Lillian's POVIt was late when we arrived home.Finding a sponsor for the charity auction isn't easy but thankfully Victoria is good at talking so she successfully convinced those elites to sponsor the event.I headed towards the kitchen to get some water and there I saw Martha preparing our dinner. She is busy mixing the sauce in the pan.I dipped my hands in the sauce so she slapped my hands."Did you even wash your hands?" she asked but I just laugh at her and stepped out of the kitchen and walked towards my room.I was about to step inside my room when I heard Victoria call my name."Lillian," Victoria said, her voice filled with sincerity.I looked at her, anticipating her next words."Thank you for helping me," she said, gratitude evident in her voice.A genuine smile graced my lips as I nodded."You're welcome, Victoria," I replied.I had to admit, spending time with Victoria today was enjoyable. She was fun to be with."I'll just wash up," I excused myself, heading towards my
Marcus's POVI felt a lump in my throat as I gazed at Lillian, who stared back at me with anticipation, waiting for my response.My hands grew cold, and my heart pounded loudly in my chest.As she took a step closer, I instinctively took a step back, afraid to get too close to her, as I no longer had control over myself."What are you doing?" I asked, trying to maintain a facade of indifference.This was the first time I felt intimidated by someone. The first time someone made me so nervous."I'm just asking you a question," she replied casually.I swallowed hard, lowering my head and meeting her gaze directly."I don't like you, Lillian," I mustered the courage to say, my voice trembling slightly.Her expression changed. The confident facade faded, and a small smile appeared on her lips as she nodded."I know," she whispered weakly, confusing me even further."What are you doing, Lillian?" I asked, perplexed by her actions and words.Why was she asking me such a question? Did she li
Lillian's POVMarcus stormed out of the room, leaving me dumbfounded.After a while, Martha stepped inside and immediately walked towards me.She cupped my face and made me look at her."What happened, Lillian?" she asked, worry evident in her tone."H-He just asked me something," I stammered.I could still feel my heart beating loudly against my chest."Did you have a fight?" she asked.I shook my head and smiled at Martha to assure her that I was okay."He just asked me something," I repeated, refusing to tell her what Marcus had said.Martha looked intently at my face, and I could tell she wanted to know more, but she stopped herself from asking. Instead, she nodded her head."You should sleep, it's already late," she said, so I nodded my head. After that, she stepped out of the room.When I was all alone, I remembered everything Marcus had said.I could also vividly recall how angry he looked at me.His eyes filled with anger and something I couldn't name.Was it my question earli
Marcus's POVLillian's eyes fixated on mine as I walked down the aisle.Her hands trembled slightly, but she quickly looked away, directing her attention to the painting displayed in front.All eyes were on her, and I watched as she clutched the microphone tightly, her hand shaking.I took my seat in front of the stage.I glanced at my mother, and she smiled when our gazes met.I simply nodded and then shifted my focus to Lillian and one of her paintings.I studied it intently.The artwork appeared to depict someone's face, but the splash of paint covered the identity. Only the blue eyes remained visible, bearing an uncanny resemblance to mine.Returning my gaze to Lillian, I noticed that she was still trembling.She cleared her throat and, after a moment, smiled at the crowd."That painting wasn't meant to be here..." she began, her nervousness disappeared from her voice."It's a mistake—a mere piece of trash that was mistakenly delivered," she said, glancing at me briefly before tur
Lillian's POVAs I felt his hungry kisses and his hand slowly caressing my waist, I knew at that moment that the careful daughter within me had disappeared.All I could think of was his lips on mine and my insatiable craving for him.When Marcus broke off the kiss and looked at me with desire-filled eyes, a smile graced my lips, knowing that I affected him just as he had on me."You should rest, you seem dizzy, right?" he asked.Catching my breath, I looked at him, still unable to get over that kiss.After a while, I slowly calmed myself and nodded."See you tomorrow?" I asked.Marcus smiled at me and nodded."See you tomorrow," he said.I stared at his face for a while, still captivated by that intense moment before I found the strength to walk away.I glanced back at him and saw Marcus watching me intently, his hands tucked inside his pockets.He smiled at me again before I continued walking towards the house.Stepping inside, I bumped into Martha, who looked confused upon seeing me
Marcus's POVHer soft laughter danced in my ears, a melodic sound that warmed my heart.A radiant smile adorned her face, bringing a comforting warmth to my entire being.Her eyes, brimming with happiness, met mine, but her smile faded, replaced by fear as Martha's voice echoed."What are you doing?" Martha asked, her face filled with confusion as she observed us.Lillian distanced herself, taking a few steps back, breaking free from my grasp. She turned to face Martha, who stood at the edge of the pool, her gaze fixed on us."It's late already. Why are you still here?" Martha asked, her eyes fixed on us intently."I slipped, Martha, and Lillian tried to help me. But she couldn't pull me out, so she ended up falling into the water," I explained.Martha scrutinized me, seemingly contemplating whether or not to believe my explanation. After a moment, she nodded."You might catch a cold. I'll get a towel," she said before walking away.As soon as Martha left, Lillian burst into laughter.
Lillian's POVMartha took too long so I decided to follow her into the kitchen. As I caught sight of her talking to Marcus, I quickly hid around the corner, eavesdropping on their conversation."Lillian told me everything," Martha revealed."What did she tell you?" I heard Marcus ask.There was a brief silence before Martha responded."I know you don't like this family, Marcus. I can see it in your eyes, how you despise being a part of the Hawthorne family. But please, don't use Lillian for whatever plans you have," Martha pleaded with him.Her words pierced my heart, and the possibility that Marcus was driven by hatred for my family clouded my mind."If you're doing this out of hatred for the Hawthornes, spare Lillian from that hatred because she doesn't deserve to be hurt. Lillian has been through so much. Please, don't hurt her," she continued desperation lacing her voice.Martha had watched me grow up. She had witnessed my yearning for my father's love and attention, but I had ne
Marcus's POVMy gaze is fixated on Lillian, but as I watch her intently, she does everything to avoid my eyes. Throughout the whole dinner, all I do is watch her, and when we're finished eating, she's the first one to leave the table."I'll pack my things for tomorrow, Dad," she says, excusing herself.Gabriel nods, letting his daughter go.I stand up, ready to follow Lillian, but Mom knows what I'm planning."Where are you going, Marcus?" she asks, looking at me intently.I let out a deep breath, having no choice but to sit back at the table."You're leaving already?" Gabriel asks."No, Dad," I reply."Good. Stay for some wine," he says, and then he calls the maid to serve us wine.We decide to drink our wine in the garden. Mom joins us, and I can see her piercing eyes directed at me."How's work, Marcus? Are you adjusting well?" he asks.I nod and take a sip of my wine.I want to escape this conversation.All I can think about is how I can talk to Lillian."I have some free time. M
Lillian's POVMy memories are still blurry but one thing remains clear.My feelings for him.I know that I love him. My heart feels happy whenever I am with him.I can't remember some memories I have with him but that won't stop me from marrying this man.When the door of the art gallery opened I felt my heart beating loudly against my chest.My hands went cold so I held the bouquet tightly trying to find some strength and ease the nervousness that I was feeling.I roamed my eyes around.I saw art hanging on the wall and everything looked familiar to me but I can't tell when I exactly saw it or what particular memory it holds.As I took a step forward all eyes were on me. People who are close to us are watching my step closely and it made me even more nervous so I fixated my gaze on him...to the man who can calm my storm.He smiled at me but he wiped something on the corner of his eyes as if he was crying.Seeing him cry made the corner of my eyes water as well but I suppressed it so
Marcus's POVI felt my heart swell in happiness as I wrapped them in my arms.The emptiness that I had been trying to battle for a year was now gone.Everything feels complete again.She's finally here.She came back just like what she promised."I told Daddy, Mommy will come back just like what she promised,"A soft chuckle escaped my lips when I heard Amari utter those words.We broke off the hug and my gaze drifted on Lillian again.She's smiling genuinely. A kind of smile that reaches her eyes indicating that she is truly happy."Thank you for not giving up," she uttered.My hand reached for her face and gently caressed her cheeks.I still can't believe it.It feels like a dream seeing her stand in front of me looking at me with her eyes filled with love and happiness."Thank you for coming back," I whispered as my hands gently caressed her cheeks.She leaned her face on my palm and closed her eyes as she found comfort in the warmth of my hand.She looks peaceful to watch.I alway
Lillian's POVI saw happiness glistening in his eyes as he looked at me.He looked happy when I told him about the glimpse of memory that I had but I wasn't sure if it was mine or if my mind was playing tricks on me.I was confused if I was Lillian or if I was just forcing myself to believe that I was Lillian just to fill the memories that I had lost.Up until now I still can't remember anything and it frustrates me.I am slowly doubting my parents wondering if they are telling the truth or making me believe in lies.But why would they do that? Why would they lie to me?Why am I doubting them just because of this man in front of me whom I barely knew?His happiness was replaced by confusion when I fell silent.He was about to hold my hand but I hid it behind me afraid that if he touched me I might feel something again.Pain crossed his eyes when I refused to be touched by him."What's wrong?" he asked pain filling his voice.I shook my head and avoided his gaze. I focused my eyes in f
Marcus's POVI finished my work early so I headed home.I searched the house to look for the kids until I heard giggles coming from the garden.I followed the laughter and there I saw Amari sitting on a small chair while painting a flower on the canvas while Augustus was on his stroller playing with his toy.My gaze then shifted to Isabelle.She's smiling while putting some colours on the canvas.She's painting the same sunset that she ruined.Her every stroke reminds me of Lillian.I was taken back to that moment when I watched Lillian draw the sunset.The way she put colour on the canvas is the same way Lillian coloured the sky.I watched her every moment intently and as I watched how she mixed different colors I felt my heart ache.She's Lillian.I am sure she's Lillian but why is she lying to us?Why is she hiding in the name of Isabelle?Does she forget about us?Or maybe I am just being drowned in longing once again making myself believe that Lillian is still alive?Maybe I am j
Isabelle's POVMy heart started to race.When I stepped inside the cab I held my chest tightly and let out heavy breaths, panting as if I came from a long run.After giving my address to the driver I leaned my head against the window and focused my attention outside.Why am I acting this way?Why did my heart race when he kissed me?"Maam we are already here,"I was pulled out of my thoughts when I heard the driver speak.I immediately handed my fare and stepped out of the cab.I stared at the house standing in front of me.It was a white house just enough for a small family.I grew up here they said but this place doesn't feel familiar.I can't remember any memories I have in this house. Even fragments.It's been a year since the accident happened but I still can't remember anything.They are telling me stories but it doesn't ring a bell. I can't find it inside me, the memories they telling.I let out a deep breath and walked towards our house.The moment I stepped inside I heard my
Marcus's POVI can't look away.I am having a hard time processing everything.She looks exactly like Lillian.Her hair is a bit different since it was cut short but her other features resemble Lillian.The only difference is that she looks at us differently.She looks confused as if she's looking at a stranger."Your name is Isabelle?" I asked still having a hard time accepting that she's not Lillian.She slowly nods her head. "Yes Sir," she politely responded.I saw her gaze shifted to Amari. Her gaze lingered before she looked at me again."My Mom left for a while to process some documents for my father's operation so she told me to look after your son for a while. I am sorry she's in a hurry so she failed to inform you,"She talks so gently.Her voice sounds exactly like Lillian and while I listened to her I felt pain surge in my system.She reminds me of Lillian and it hurts."I'm sorry if we scared you. You look exactly like my late wife so we thought you were her,"I swallowed
Marcus's POVIt's been a year since she left but I am still mourning. Everything still feels empty and I have no idea if I will ever recover.If Amari isn't here I bet I already killed myself. She's the only reason why I chose to survive each day.She needs a father so I have to be strong and act like I am still okay even though my insides are shattered into pieces."Daddy, where's my uniform?" I heard her shouting from her room.I immediately wiped my hands and hurriedly ran towards my daughter.Upon opening her room I saw her searching her cabinet."It's here. I ironed it earlier," I said as I got the uniform hanging on her cabinet."Once you're done here head to the kitchen and eat your breakfast okay?" She smiled at me and nodded her head.I stared at her face for quite some time before I smiled back.I always do that whenever I miss Lillian. I always stare at our daughter's face because I can see a glimpse of her in Amari.Whenever I look at Amari it feels like she's still here.
Marcus's POV"Daddy,"It was that soft call that made me lift my head.When I saw my daughter standing in front of me with tears streaming down her face I felt my chest tightened.I can see Lillian in Amari. She looks like her and that made everything feel heavy.I tried to act strong in front of her but when her small arms pulled me into a tight hug the tears that I had been suppressing fell non-stop.I cried on my daughter's shoulder, releasing all the pain and heaviness inside me.I thought after crying the pain and heaviness inside my chest would vanish or somehow lessen but nothing happened.My tears already dried out but the pain didn't subside. It still feels too much.When Amari broke off the hug she cupped my face and smiled at me."Let's go home, Daddy. Let's wait for me Mommy in our house. Let's wait for her in our home,"I bit my lower lip when tears were about to fall once again.I stared at my daughter's face and I can't help but blame myself for what happened.If I just
Lillian's POVDays after what happened Amari finally decided to come with Marcus.I don't want to let her go but for now, I have to but I'll make sure to work hard so I can get my daughter's custody.Carrying all my things I stepped out of the house and grabbed a taxi to go towards Marcus' place.I still have things to do. I need to finish the artwork because he already paid for it. I can feel that Alice doesn't want my presence but she has no choice.When I arrived at the house it was awfully quiet so I started searching for them.I put my things first in the living room before I started roaming around.After a while I heard voices coming from the room upstairs so I traced it.I didn't want to eavesdrop but curiosity filled me especially when I heard my daughter's name.I recognized their voices. It was Alice and Matthew's voices."Why can't we just tell them the truth? Just come with me, Alice. Why do you have to go crazy over Marcus when he is treating you this way?" I hear desperat