True to his word, he quickly arranged for Lily to visit Ethan in the hospital.The VIP ward was located in the south wing of the hospital, with guards stationed on every floor, ensuring tight security.Despite it being the height of summer, the corridor's chill seeped into Lily's bones, making her shiver involuntarily. Her frail silhouette, cast against the stark white walls, was fragmented by the light, appearing utterly powerless. A nurse led her to a VIP room at the end of the corridor, opened the door, and quickly left, leaving Lily alone in the quiet, private space.Lily stood at the doorway for a long time, not daring to approach the bed. She just stared blankly at the figure lying there, motionless. His usually bright, elongated eyes were now tightly shut. Even in the unflattering hospital gown, lying on the white bed, he looked as handsome as ever.Memories began to flood back.After the success party of their performance that day, he had unexpectedly blocked her path and said
Ethan and Lily had known each other for two years. Yet, despite their best efforts, they had only managed to spend a mere two hours alone together. In this world, everything comes at a cost. There's always a trade-off.Lily resolutely promised Ethan's family that she would sever all ties with him. In return, the investigative team finally took Henry Parker's case seriously, acknowledging the evidence he presented. After many days, the dean personally visited him in the hospital, expressing the institution's unwavering trust in his character and ethics. However, the public remained skeptical about Henry's defense. As long as the key figure, Connor Reeves, remained hidden, the case couldn't be fully resolved.But in this vast world, how easy was it to find someone intentionally hiding? Despite her best efforts and seeking help from various contacts, Lily found no trace of Connor. It was as if he had vanished from the face of the earth. Out of desperation, she called Jame again, hoping t
Yet, it seemed as if no one had heard her. The room continued its chatter, and Julian showed no reaction.Isabella, however, clapped her hands gleefully, pointing to the grand Steinway piano in the corner, "You all are so basic, always indulging in pop music. Classical is the trend now. Why don't we have Lily play something for us? Her piano pieces are said to be 'so divine, they're rarely heard on earth.'"Serena Winters chimed in with a laugh, feeding Preston a grape, "Indeed, our professors always said she had the potential to shine in Warsaw. It'd be a shame not to listen."Isabella smirked, "Would you mind playing something for us, Lily?"Lily didn't smile. She turned to look at Julian, who was leaning against a cushion. The lighting was too dim to see his face clearly. Even the most naive would realize that tonight's performance was merely a charade to mock her and appease Isabella. She could only hope that once their amusement was satiated, they would spare her family further t
Glass after glass, each one felt like a stab to her heart. Her senses were numbed, her face a mix of sweat, wine, and tears.Ethan, why won't you wake up? You told me to trust you, that you'd protect me. Why am I left alone to face all of this? Giving up isn't that hard, right? Look, I've done it. As long as I don't listen, don't see, don't think, it won't hurt. You hate seeing me in pain, so you'll forgive me, won't you?Lily was surprisingly composed given the circumstances. She managed a smile, "What more do you want from me to appease your grudges?" Lifting her gaze, she met Julian Sterling's deep, dark eyes. He just stood there, arms crossed, observing her with an indifferent detachment. Why had she been so naive to even consider trusting him?"Enough!" Lucas Hartley couldn't stand it any longer. He scoffed, "You all should know when to stop. For Ethan's sake, you can't go this far. Do you really want to destroy her?" Although he felt it wasn't worth it for Ethan to be so affecte
Julian Sterling's grip was firm, his solid hand tightly clutching Lily Parker's delicate wrist. Regardless of the expressions of those around, he forcefully pulled her out. The club was frequented by the elite, and as they made their way out, many greeted Julian with a flattering "Mr. Sterling." However, he acknowledged no one. A single cold "Move" from him was enough to send shivers down their spines, ensuring they didn’t dare approach any closer. Julian was a man naturally looked up to. Lily felt pain, a prickling sensation all over. The leg that Preston Harrow had kicked felt as if it had split open, every step she took was agonizing, like being pricked by a needle. And her hand, numbed by Julian's forceful grip, felt nothing. In her dazed state, she wondered, she had already bowed her head in submission, why wouldn't they just let her be? She stared at the man before her, who seemed utterly indifferent to her feelings. Anger bubbled inside her. She tried to shake off his grip, b
Lily felt drained, lacking the energy to argue further. As for right and wrong, the heavens knew. The alcohol in her system made her feel weak and unsteady. Slowly, she pulled herself up using the towel rack, wanting to escape this place. She realized that continuing this confrontation would only give him more opportunities to hurt her. Being naive once or twice was forgivable, but persisting in it was simply irredeemable.Julian watched her pale face intently, his voice deep and resonant. "And what about me? How do you feel about me?"Lily turned away, evading his question. "Mr. Sterling, you're naturally Ethan's friend. Helping me is a favor, and not helping is understandable. You've assisted me several times before, and I'm grateful.""Mr. Sterling," he mused, the formal and distant address grating on his nerves. He almost wished she'd shout his name in anger instead. The thought startled him. Had he gone mad?"Aren't you still seeking my help? That student of your father's, what's
It's said that the eyes are the windows to the soul, the most revealing part of a person's true emotions. At this moment, Julian Sterling's dark, luminous eyes were filled with an unmistakable desire.He wanted Lily Parker.A man's innate desire to conquer and possess a woman is a primal instinct. Born into privilege and accustomed to being looked up to and flattered, Julian saw Lily's distance and disdain as a challenge to his authority. In his thirty years of life, he had never been so thoroughly rejected.The flames of passion burned fiercely in his eyes, threatening to consume everything in their path. She stared back at him, her heart racing, almost leaping out of her chest. Just as he leaned in, she panicked and tried to dodge to one side, but he quickly pulled her back. Her breath caught, and she placed her hands on his chest, feeling an alarming warmth. His tanned skin radiated a wild, intimidating energy that made her tremble uncontrollably. In terms of strength and stature,
He looked down at her arrogantly, his eyes devoid of warmth. His towering presence cast her in shadow, and the overpowering aura he exuded sent her into a panic, prompting her to scream. However, her cries only seemed to excite him further. With a swift motion, he grabbed her by the shoulders and pinned her against the wall. In a defiant move, she slapped him hard across the face.He paused for a moment, then a cold smirk spread across his lips. Holding both her wrists above her head, he pressed her firmly against the wall. The burning sensation on his face from her slap seemed to fuel his aggression, and he bit down on her lips, showing no mercy. She whimpered in pain, her eyes wide with terror as she stared at the menacing man before her. Her struggles only seemed to heighten his sense of conquest. Yes, at that moment, all he wanted was to dominate her, to have her completely subdued beneath him. His gaze was as fierce as a wild beast's, and his heavy, heated breaths fell upon her e