When the eviction notice came, I thought life had finally beaten me. Five kids, no husband, no savings — and now, no home. But just when everything seemed lost, a mysterious invitation from a millionaire would change our lives forever… though not in the way I expected.
“Mom, you’re zoning out again,” Emily’s voice snapped me back to reality. Danny was chasing Leo around the kitchen, the twins were fighting over toast, and the sink was full of dishes — another normal morning in our chaotic little world.“I’m fine, sweetheart,” I lied, forcing a smile. The truth? I was anything but fine. Since Mark passed away two years ago, I’d been holding everything together with nothing but hope and duct tape. Bills stacked up, grief never left, and the eviction notice that arrived last month felt like the final blow.
Then, out of nowhere, another letter came — plain envelope, no return address, just my name. Inside was something I never expected: an invitation to a gala hosted by Lucas Hargrove, the millionaire everyone talked about. The note promised “a surprise for those in need.”
I almost tossed it aside. But something — maybe desperation — told me to go.
That night, wearing the only decent dress I owned, I stepped into a world I didn’t belong in: crystal chandeliers, designer gowns, champagne glasses clinking. I wanted to disappear. Then Lucas took the stage.
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