CHAPTER 5 HIDING AYLA

LILY POV

I ran into my apartment, and my shaking hands caused me to fumble with the keys. I felt an increased heartbeat, and a jolt that was similar to seeing a ghost. No, worse than a ghost. Isaac. He was back, and he owned the entire Equinex Company and Equinex Lab was just a part of it. I had walked right into his territory without even realizing it. How could I have been so blind?

I could not believe that I had been so naive. I was still standing by the door, trying to catch my breath and my whole body felt weak and ready to crumple on the ground. I felt a shock when I came to know that the person I wanted to approach for helping me in a new beginning in my research was Mr. Walker and he was no more than a manager.

Isaac was the owner of the entire lab. The only man I tried to escape for years. And now he knew I was back.

I shut my eyes, wanting the fear to disappear, and fell off the door. I needed to see Ayla. I had to remind myself of the reasons I was embarking on this, of what led me to return. I went to her room, my gait reverberating in the still apartment.

Ayla was on her bed, her little, weak body surrounded by blankets. Every time I looked at her like this, it shattered my heart because she looked so delicate. Her eyes brightened when she recognized me, a feeble smile spreading over her cadaverous face.

"Momma, you’re back!"

Their eyes lit up when they saw me, a pale smile appeared on her face as sunken as the rest of her.

"Momma, you’re back!" she said, with happiness in her voice though she was tired.

I swallowed with difficulty and attempted to give him a smile. “Yes sweetheart I am back,” I whispered as I sat on the edge of the bed and touched her forehead to move some hair away.

“I am feeling good here.”she said and closed her eyes slowly.

“I am glad sweetheart.” 

 “I don’t like the hospital. I don’t like the injections.”

I felt my heart clench. “I know, darling. But you’re home now, and you’re going to get better, okay? It’s just for a few more days, and then you’ll be stronger.”

She nodded, her eyes fluttering shut. “I love you, Momma.”

"I love you too baby”, I said as I gently kissed her on her forehead. “So much.”“So much.”

Just then, Mateo walked into the room, giving me an assured smile.

“I missed you too,” he said, giving me a wink, and he sat down beside Ayla and stroked her hair.

I managed a small smile. “I missed you both too.”

We sat there for a moment, the quiet calmness of the room wrapping around us like a protective cocoon. But then, the doorbell rang, shattering the fragile peace. I stiffened, a sense of dread settling in the pit of my stomach.

“I’ll get it,” I said quickly, standing up and heading towards the door. My heart was pounding as I glanced at the security camera screen. My blood ran cold when I saw who it was.

Henry. My brother.

I froze, panic coursing through me. What was he doing here? How did he find me? I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. I couldn’t let him know about Ayla. Not yet.

“Mateo,” I said quietly, turning to him. “Take care of Ayla. Make sure she’s quiet. Please.”

He nodded, his head and gently closed the door to Ayla’s room. I took another deep breath and walked to the door, opening it slowly.

“Henry,” I said, my voice strained as I looked up at him. He looked just like I remembered—strong, reliable, with that protective brother attitude he always had. And now, his eyes were filled with a mix of relief and anger.

“Lily!” he exclaimed, pulling me into a tight hug. “Where the hell have you been? I’ve been searching everywhere for you!” His voice was thick with emotion as he held me at arm’s length, his eyes scanning my face. “You disappeared for five years, Lily. Do you have any idea what that did to me? What happened? Why did you leave without saying anything?”

Guilt washed over me as I looked up at him. He had always been more than just a brother; he had been my protector after our father died, and he took on all my responsibilities. And I had walked away from him without a word. I blinked back tears, swallowing the lump in my throat.

“I’m so sorry, Henry,” I whispered, my voice breaking. “I never meant to hurt you. I just… I had to go.”

“Had to go?” he repeated, his voice rising in frustration. “That’s not good enough, Lily. I thought something had happened to you! I’ve been worried sick. I saw you today walking out from Equinex Company. Then I got to know that, you’re back, and you didn’t even tell me? Do you know how terrible that feels”

I nodded, biting my lip to keep from crying. “I know. I’m so sorry. But I’m here now, and I promise I’ll explain everything. I just need some time.”

Henry sighed, his shoulders sagging a little as he pulled me into another hug. “You’re not going anywhere this time, you hear me? You’re coming home with me. I don’t care what happened, but you’re not staying here alone.”

Before I could respond, Mateo walked out of the room, his eyes wary as he looked between us. “Is everything okay?” he asked, his voice calm but cautious.

Henry’s eyes narrowed as he took in Mateo’s presence. “And who’s this?” he asked, his tone guarded.

“He’s a friend,” I said quickly, my heart racing. “He’s been helping me… with some things.” I shot Mateo a look, silently begging him to stay quiet about Ayla.

Henry obviously did not like my unspecific explanation. “Lily, you won’t be remaining here. You are heading back to my home. We’ll figure it all out once we are there.”

"Henry, I can’t," I replied, moving my head back and forth. “I have a number of things to do, and I'd be better off remaining here. I assure you, I’ll talk to you about everything later, cool?"

He appeared as though he was ready to debate, but he eventually acknowledged, though it was grudging. “Fine. But we’re still not through discussing this.”

As he turned to walk out, I let out a feeling of relief, but I realized this was just for now. He looked back at me with a combination of solicitude and displeasure and said, "Take care of yourself, okay? If there’s anything you need, don’t hesitate to call me."

"I will," I said, watching as he headed away. Just after the door closed behind him, I leaned against it, the anxiety draining right out of me.

Mateo was next to me immediately. He said softly, filled with worry, "We need to move Ayla."

I nodded, my mind racing. “Yes. We have to get her out of here before they get worse.” I looked again at the door that was closed.

“Isaac knows where I am living , and now Henry is also aware too. We don’t have much time," I murmured to myself.

I looked back and headed to Ayla’s room, feeling my heart hurt as I saw her asleep soundly, blissfully unaware of the surrounding around her. I would go to any lengths to protect her, regardless of confronting Isaac once more. For the meantime, we had to leave.

I murmured, "We’ll find a way.”