny itself.
I watched from the corner, feeling an unfamiliar emotion spreading through my chest—bitter yet burning.
Morgan shifted in my arms, her cheeks flushed unnaturally red from alcohol.
"Tori?" a gentle voice called from behind me.
I turned to see Mrs. Baker—Morgan's mother—approaching with concern etched across her face. She wore the Grayson household staff uniform, yet carried herself with enough grace to blend into any social gathering.
"Mrs. Baker," I greeted with a nod. "Morgan has... overindulged in the alcoholic chocolates."
Mrs. Baker sighed upon seeing her daughter's intoxicated state.
"Oh, Morgan... she never reads those warning labels." She turned to me, her eyes apologetic. "Dear, I need to get back to helping with the guests. Could you take Morgan somewhere to rest? There's a guest room in the west wing. Let her lie down for a while."
"Of course," I agreed. Though deep down, I wished for an excuse to leave this party altogether—to escape the sight of Lucas with Vivienne.
Mrs. Baker squeezed my hand gratefully, whispering, "Thank you, Tori. West wing, third door. It's all prepared."
I nodded, supporting Morgan's increasingly heavy form as we made our way toward the west wing.
Crossing the ballroom, I couldn't help glancing at Lucas again. He was leaning down to listen to whatever Vivienne was saying, the corner of his mouth turned up in a gentle smile.
That smile pierced my chest like a blade.
The west wing was quieter than I'd expected. Thick carpets absorbed our footsteps, and wall sconces cast warm pools of light. Finding the third guest room, I pushed open the door and carefully settled Morgan onto a bed covered with silk sheets.
"Mmm... so soft..." Morgan sank into the mattress with a contented sigh. "Room's spinning..."
"Close your eyes and rest," I said gently, removing her high heels. "I'll get you some water."
Morgan nodded weakly, quickly drifting into sleep.
I quietly stood, deciding to fetch water from the kitchen. At least it would give me a reason to escape these thoughts temporarily.
The hallway stretched empty and silent, my footsteps muffled by the thick carpet. As I rounded a corner, I froze—not far ahead stood Lucas and Vivienne.
I instinctively moved to retreat, to avoid this scene, but it was too late.
"...is my suite still as I left it?" Vivienne's voice flowed like water, melodic and smooth. "I've missed that room overlooking Moon Lake."
It was clear she had been here many times before. I lowered my head, pretending not to see them, and tried to quickly walk past.
Suddenly, my wrist was caught in a firm grip.
The familiar touch and strength made me pause, and I looked back.
Lucas had a smile playing at the corner of his lips, his dark gaze fixed on me.
"Why are you running? Seeing people without even greeting them is impolite."
His words were scolding, but his tone was intimate and indulgent, creating a strange contrast that confused me.
"Alpha. Ms. Blackwood." I deliberately used the formal address, trying to maintain some distance between us. "I apologize for interrupting. I am just getting water."
Vivienne observed Lucas grabbing my wrist, shock clearly washing through her.
She maintained her calm expression, smiling at me. "You know me?"
"Morgan told me about you," I answered honestly.
"Morgan? That little girl from the Baker family?" Vivienne glanced at Lucas before turning back to me with a deepening smile. "What did Morgan say about me?"
That you're Lucas's college classmate, his white moonlight, the woman who almost got engaged to him, and Megan Howard's number one rival.
The thoughts made my chest tighten, but I didn't answer.
I avoided looking at Lucas and spoke with distant coldness.
"If you'll excuse me," I said, stepping forward, "Morgan is waiting for her water."
The corner of Lucas's mouth twitched, as if amused by my directness. "Of course. Don't keep your friend waiting."
I quickly moved past them, feeling Lucas's gaze like a physical weight on my back.
As I turned the corner, Vivienne's voice carried clearly down the hallway.
"It's been years since I've visited. I've forgotten which one is my exclusive room. Would you take me there?"
My steps faltered for an instant before I quickened my pace, not wanting to hear Lucas's response. The implication in her tone was unmistakable—this wasn't about finding a room.
Back in the guest room, I set the glass of water on the nightstand and gently roused Morgan enough to take a few sips before she drifted back to sleep.
As Morgan's breathing deepened into sleep again, my mind wandered treacherously.
Where was Lucas now? Was he with Vivienne? Was she the Luna that the council members had been whispering about? But Lucas had told me I was the only one he was interested in... hadn't he?
The thoughts swirled in my head like autumn leaves caught in a whirlwind.
I paced the room, suddenly restless with emotions I didn't want to name.
The sudden chime of the doorbell startled me from my thoughts.
Morgan's mother must have come to check on her. I hurried to the door, almost grateful for the interruption from my own turbulent thoughts.
When I pulled the door open, my breath caught in my throat.
Instead of Mrs. Baker, Lucas stood leaning against the doorframe, an amused smile playing on his lips.
"Surprised to see me?" he asked, his voice low and smooth.
My first instinct was to close the door. I pushed it quickly, but his palm shot out, effortlessly holding it open.
"Didn't you say on the phone yesterday that you were thinking about me?" His eyebrow arched playfully. "And now you're shutting the door in my face?"
"I never said anything like that," I replied firmly. "You must be confusing me with someone else."
"Am I?" His eyes held mine, searching.
"You're acting strange tonight, Tori. "