CHAPTER THIRTEEN: The Mistress In Action

LILIAN’S POV:

Is Carter really over Hazel, or is he just saying that to keep me around? I see the way he looks when he talks about her, and it makes me wonder if I'm just a distraction.

My reverie is interrupted when a sharp desperate knock comes to my door.

As I fling the door open, my irritation evaporates. Standing at the threshold, swaying slightly, is Carter.

"Carter," I breathe as I take in his disheveled appearance.

His face is flushed, his eyes half-closed, and his necktie hung loose around his neck. His shirt is wrinkled and stained, a far cry from his usual meticulous attire.

"Lilian," he mumbles, stumbling forward.

I catch him just in time, my arms steadying his larger frame. The smell of alcohol is overwhelming, and I wrinkle my nose but hold him up, guiding him towards the living area.

Carter collapses onto the sofa, his head lolling back against the cushions.

"What happened? Why are you so drunk?" I ask.

Carter's eyes struggle to focus on me, his words slurring togeth