Cora barely had the strength to lift her head, but she forced herself to look at Lilly one last time. Her heart screamed for her, but her lips remained sealed. Lilly’s wide, tear-filled eyes locked onto hers, filled with silent pleas, with heartbreak, with the same helplessness that was crushing Cora from the inside.
One nod from Lorenzo. That was all it took. Antonio gripped Lilly by the arm and pulled her away, dragging her towards the door.
No. Not like this.
Cora wanted to run to her, to whisper something, to promise something—anything. But the weight of the contract she had just signed pinned her in place.
She clenched her fists, nails digging into her palms as the door shut behind them. Her mind screamed at her, but it was too late.
Be safe, Lilly. Be happy.
She
