Chapter: CHAPTER 51: A MEETING WITH MICHAEL 2Knowing Jess was okay brought a wave of relief, but the guilt still gnawed at me. My chest felt heavy, and my thoughts were a jumbled mess, making it hard to comprehend my emotions.I wanted a break—just one night of peace away from the chaos. It seemed like every time things started to improve, life found a way to get worse. I thought saving Dad’s company and our home would make me happy. Maybe it was because I hadn’t found Michael yet.But even as I clung to that reasoning, I knew deep down that finding my brother wasn’t the answer to the void in my heart. It was something else entirely, something I couldn’t name.I just wanted one week—one simple week—with Eric without fighting or Vivian ruining everything. But that felt as rare as diamonds in the dirt.A part of me wished Eric had followed me here, while another part was grateful for his absence. Being around him made me feel weak, like all my defenses crumbled in his presence.I wandered into the bathroom, heading straight for th
Last Updated: 2025-04-21
Chapter: CHAPTER 50: A MEETING WITH MICHAELI sat across from Alex as Dr. David and Eric appeared to be in a deep conversation. Alex seemed lost in his own thoughts, his expression heavy with worry and exhaustion. He looked so disheveled, like he was carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. Unable to bear seeing him like that, I instinctively reached out, my fingers brushing through his unruly hair.“We’re going to wait by her bedside until she wakes up,” I said softly, my voice breaking the tense silence. “And if she sees you like this, it might cause her to pass out again.”His questioning eyes locked onto mine, silently asking for clarification. I offered a small, reassuring smile.“Why don’t you go up to the third floor and take a bath? Change out of these clothes. You can borrow some of Eric’s—it’ll help. If Jess wakes up and sees her own blood on you, she might really freak out.” My words were gentle, but I hoped they carried enough conviction to make him act.For a moment, he just stared at me, his face a mask
Last Updated: 2025-04-21
Chapter: CHAPTER 49: SHATTERED SILENCEI lay in bed with Lily nestled in my arms, her soft breath steady as she slept. A sense of peace washed over me since I had shared my past with her, but there was still a heaviness in my chest. I hadn’t told her everything. I wanted to, but something held me back. Maybe it was the sadness in my eyes that she had sensed, because she wouldn’t let me say another word.“You should tell me tomorrow,” she had whispered earlier, but I couldn’t wait. This secret had been eating at me for too long.“Why aren’t you sleeping?” Her small, hoarse voice broke through my thoughts, pulling me back to the moment. I stared at her, feeling her warmth against me, her body pressed into mine.“I just have a lot on my mind,” I replied softly, cupping her cheek and brushing my thumb over it. The simple touch felt like a lifeline, something to hold on to. “There’s something I need to tell you, Lily. If I don’t say it, I don’t think I’ll be able to sleep.”Our eyes locked, both filled with unspoken words. I co
Last Updated: 2025-04-21
Chapter: CHAPTER 48: A MESSAGE“Alex, where are you going?” My voice carried a sharp edge as I watched him, fully dressed and ready to leave, leaving me behind without a second thought.“To hook up with some girls,” he replied, a teasing smile tugging at his lips.I marched up to him, planting myself firmly in front of him, our faces mere inches apart. “You wish,” I said coolly, spinning around and heading back to the couch. I picked up my phone, pretending to be engrossed, even as irritation bubbled under my skin.“You don't believe me, do you?” he asked, amusement lacing his tone.“Nope, not one bit.” My gaze didn’t leave my phone.“Do you actually think I can’t get any girl I want straight into bed?” His voice grew more playful, daring me to rise to the bait.“Do you actually think any girl in her right mind would want anything to do with you?” I shot back, smirking as I caught the widening grin on his face.He approached me with deliberate steps, bending over until his hands rested on the couch on either side o
Last Updated: 2025-04-21
Chapter: CHAPTER 47: HIS NIGHTMAREWhen I entered the house, I found her asleep on the couch in the living room. A wave of guilt washed over me—she must have fallen asleep waiting for me.I sat beside her, watching her peaceful expression. My heart skipped a beat as I stared at her. She looked so beautiful. I reached out, brushing a few strands of hair from her face and tucking them behind her ear.I didn’t mean to wake her, but her eyes fluttered open, locking with mine. I jumped to my feet, taking a few steps back.For a brief moment, I had forgotten how dangerous I could be to her.“You’re back,” she whispered, sitting up and hugging her knees to her chest.“Yes, I just got in,” I answered, avoiding her gaze.“I waited for you. I even made dinner. Are you hungry?” Her voice was calm, almost emotionless. She didn’t sound angry, but I couldn’t read her either.She stood and began walking toward the kitchen. I reached out, grabbing her hand to stop her. She turned slowly, her eyes drifting from my hand to my face.“I t
Last Updated: 2025-04-21
Chapter: CHAPTER 46: THE VACATIONI woke to find myself in my room. I was confused and a little scared when I remembered what I saw in the bathroom. I panicked as I pushed myself up into a sitting position. My body ached all over.I was surprised to find Jess sleeping beside me. Thank goodness she was okay.“Jess,” I called out, shaking her awake slightly.“Lilly, you’re up,” she said. I could see how worried she was.“What happened?”“I found you and Eric passed out in the bathroom.”“Eric! What about Eric? Is he okay? Was he taken to the hospital?”“Hospital? What do you mean?” Jess asked, confused.“He was massively bleeding when I saw him passed out in the bathroom.”“What? He was bleeding, but his wound was just a cut. It wasn’t that much.” The expression on Jess's face was that of someone curious about something.I was surprised because I knew what I saw. Or was I hallucinating? No, this doesn’t make any sense. I know what I saw.“Lilly, are you sure you’re okay?” Jess asked.“Yeah, I'm fine. What time is it?”“
Last Updated: 2025-04-21
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