When Milford stepped in front of me. His words cut in coldly, “Lori’s dead. This woman is just some beggar. Anyone who dares slander Lisa again will answer to me.”
I froze. Staring at him in disbelief.
“Milford…” I said, my voice shaking. “Say that again. Say it to my face! Who am I?!”
Milford hesitated for a second. His eyes darted around the crowd before he leaned in, lowering his voice.
“Lori, you heard them. If I admit you’re alive now, Lisa’s reputation will be ruined. My brother entrusted her to me—I can’t let her be humiliated like that. You’ve always been the sensible one… Please. Just endure this. For me. Be good.”
Soon after, he stepped away. He didn’t even look back.
He waved to the butler and ordered him to “take care of me.” Said they’d “let me eat the leftover food” from the banquet—as some kind of charity. Said it would bring his newborn son good fortune.
Far from where I stood, the party picked right back up. Laughter, applause, champagne glasses clinking.
Everyone showered him and Malissa with blessings. Called them a perfect match. Said they were meant to be.
All I felt inside was nothing but cold.