Chapter 2: The Key
Two hours earlier, Lily had been standing in front of her bedroom mirror, trying not to cry.
She hated crying before important things.
Her father always noticed.
And today was supposed to be about happiness.
She adjusted the pale-blue ribbon around her waist and smoothed the front of her dress.
There was a knock.
“Come in.””
Daniel opened the door.
For a few seconds, he just stood there.
His eyes widened.
“Wow.””
Lily smiled.
“What?””
“You look like my little girl.””
She laughed.
“I am your little girl.””
“I know.””
Daniel crossed the room and crouched in front of her.
He straightened the small silver necklace she was wearing.
Her mother had given it to her when she was eight.
A tiny heart pendant.
Daniel touched it gently.
“Your mom would’ve loved today.””
Lily’s smile faded for a moment.
“I wish she could be here.””
“So do I.””
He kissed her forehead.
“But she’d be proud of you.””
Lily nodded.
Then she noticed he was holding something behind his back.
“What’s that?””
Daniel smiled.
“Your secret mission.””
He handed her a tiny envelope.
Inside was a handwritten note.
*For Lily. Stand beside me. No matter what.*
She looked up.
“Dad…”
“I’m serious.””
“I know.””
“No matter what happens today, you stay close to me.””
“Okay.””
“And if anybody tells you otherwise?””
Lily frowned.
“I don’t listen.””
“Exactly.””
He hugged her.
Then the door opened.
Vanessa stood in the doorway.
She smiled.
“Time to go downstairs.””
Lily tucked the note into her purse.
Vanessa's gaze lingered on her dress.
For half a second, something sharp flashed across Vanessa's face.
Then it disappeared.
“You look lovely,” Vanessa said.
“Thank you.””
Vanessa stepped aside.
Daniel rose.
“We’ll be down in five.””
Vanessa’s smile tightened.
“I actually need to speak with you.””
“About?””
“Privately.””
Lily walked toward the door.
Vanessa stopped her.
“Lily, go wait with the photographer.””
Lily hesitated.
Daniel looked at Vanessa.
“She stays.””
Vanessa laughed lightly.
“I just need ten minutes.””
Daniel shook his head.
“No secrets today.””
Vanessa stared at him.
Then she smiled.
“Of course.””
She turned and left.
Lily watched her disappear down the hall.
“Dad?””
“Hmm?””
“Do you really think she likes me?””
Daniel paused.
That wasn't the question he'd expected.
“She cares about you.””
Lily's eyes narrowed.
“That wasn’t what I asked.””
Daniel sat on the edge of the bed.
“Lily, sometimes adults need time to figure out how to fit into each other’s lives.””
“She said I should call her Mom.””
Daniel’s jaw tightened.
“You don't have to call anyone something you’re not comfortable calling them.””
“She got mad when I said I wanted you to walk me to my seat.””
Daniel looked toward the closed door.
“When did she say that?””
“Last week.””
“And what else?””
Lily was quiet.
“Nothing.””
Daniel knew his daughter well.
“That means something else happened.””
She shook her head.
“Not now.””
He softened.
“Okay.””
He took her hand.
“Today, you walk beside me.””
She smiled.
“Promise?””
“Promise.””
Downstairs, the wedding photographer called for them.
Lily followed her father out.
Neither of them saw Vanessa standing at the far end of the corridor.
She was holding a folder.
And on the front, beneath a legal firm’s logo, were three words:
*GUARDIANSHIP TRANSFER DOCUMENTS.*
Vanessa looked at the hallway where Daniel and Lily had disappeared.
May you like
Then she whispered to herself.
“By tonight, it’ll be done.””
