THE TRIPLET

part 4

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Lilith took one last look in the mirror to make sure she looked perfect.

She heard her father's voice from downstairs, calling for her.

"Time to go," he said, his voice carrying up the stairs.

She took a deep breath, smoothing out her dress one final time before heading downstairs.

As Lilith descended the stairs, her heels clicking against the hardwood floor, her father's face lit up.

She took in his suit and tie, realizing for the first time how formal and serious he seemed.

He stopped at the bottom of the stairs, looking at her with a mixture of pride and protectiveness.

"My beautiful girl," he said, his voice softer than usual.

He offered her his arm. "Ready?"

She looped her arm through her father's, feeling the coolness of his suit against her bare skin.

"As ready as I'll ever be," she said, trying to sound braver than she felt.

He gave her arm a gentle squeeze, a silent encouragement.

"Let's go," he said, leading her towards the door.

They stepped outside and were met by two bodyguards waiting by the car. One of them opened the door for them and they both got in.

The car ride was silent, the only sound being the low hum of the engine.

Lilith could feel the tension in her father as he went over the rules in his head again.

She looked out the window, watching the city's lights fly by. They were getting closer.

The car pulled up in front of a grand building, the venue for the gala.

The paparazzi were already swarming the area, cameras flashing as they tried to catch a glimpse of the guests arriving.

The bodyguards quickly got out and opened their doors, shielding them from the flashing lights.

Her father helped her out of the car, his grip on her tight.

"Remember the rules," he whispered in her ear.

She nodded, steeling herself as they walked up the steps and into the building.

The inside was just as grand as the outside, marble floors, crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, and elegant people dressed in their finest attire.

They walked further into the venue, her father leading the way.

The rules echoed in her mind.

Do not interact.

They made their way through the crowd, people nodding and murmuring greetings to her father.

Lilith stayed close to him, her eyes scanning the room. She saw men and women she recognized from her father's business dealings.

But she didn't see any of the three men her father had specifically told her to avoid.

But just because she didn't see them didn't mean they weren't there.

She tightened her grip on her father's arm.

Her father must have felt her nervousness because he looked down at her.

"You're doing great," he whispered.

They approached a group of people, all well-known in their circle.