13: Legacy of Shadows

When Lily stood amidst the solemn crowd at her father's funeral, she feelt the weight of Mr. Thomas's gaze—her father's old friend and lawyer. His look of sympathy had stirred a rebellion within her. She despised being pitied, being seen as a tragic figure in a world that seemed to relish her misfortunes. She thought she had seen the last of him, but she was wrong. A few days later, Lily received a message from the lawyer, reminding her of their impending meeting regarding her father's will. The thought churned a mix of resentment and apprehension in her. She couldn't shake off the image of Mr. Thomas's pitying eyes at the funeral. Leaving the Everett's mansion to meet Mr. Thomas, Lily was glad that Michael had left earlier. She really needed to preserve her pride and was quite unwilling to reveal her vulnerability. However, her morning sickness caught her off guard, leaving her weak and nauseous by the roadside. "Why is life punishing me like this?" she thought bitterly, leani