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WHERE LIGHT MEETS DARK CHAPTER 55
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2025-03-06 15:18:57
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WHERE LIGHT MEETS DARK WHERE LIGHT MEETS DARK CHAPTER 1
Activity and noise reigned over the James estate. Bustling servants and glittering decorations surrounded Lily James, the smallest person in that grand ballroom. She pushed at the hem of her pale blue dress, a color chosen by her deceased mother and insisted upon by her grandmother—a hue meant to highlight the supposed innocence and beauty that Lily was believed to possess. She despised it.The air was electric with tension as the two families gathered to cement the union—an arranged marriage that resembled a corporate merger. The James family, airline moguls, required the funds from the Carlston real estate empire, while the Carlstons desired the prestige of the James name. Love was not invited to this equation.Lily stood nervously, her hands clasped tightly when he entered.Vandaulf Claude Carlston, the CEO of Carlston Architectural Firm, exuded an icy, calculating power that made everyone else seem infinitesimally small. He was tall, perfectly dressed in a tailored black suit, and
Last Updated : 2025-01-17WHERE LIGHT MEETS DARK WHERE LIGHT MEETS DARK CHAPTER 2
The door clicked shut, and Brenna looked at Lily. "You're playing with fire, girl. Letting your anger run amok won't give you the upper hand here. If you're going to burn, burn smart. Tell me your plan." Lily’s laugh was dark and unrestrained. She leaned forward, her eyes meeting Brenna’s without fear. “Plan?” she repeated, her voice dripping with defiance. “I don’t need a plan to remind them I’m more than their pawn. Let him think I’m weak. I’ll show him what a mistake that was.” Brenna’s lips pressed into a thin line, but a flicker of pride glimmered in her eyes. “Then you’d better be ready to outlast him. You’re a James, Lily. Don’t forget that.” Lily’s smirk spread wider. Her boldness ran unchecked. "Oh, I won't. I'll make sure he doesn't forget it either." She spoke with a self-assurance she never allowed during the day. It was another Lily entirely standing in Brenna's office: sharp-edged, unapologetic, and utterly defiant. At night, the character she kept veiled during the
Last Updated : 2025-01-17WHERE LIGHT MEETS DARK WHERE LIGHT MEETS DARK CHAPTER 3
Lily's head began to whirl. Everything in her life had been determined by others' needs. She had matured into an ideal daughter and a perfect heiress. The parents had been trained to smile and nod; play out her part in the world constructed for her. And here she was now, standing in front of two sheets of paper, everything seeming false.A tear threatened to spill, but Lily refused to let it fall. She was not that girl anymore. She was not that meek girl who allowed other people to tread on her weak self. "I won't sign it," she said her voice shaking defiantly. "I won't let you boss me around this way.Vandaulf's face darkened and the coldness in his eyes deepened. He leaned closer to her, speaking in a low, dangerous voice: "You think you have a choice, Lily? You think you can just walk away from this? Do you really believe you can challenge me? Do you have any idea what I could do to you?His words ran down her spine, but something inside of her snapped. She was not going to allow
Last Updated : 2025-01-17WHERE LIGHT MEETS DARK WHERE LIGHT MEETS DARK CHAPTER 4
His voice was so cold that it sent chills down her spine. He would remind her of her place. He would remind her that she existed for him, nothing more, nothing less.But deep within her, something began to stir.It wasn't rebellion yet, but it was something. Something that refused to be squashed.For now, she would act the part, keep her mouth shut, and endure. Deep inside, however, she had not given up. Not even close.Vandaulf might think he'd broken her, but what he didn't know was how far Lily would go to regain herself. He'd learn.He'd learn.The pulsing music flowed through the room as the rhythmic beat established the atmosphere, resonating in the large ballroom. Guests mingled and danced, filling the air with their laughter and faintly clinking glasses. Chandeliers sparkled like precious jewels, giving off a glittering glow against the ornate surroundings.But amidst the sea of polished faces, one woman stood apart. Lily.She strode into the ballroom as if she were a force o
Last Updated : 2025-01-17WHERE LIGHT MEETS DARK WHERE LIGHT MEETS DARK CHAPTER 5
The sun's rays flowing from the great windows of the hotel lobby poured onto the marble floor like golden rain. Lily sat very still on one of the soft armchairs, her hands folded neatly over her knees. She looked precisely the picture of a demure, dutiful bride: soft features that framed the gentle waves of her hair; her dress modestly and impeccably cut. There was nothing of the boldness that had characterized her scant hours ago.Vandaulf entered the lobby, walking with purpose, his face inscrutable. It was the sort of man who drew attention without doing much of anything. The sharp angles of his tailored suit cut the air around him as keenly as the edge on a fine knife. His eyes, glacial and analytical, raked over the room, paused on Lily, and passed on.He approached her with measured steps, a faint smile playing on his lips. It was a smile that could have passed as charming to an unknowing observer, but Lily knew better—it was a performance, just like everything else about him."
Last Updated : 2025-01-22WHERE LIGHT MEETS DARK WHERE LIGHT MEETS DARK CHAPTER 6
"Thank you, Mrs. Carlston," Lily said softly, but with conviction. "Lovely to be here."Helen's lips narrowed into a smile. "Mrs. Carlston for now, dear. But soon, I expect you to call me Grandmother.""Of course," Lily murmured, dipping her head respectfully.Vandaulf had been silent throughout the exchange but stepped forward. "Mother," he said with a sharp voice. "Everything all right?""Naturally," Helen replied, cool tones dripping from every word. She pointed toward the great entrance. "The staff has prepared everything for Lily's transition into the household. Don't you fret.""I wasn't worried," Vandaulf said, pushing past her toward the doors.Helen's eyes narrowed a little as she watched her son, then returned to Lily. "You must be tired from the journey," she said, though there was no warmth in her tone. "Come, I'll show you to your rooms."Lily followed Helen into the mansion, her steps light and deliberate. It was big Mansion more extravagant than outside, with soaring
Last Updated : 2025-01-22WHERE LIGHT MEETS DARK WHERE LIGHT MEETS DARK CHAPTER 7
Lily squared her shoulders and moved to the wardrobe to begin preparing for dinner. For now, she would play the role Vandaulf demanded of her. But as the sun began to set over the Carlston estate, she reminded herself of one undeniable truth: the night belonged to Ina.Lily stood before the grand mirror in her opulent yet coldly impersonal room. Her reflection was that of a demure bride—flawless, composed, and perfectly groomed. But as she gazed at her own eyes, she could feel Ina stirring within her, a quiet yet insistent force.Ina’s voice, low and taunting, echoed in her mind."Lily, Lily," Ina whispered, her voice full of defiance. "Don't let him belittle you. Don't let him make you feel small. You don't belong beneath him—you belong above him. Let me handle it when the night comes." Lively's hands squeezed the edges of the dressing table, her knuckles whitening. She shakes a little as she tries to push away the voice through her head. Her lips spoke, and this time, softly, she m
Last Updated : 2025-01-23WHERE LIGHT MEETS DARK WHERE LIGHT MEETS DARK CHAPTER 8
“I understand,” Ina said softly, her voice carrying a quiet challenge that only Vandaulf would catch.His smirk deepened. “I trust you’ll remember that,” he murmured, his voice dropping to a near whisper, yet the weight of the command was unmistakable. “And when my mother is around, I expect you to behave like the devoted wife you’re supposed to be. Sweet, attentive, completely enamored with me. Understood?”Ina’s smile widened, her eyes flashing with a brief flicker of defiance. “Yes, Vandaulf,” she answered, the words smooth, even as the underlying tone dripped with her own quiet rebellion.He settled back, his eyes lingering over her for a moment longer than was necessary. Helen's sharp eyes never left Ina's face, and then they turned back to her plate and resumed eating. The clinking of silver against plate was the only sound to contrast with the stillness that seemed to be wrapped around the room.Ina sat motionless: the perfect posture, the serene expression. But inside, a tempe
Last Updated : 2025-01-23
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WHERE LIGHT MEETS DARK WHERE LIGHT MEETS DARK CHAPTER 55
Carlston estate walls appeared to be more constricted than usual.Vandaulf sat in his study, thick curtains drawn shut to exclude the sun. His mind was a battlefield—flashbacks of last night crossed his mind like a delirium dream.The woman.The manner in which she moved. The manner in which she submitted and fought him simultaneously.The manner in which she disappeared into thin air.A faceless, nameless apparition.And Vandaulf Carlston didn't like being left behind.Vandaulf was lost in thought when there came a sudden knock on the door."Enter," he growled.The door swung open, and Gerald, his most trusted of aides, walked in. The man was always calm, unfazed—a fixer."Sir, we've begun inquiries into last night's. incident," Gerald replied tactfully.Vandaulf sat back in his chair, fingers interlocked. "And?"Gerald scowled. "Nothing so far. No names. No security footage that picks up on her. She paid in cash, didn't use her real name, and split before dawn."Vandaulf's face tigh
WHERE LIGHT MEETS DARK WHERE LIGHT MEETS DARK CHAPTER 54
Vandaulf steered into consciousness through the soft glow of sunlight shining in from somewhat parted drapes and lay catatonic in cooled silk sheets. Every aching throb in his head could be attributed to the whiskey, the music, and the gluttony that had weighed down upon him and ravaged his body the night before.He stretched out beside him automatically—but the bed was chilly.Vacant.His eyes flew open, his vision coming to rest on the rumpled sheets where she had lain.She was gone.Vandaulf sat up, memories of last night surging over him like a brutal wave.The club.The masked woman.The fire.He had never felt so drawn to anyone in his life as he had felt drawn to her.It wasn't even how she'd walked, or the way she'd panted crude things against his mouth—it was something else.Something he knew.He pressed his eyes with one hand, and breathed slowly in.Her perfume still lingered on him.His gaze went over to the crumpled mask on the pillow—her mask.She was gone. Poof. No name
WHERE LIGHT MEETS DARK WHERE LIGHT MEETS DARK CHAPTER 53
She felt fear.What went on last night? Hell.She rolled over on her side, panting at what she saw.Lying next to Lily was a man; the early morning soft light silhouetted his muscular form. His chest rose and fell evenly. His face was hidden behind the mask.The same mask he wore last night.Memories flashed. The manner in which his fingers had caressed her body, ignited fires she'd never felt before. The manner in which his lips had devoured hers, starving, needy. The manner in which he'd shattered her.It was my first time… with a stranger.A queasy, falling sensation wrapped itself around her stomach.She'd been stupid.And now she didn't even know the man whose name could forever break the power of her ill-fated deed.Gritting her teeth against the pounding in her heart, she reached out with trembling fingers.If only she could see his face… if only she could know—She paused, her heart pounding wildly against her ribs.Drawing a shaking breath, she slowly drew back the mask.And w
WHERE LIGHT MEETS DARK WHERE LIGHT MEETS DARK CHAPTER 52
The music pulsed around them, a hypnotic rhythm that dissolved reality and excess.Ina felt the heat of his fingers even through the depth of silk and blackness between them.Vandaulf was a storm—uncompromising, devouring, lethal.She knew she had to leave.Knew she walked a thin edge.But the alcohol that streamed through her bloodstream pushed stay.The thrill of the unknown flamed hotter than reason.And when Vandaulf's fingers caressed the length of her spine, when his lips were inches from her ear, she didn't step back.She leaned in closer."You're playing with fire," the depths of his voice were weighted with warning and promise.Ina's smile was languid and teasing. "Perhaps I like the burn."Vandaulf's grip just a little tighter on Lily-Ina's waist. His other hand fell to her wrist, his thumb tracing slow, swooning circles across her pulse.He was testing her.She was testing him.And both of them were unwilling to back down.His mouth inches from hers. Ina could feel the warm
WHERE LIGHT MEETS DARK WHERE LIGHT MEETS DARK CHAPTER 51
Vandaulf stepped before the mirror, smoothing out the cuff of his suit in effortless familiarity. His image was the very model of control—icy, measured, lethal.Lily watched him from the bed, sitting on her haunches, fingers following the stitches on her dress with gentle fingertips."You look eager," she thought, her voice silky, removed.His eyes flashed to hers in the mirror. "It's business."A Halloween masquerade party thrown by one of the city's most powerful real estate moguls. Networking, power moves, and deal-making masquerading as fun.More significantly, it meant he would be away for hours.This was her opportunity.Lily hid her smile in a wine glass."Well," she stated and stood up, the silk of her robe whispering against her skin. "Don't have too much fun without me Vandaulf."Vandaulf's eyes narrowed into hers, hard and cold."I won't."She stepped closer, inches from his face. Teasing him."Good," she whispered, reaching out to touch his tie, her fingers tracing just ab
WHERE LIGHT MEETS DARK WHERE LIGHT MEETS DARK CHAPTER 50
The air between them charged with electricity, but neither blinked. Neither folded."Neither grovels, darling," Ina had sneered, her voice silk and steel.And now, observing Vandaulf's face harden—his jaw muscles locked, his fists clenched—she recognized she'd gained this fight.But victory was fleeting.Vandaulf didn't lose.He didn't surrender.He struck back.Without another word, he turned on his heel and left the room, the click of his shoes against the marble floor echoing like a warning.Ina let out a slow, measured breath, her pulse still racing from the confrontation.But deep down, Lily’s voice whispered—soft, worried.This is dangerous, Ina. You’re pushing too far.Ina smirked at her reflection in the mirror. "Not far enough."The next day, she woke up to a cage.Not a physical one—not chains, not locked doors—but something worse.A silent, invisible prison built by a man who would not be ignored.She sensed it the instant she emerged from her bedroom.The abrupt tightening
WHERE LIGHT MEETS DARK WHERE LIGHT MEETS DARK CHAPTER 49
The quiet was oppressive. Nigh on unbearable.The face staring back at her wasn't Lily anymore.It was Ina.Her stronger, bolder, deadlier version.She let her breath out slowly, leaning on the cold marble sink with her elbows. Her eyes. Ina's eyes, smoldered with revolt."What in tarnation was that?" Ina growled, staring at herself in anger.Lily's gentle voice, tinged with doubt, ran through her mind. "I don't know Ina.""Liar," Ina growled. "You felt it. You let him in."Lily winced within. "No. That wasn't."It was real," Ina interjected. "You enjoyed it."Lily's hands shook. "That's not true.""Oh, sweetheart," Ina sighed. "Your heart still pounds. Your skin still stings where he touched you. Don't lie to me."Lily swallowed hard. She wanted to lie, to push the sensation down as she always did.But Ina was correct.Vandaulf had touched her beneath her skin.And that was not safe.Ina leaned forward, her eyes on their reflected faces, her voice a low whisper. "You let him win."Li
WHERE LIGHT MEETS DARK WHERE LIGHT MEETS DARK CHAPTER 48
The huge doors slam shut with a deafening crash, imprisoning Lily in the lion's den.Silence.Heavy. Choking.She barely had time to catch her breath before—"Where the hell were you?"His voice was deep, coarse—like gravel on steel.Lily gradually turned. Vandaulf hadn't stepped from the bottom of the stairs, yet his presence controlled the entire bloody room. Suit jacket open, rolled-up sleeves, as though pacing back and forth—awaiting.Her.Lily flicked a harsh brow, innocent. "Out."Darkening face, fists on his thighs. Mismatched reaction.He closed a cautious step, another, until all distance had disappeared. Something heavy erupted in the air."Out," he spat again, poison seeping through his words. "For seven hours, Lily?"She shrugged. "Didn't realize I was working."His jaw clenched. "You can't just bail."She nodded. "Amusing fact, since that is precisely what I did as well."His grip shattered.In seconds, he slapped his palm on her wrist—this time with more pressure.Lily d
WHERE LIGHT MEETS DARK WHERE LIGHT MEETS DARK CHAPTER 47
The sun came up over the Carlston estate, but its rays did nothing to melt the frost in the air.Lily woke up as Lily.Ina had burned out during the middle of the night, leaving only fatigue behind.A loud knock on her door startled her into sitting upright."Ma'am," the maid's voice was soft but insistent. "Madam Helena and Mr. Vandaulf are waiting in the dining hall. It's time for breakfast."Lily breathed slowly, grounding herself. Play the part.As she stepped out of her room, she was not Ina, no longer incensed. She was the demure, reserved Lily—dominated, elegant, submissive.She walked down the sweeping staircase, her silk robe flowing behind her. But as she approached the dining hall, her breathing caught.Vandaulf waited there.For her.His wide shoulders rested lazily against the doorframe, arms folded, but his face was far from calm.His eyes found her at once, raking, searching.Lily maintained her even pace."Good morning," she said, voice light, neutral.Vandaulf's mouth
