Chapter 2 - LILY’S IMPORTANT DAYLily’s engagement party was scheduled for a Saturday evening in June.
My mother called it “the event of the year.”
The party would be held at the Harrington Hotel, one of the most exclusive venues in the city. More than two hundred guests had been invited, including investors, politicians, journalists, and members of Andrew Caldwell’s family.
My father saw the engagement as more than a wedding announcement.
He saw it as a business opportunity.
Bennett Development was seeking approval for a controversial waterfront project, and several invited guests had influence over the decision.
The evening had to be perfect.
Three days before the party, my doctor ordered me to reduce my activities.
“You’re experiencing signs of early labor,” Dr. Reyes warned. “No unnecessary travel. No long periods of standing. Keep your phone close, and do not ignore pain or bleeding.”
I nodded.
My daughter was not due for another seven weeks.
After the appointment, I called my mother.
She answered on the fourth attempt.
“Emma, I’m with the florist.”
“I just left the doctor.”
“Is everything fine?”
“Not exactly. She thinks I may go into labor early.”
There was a pause.
“How early?”
“It could happen at any time.”
My mother sighed.
“Not Saturday, surely.”
I thought I had misunderstood her.
“What?”
“Lily has waited her entire life for this night.”
“I can’t schedule a medical emergency around her engagement party.”
“I know that. I’m only saying you should rest and avoid upsetting yourself.”
She lowered her voice.
“Your sister is already worried that something will go wrong.”
“I’m the one who may go into premature labor.”
“Yes, but you’ve always been strong. Lily is more sensitive.”
I ended the call before I said something I would regret.
That evening, my father visited my house.
He did not ask to see the nursery.
He went directly to Daniel’s former study and placed a loan agreement on the desk.
“The company needs your signature.”
I read the first page.
The agreement used my personal investment portfolio as additional security for the waterfront development.
“You already have company assets securing this loan.”
“The lender wants more protection.”
“How much more?”
“Eighteen million.”
I looked up.
“You want me to guarantee eighteen million dollars personally?”
“It’s temporary.”
“That is what you said about the hotel project.”
“And you earned a substantial return.”
“I also took all the risk.”
My father closed the study door.
“This project will secure our legacy.”
“My daughter is my legacy.”
His expression changed.
“Of course she is. But the company will belong to her one day.”
“Only if there is still a company left.”
He stared at me for several seconds.
“You’re becoming difficult.”
“I’m becoming careful.”
“Daniel trusted my judgment.”
The use of my husband’s name felt deliberate.
“He trusted me,” I replied.
My father softened his voice.
“You’re under stress. Sign it after the party.”
“I’m not signing it.”
He collected the papers slowly.
“Think about what you’re doing. Your sister’s future, our employees, and this family all depend on the company.”
“No. They depend on you making responsible decisions.”
He left without saying goodbye.
The following morning, Lily sent me a message.
Mom says you’re trying to create problems with Dad before my party.
I stared at the screen.
I typed three different responses and deleted them all.
Finally, I wrote:
My doctor says the baby may come early. Please make sure Mom and Dad keep their phones on Saturday.
Lily replied almost immediately.
May you like
Please don’t make this weekend about you.
That was the last message I received from her before the ambulance arrived.
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