Marcus's POVAll eyes were fixed on us, waiting for a response.I sensed Lillian's hands growing cold, so I gently squeezed them and looked into her eyes."It's okay," I reassured her, then shifted my gaze to Gabriel."We just went for a morning stroll, Vice President Montgomery," I said, meeting Alexander's gaze head-on.Anger flashed in his eyes, and I could tell that if we were alone, he would have already thrown a punch at me.After a moment, he took a deep breath and nodded.He patted my shoulder, gripping it tightly, but I refused to show any emotion."Next time, please inform us. You had us all worried," he said, chuckling, and then addressed everyone."Let's go, everyone. It's getting hot. Let's start moving," he said, turning his attention back to us before walking away."Get yourselves ready. We'll be leaving in a few minutes," he added, then joined the crowd.Once they were all gone, I turned to Lillian, who still appeared scared."Are you okay?" I asked, looking into her e
Lillian's POVMorning arrived, and before we leave the village we handed goods that can last for a week.I also gave school supplies to the children, hoping to inspire them to continue their education."Will you come back, Ms Lillian?" they asked, their eyes filled with sadness.Bending down to their level, I nodded and smiled reassuringly. "I will, and when I return, I'll bring toys," I promised."Promise?" they chorused, making me laugh."Promise," I affirmed, opening my arms wide."Can I get a hug before I go?" I requested, and they eagerly obliged.We shared a group hug, and I couldn't help but chuckle as their little arms enveloped me. We lingered in that embrace before I stood up."I will miss you. Be good to your parents, okay?" I urged, and they nodded politely.As I walked towards the waiting car where Marcus was, I waved goodbye to the children. "Let's go?" Marcus asked when I stepped inside the car.Smiling, I nodded and replied, "Yeah," signalling to the driver that we w
Marcus's POVWe stood frozen, our hearts pounding, as Martha stood at the door, her eyes widening in shock.Lillian finally realized how close we were and hastily pushed me away, standing up to face Martha.She let out an awkward laugh and nervously played with her fingers."I'll just get your laundry," Martha said, then walked towards the bathroom.As Martha disappeared into the bathroom, panic filled Lillian's eyes."Shit! What should we do?" she exclaimed, clueless about how to handle the situation."Just relax," I reassured her, attempting to calm her down."How can I relax—" she began, but her words were cut off when Martha stepped out from the bathroom, carrying her laundry."Your father will be back before dinner," she informed us, walking towards the door. Before stepping out, she glanced at me once more."Marcus," she called, prompting me to look at her, anticipating her words."Make sure to leave this room before they come back," she said, then left the room."She didn't get
Lillian's POVMy hands grew cold as I stood in front of my father, with Victoria and Martha watching me closely as if they knew what I had done."What is it, Dad?" I asked, attempting to hide my nervousness, but failing as my voice stuttered."Let's talk inside your room," he suggested, taking a step forward to enter. I instinctively blocked the doorway with my body, refusing to let him in.Confusion furrowed my father's brows as he looked at me. "Are you hiding something?" he asked, his gaze fixed upon me.I shook my head nervously and forced a laugh. "It's just that... my room is a bit messy," I stammered.My father scrutinized me, his gaze lingering on my face. Each passing second felt like an eternity, and I struggled to catch my breath. Finally, he nodded, and the weight on my chest lifted."Let's talk in my office then," he suggested, turning away. Martha and Victoria remained rooted to the spot, their eyes fixed on me. I flashed a nervous smile and slowly closed my bedroom d
Lillian's POVMy hands grew cold as I stood in front of my father, with Victoria and Martha watching me closely as if they knew what I had done."What is it, Dad?" I asked, attempting to hide my nervousness, but failing as my voice stuttered."Let's talk inside your room," he suggested, taking a step forward to enter. I instinctively blocked the doorway with my body, refusing to let him in.Confusion furrowed my father's brows as he looked at me. "Are you hiding something?" he asked, his gaze fixed upon me.I shook my head nervously and forced a laugh. "It's just that... my room is a bit messy," I stammered.My father scrutinized me, his gaze lingering on my face. Each passing second felt like an eternity, and I struggled to catch my breath. Finally, he nodded, and the weight on my chest lifted."Let's talk in my office then," he suggested, turning away. Martha and Victoria remained rooted to the spot, their eyes fixed on me. I flashed a nervous smile and slowly closed my bedroom d
Marcus's POVI gazed at her face, pulling her into a tight embrace, unwilling to let her go. The fear inside me lingered, despite her reassurances."It's okay," she said, laughing softly as she broke free from my hug.Lillian cupped my face once again and met my eyes directly."I'll fly to London every weekend," I said, and her laughter subsided, realizing I was serious."You would do that?" she asked, disbelief etched on her face.Without hesitation, I nodded."Even if it's over eight hours of travel,?" she asked, but I simply smiled and held her hand that cradled my face."I'll visit you every weekend," I asserted, and her smile bloomed."I'll wait for you," she said.Silence enveloped us. We contented ourselves with gazing at each other until I could bear it no longer. I gently held her face and claimed her lips once again.Our kiss lasted only a few seconds, and when we broke apart, we were both breathless. I studied her face, etching every feature into my memory."I love you, Lil
Lillian's POVThe next morning, I woke up earlier than usual and decided to help Martha prepare breakfast.Martha let out a sigh when she saw me entering the kitchen."I'll help you with breakfast," I said, a wide smile adorning my face.Rolling her eyes, she handed me a bowl of eggs, and I began beating them.Leaning against the corner, I observed Martha as she cooked pancakes on the pan."Martha, would you like to come with me to London?" I asked. She furrowed her eyebrows upon hearing my question."For a vacation?" she asked. I shook my head, smiling."I got accepted into the University of the Arts London," I revealed. A huge smile appeared on Martha's lips, and she pulled me into a tight hug. I held onto the bowl tightly, preventing it from slipping from my hands."Sorry," she said, her smile brightening her face.Martha knew how much I longed to attend that school, but my dad never allowed it. He wanted to keep me by his side but keeping his name clean is important so sending me
Lillian's POVI could feel their eyes on me, but I continued to smile, refusing to appear miserable in their presence. Concealing my true feelings was something I excelled at, so this is just a piece of cake."I'm sorry to keep you all waiting," Olivia finally arrived, and I almost wanted to hug her for saving me from this awkward and unpleasant situation.Olivia walked over to me, planting a kiss on my cheek. She also greeted Alice and then Victoria."Your gowns are here," she announced, leading us to a room. As she opened the door, exquisite-looking gowns were displayed on mannequins."It looks beautiful, Olivia," Victoria expressed her satisfaction. While Victoria was engrossed in conversation with Olivia, Alice pulled me into a corner.She looked directly into my eyes, releasing a deep breath. Holding my hand, she smiled at me."What happened between Marcus and me is all in the past. We were kids back then," she reassured me."You don't owe me an explanation, Alice," I replied,