Chapter 4 - The Final Warning
The week before the official wedding planning began, the estate was in a frenzy. A high-stakes dinner party was scheduled, bringing Victoria's wealthy parents and Ethan's elite investors under one roof. Rosa was called in for a mandatory double shift. With no other options, a zipped-up pink hoodie, and a fervent prayer, Rosa brought Lily into the lion's den.
"Kitchen only today. I mean it, Lily," Rosa pleaded, crouching to eye level. "Promise me."
"I big promise," Lily said, clutching Button the rabbit.
May you like
For two hours, the promise held. Rosa scrubbed the upstairs guest suites, her muscles burning, her mind racing with the logistics of the evening. But downstairs, the house was too quiet. The staff was busy outside setting up the terrace. Lily, bored and enchanted by the golden afternoon light spilling across the hallway, wandered out of the kitchen.
She didn't want to cause trouble. She just wanted to see the magic box that made music. Her little sneakers padded softly against the cold marble as she made her way toward the east parlor.
