CHAPTER 78

Lucien's POV

I stood frozen, my eyes locked on Krisdana's retreating figure. Her smile still lingered in my mind, a haunting reminder of our secret.

No one knew. Not Rosaline, not Camilla, no one.

Krisdana and I had been seeing each other in secret, stolen moments whenever we could.

But my family's hatred for her made our relationship impossible to reveal.

I knew Rosaline would never approve. She'd always been protective, but also fiercely judgmental.

And Camilla... she'd try to understand, but her loyalty to Rosaline would win out.

I couldn't risk losing them. Not yet.

Krisdana's presence stirred emotions I couldn't control. Desire, guilt, and fear swirled within me.

Why did she come here? Did she want to expose our secret?

My thoughts raced as I turned to leave, searching for a distraction from the turmoil within.

That's when I saw Camilla, her expression worried, rushing upstairs.

Something was wrong.

I pushed aside my reservations and followed Krisdana, my heart racing with antic