Chapter 101 - She would play her part (1/2)
Lily held on to the glass punch that Alexandre had handed her. She brought it slowly to her lips and only took a tiny sip instead of swallowing it in one go.
She didn't know how she'd gotten through the last week. Suspicion and fear had almost devoured her from the inside out. Sleeping in the same bed with a murderer every night slowly drove her insane. Enduring his touch...
She swore to herself that if there was the slightest chance she would escape. She'd grab Adrien and run away as far as she could. It's worth every effort...
”You look ravishing. But with a smile...” He gently raised her chin and stroked her lower lip with his thumb.
Lily forced herself to smile. ”Do I look better like this?” She gazed at him, honest, serious.
He laughed. ”This is how you're going to make the whole room halt.”
How often had she dreamed of escaping, every single day, every hour, minute and second her thoughts were on the run. She had the feeling of suffocation. Alexandre had hired an entire army of spies who boldly called themselves bodyguards.
But she would survive even that. She would remain silent as usual, watching and waiting for the right moment. Until then, she had to remain inconspicuous. Alexandre mustn't suspect anything. She would play her part, as he demanded of her.
She knew exactly when her name would be announced in the hall. It seemed as if all heads turned at once to Alexandre and her. Curiosity lurked in their faces. She walked down the stairs as Duchess de Valois. As a couple, they seldom attended such gorgeous balls. Now and then Alexandre took her along to private soirées or evenings among friends. She was gradually established in society as his wife.
With her hand in his, Alexandre remained on the steps. He presented himself with dignity, allowing the crème de la crème of society to satisfy their curiosity. Lily felt uncomfortable among the judging looks. But she knew she could endure it too.
Alexandre squeezed her hand gently. She lifted her eyes to him.