Chapter Four: Battle - 2Lily's POVWe clashed again, blow for blow. Each punch we landed was driven by fury, pain, and the festering desire to end this war. Nelson raged like a beast—savage, unforgiving, relentless. But I was not weak. I was not the fragile girl he thought I was.I avoided his blow and bashed my elbow into his ribs. He groaned with pain, but before I could strike again, he struck back, kicking me hard in the stomach. I stumbled back, gasping for air. The coppery taste of blood was in my mouth, but I wiped my lips and again struck at him.Nelson was fast, but I was faster. I turned about at the last second, dodging his sword, and slashed my dagger across his thigh. He roared in pain, falling to one knee, but he still didn't go down."You're wearing thin, Lily," he snarled, gasping for air."Good," I growled. "Then I must be doing something right."I didn't have time to play around. I charged at her, determined to put this one to rest, but before I could strike, someth
Chapter Title: Escaping The FlamesSimeon's POVThe battlefield was a mess of blood, sweat, and broken weapons. The fight had gone on for too long, and both armies were exhausted. I could sense the burn in my muscles, the ache in my bones, but I wouldn't let up. I couldn't let up.Lily was beside me, gasping for breath. Her clothes were torn, her face smeared with dust and blood. She'd pushed herself hard, beyond her limits. I was proud of her, but I could also see that she was on the verge of collapse.Nelson and Vivian were a couple of feet away, gasping. Their wounds were deep, and they were exhausted from their bodies. They did not appear to be able to continue fighting anymore. Nelson staggered slightly, placing one hand on the side of his body where his shirt was smeared with blood. Vivian grasped her shoulder, her white face.Something strange then happened, though.Nelson glanced over at Vivian, and by not saying a word, she nodded. It was a small one, nearly undetectable. I a
Chapter Title: Left AloneLily's POVPain. That was all I could feel.Every part of my body hurt, and I could hardly move. My limbs were as hard as stones, weighed down and immobile. My head throbbed, and even breathing took effort.I attempted to talk, to tell Simeon not to leave me alone, but the words refused to leave my mouth. My throat was dry, my body depleted.Simeon sat beside me, his brow furrowed in concern. "Lily, hear me. We cannot stay here forever. Our men would have come by now, but they have not. Something is wrong."I blinked, my eyes straining to remain open. I wanted to signal my assent, but I couldn't.He pushed a hand through his messy hair and let out a sigh. "I need to go find someone—someone who can talk to our people. If I can get them to send a message, they'll fetch us."I gritted my teeth, suppressing the pain. My body screamed in protest, but I could move my head a little. I did not want him to leave.Simeon noticed my reaction and smiled weakly, strained.
Chapter Title: The Truth in the DarknessNelson's POVEvening was quiet, too quiet. The only sound was the faint rustle of leaves as the cold wind continued to blow through the trees. The war had made its scars, and the ground stank with blood and smoke. But now there was silence.I walked slowly, my boots thudding into the ground, my body aching from wounds I had given. My side ached from where I had been struck previously, but I pushed it away. My thoughts were on the woman in front of me.Lily.She was lying still on the ground, her body lifeless, her breathing so faint it was barely noticeable. Her sharp and fierce eyes, which had been bright and blazing, were half-open, unfocused and dull. Her lips were slightly parted, but she didn't utter a word. She was too weak to even raise her head.A smile played on my lips as I folded my arms across my chest."So this is the great Lily?" I thought, my tone dripping with sarcasm. "The woman who promised she would never fall?"She didn't fl
Chapter Seventy EightNelson's POVI did not believe it. My mind would not accept what my eyes had just seen.Lily… my rival… was my sister.I stood frozen in place, incapable of movement, incapable of thought. The world around me disappeared into nothingness. I heard only the beating of my own heart.I looked at the chain around her neck—the same that I wore. My hand was shaking as I reached out and touched it slowly, as if it would disappear. But it didn't. It was solid.Then, I got on my knees and rolled up the torn sleeve, searching for something else—something that would make what I knew but still could not believe happen.And it was there.A small tattoo on her knee. The same tattoo I had. The one we both got as children, a promise of our commitment to never be separated.I couldn't breathe.My vision blurred as memories flooded my mind, slamming into me like waves.I remember us children, we children running barefoot in the fields, laughing bathed in the sun. I remember the gig
Chapter Seventy NineSimeon's POVI ran.I ran with all that was in me, my heart thudding so violently it seemed to explode.Nelson was in front, his arms clasped firmly around Lily's lifeless body.I didn't know what was going on.Why was he running? Why was he taking her?This wasn't the way I had wanted our fight to end. I'd set myself to hurt him for all he'd done. But now. now he was walking away, Lily wrapped in his arms like she was the most precious thing he'd ever had.The image fueled my fury.He didn't deserve that."LILY!" I yelled, heaving my legs, pushing myself to move more quickly despite the burning in my muscles.Nelson didn't slow down.He didn't look back.He just ran.I gritted my teeth. My vision became blurry with anger.I didn't know what he was after. I didn't care.All I knew was that he wasn't taking her away from me.Not now. Not ever.The streets flew past us in a blur. Nelson rushed like a man with a purpose, his grip on Lily growing tighter with every st
Chapter Eighty : Wake IpLily's POVA stabbing pain thudded in my head as my eyes fought to open. My body felt weak, my limbs heavy, as if I had slept for decades. The room was unfamiliar—white walls, the beep of machines, the scent of antiseptic. A hospital. That’s where I I tried to move, but my entire body cried out in pain. My head was muddled, couldn't remember what happened. I remembered the last thing only—fatigue, my body refusing to move, and then. darkness.My vision was coming back, and I heard voices—strained, angry."Leave her alone, Nelson!" Simeon's voice was sharp, enraged."And I told you I'm not leaving! You don't understand—""I don't want to hear it! She's my duty to keep safe! You don't belong here."I turned my head slightly and saw Simeon and Nelson standing by the doorway, their eyes fixed on each other like they were going to tear each other apart. Their fists were clenched, their jaws set. The atmosphere was charged with electricity.I swallowed, my dry thro
Nelson's POVI was standing outside of the hospital room, my fists at my sides. My heart still pounding from what had happened. Lily opened her eyes, looked at me, and told me to go away. She didn't even give me a chance to speak. She didn't even let me say a word.I believed my entire universe had come to an end. Lily was my sister. My own sister. And I had been fighting her for years, attempting to kill her. How could I not have known? How could destiny be so cruel?I leaned against the wall, gasping for breath. My head reeled, images flashing by my mind's eye. The necklace. The tat. Bits and pieces of a forgotten past that had somehow become lost to me now clicking together like a never-before-realized puzzle.The truth confronted me now, clear as day. Lily was my lost sister.And I'd despised her all these years.I shut my eyes, trying to suppress the feelings rising inside of me. All the battles. All the dead. And she, the whole time, my sister.How was I to tell her?Would she e
Chapter 155: The Surprise KissPOV: LeoraThe house was quiet that evening. I had just come home from work, but my mind wasn't quiet at all. Everything felt strange nowadays. Camila's message, her deceit, and this wonderful scheme we were all cooking up—it was all so much to handle sometimes. I was tired, but I couldn't get Nelson out of my head. He worried all day long. I knew his heart was soft, and no matter how hard he tried to be macho, I could see through him.I went to the kitchen and made him a hot drink—ginger and honey tea, his favorite way. I did not know why I was doing this, but something inside me told me he needed comfort. Maybe I also needed a reason to sit next to him, just this once. I told myself that it was nothing serious. I just wanted to talk.When I opened the door, he was over at the foot of his bed. His face was crumpled downwards, his hand grasping his phone. I noticed that he was re-reading Camila's message. I stood quietly at the entrance for a moment."Ne
Chapter Title: She Must Not ComePOV: LilySimple English | Very Long | Emotional & SuspensefulI was in the living room, laughing with Leora. We were talking about a movie that we all watched the night before. It was funny and confusing at the same time. Nelson was in the kitchen, trying to warm up the leftovers. Simeon was reading something on his phone and drinking tea.Leora smiled and continued, "That time when the man stormed into the wedding with the incorrect trousers still makes me laugh!"I laughed too. "And the woman fainted! I did not even know if she was pretending or not!"Simeon smiled but did not say anything. He was subdued.Then Nelson's phone beeped. He looked at it and stiffened right away. His smile disappeared. He stared at the screen for a long time.Simeon noticed. "What is it?"Nelson didn't answer. He just handed the phone to Simeon.I turned back to look. "What happened?"Simeon read slowly from the message."Hi Nelson. I'm fine now. I've missed you. I want
Chapter 154 : The Picture That Changed EverythingLily's POVThe afternoon sun cast a warm glow through the windows as we remained in the living room. Simeon was on the phone, fingers moving quickly. Nelson was across from him, looking at the floor, while Leora had a sip of tea in silence next to me.Simeon's phone suddenly buzzed. He looked at the screen, and his face immediately altered."Deji just sent something," he said, voice tight.He opened the message and we all clustered in silence. The picture revealed a woman at the hospital reception speaking to the receptionists. My heart jumped."That's… Camila," I gasped, recognizing her immediately."What? Let me see," Nelson's head snapped up.He grabbed the phone from Simeon and looked at the photo. "No, it can't be. She told me she was at home the entire time."Leora leaned in closer. "Are you sure it's her?"Simeon nodded. "Deji explained to me that she was attempting to convince the hospital staff to report Camila was taken in if
Chapter One hundred and fifty three : The Hospital ClueDeji’s POVI ventured out in the early morning. The message we had gotten last night did not escape my mind. Camila was supposed to be at the hospital. Redhill Hospital. But we all knew that it was a trap. Nelson had come very close to going, but we discouraged him. Now it was my turn to check out the facts.I just wore jeans and a shirt. I did not want to be noticed. My phone was charged, and I had a small camera in my backpack in case. I rode a bike to the hospital so I could go fast and unnoticed.Redhill Hospital was massive. Very clean. Nurses hurried in and out, patients wandered about, and there was a hint of medicine in the air. I walked straight to the reception desk. There was a woman in her late forties at the desk. She wore glasses and was weary-looking but pleasant."Good morning, ma," I said to her with a grin.She looked up and smiled at me. "Good morning. How can I help you?"I tried to remain calm. "Please, I'm l
Chapter One hundred and fifty two : Just the Two of Us(Lily's POV)I had just cooked. The aroma filled the whole kitchen—grilled chicken, spicy sauce, and fried rice, Nelson's favorite. I had observed he was quiet of late. He did not laugh as much, did not smile as much. Since that message regarding Camila and the faked emergency, I knew he was troubled. Maybe food could get him to open up.I laid the food daintily on a tray and entered the living room where he sat on the couch, looking at his phone. The TV was on but he wasn't watching it. "Hey," I spoke softly with a smile. "I made your favorite."He looked up and a small smile appeared on his face. "Thanks, Lily. You always know what I need."I sat beside him and gave him the tray. He started to eat slowly.We didn't say a word for a couple of minutes. Just the muted sound of the spoon and the quiet hum from the TV. Then I took a good look at him. He looked weary—not just physically, but also in his heart."Nelson," I said slowly
Chapter One hundred and fifty one— A New PlanWe all sat in the lounge, quiet and thinking. The message still echoed in my head:"Camila is in Redhill Hospital. Emergency. Come quick."But we knew something was wrong. Simeon had checked. Camila hadn't sent it. The number was hidden. It was a trap. And now we had to think carefully.Simeon stood by the window, arms crossed. Nelson sat on the sofa, head bowed, deep in thought. I placed a cup of tea in front of them. No one touched it.I broke the silence."So… what do we do now?"Simeon turned round slowly. "They think we're stupid. That we'll charge into danger without asking questions."Nelson raised his head. "But it could still be true. What if Camila is really hurt?"I sighed. "I know. But we did look. The hospital did not have her as a patient. Simeon's contact said no one with her description was admitted."Nelson rubbed his face. "This is all too much."Simeon moved closer and sat beside me. "Nelson, you like her. That's okay. B
Chpater Pne hundred and Fity : A Message That Changed EverythingLily's POVI went to clear the plates after we ate. Everybody had loved the food. I had cooked peppered chicken and served with fried rice and served it with cold drinks. Leora helped clear the table as Nelson and Simeon sat in the living room, chatting softly.The house was quiet, warm, and peaceful. For the first time in a very long while, I felt relaxed. I even smiled a little when washing the plates. But that peace didn't last."Lily!" Nelson's voice cracked.I rushed to wipe my hands and followed him out. I saw him standing with his phone, his face with worry. Simeon was standing next to him, gazing at the screen as well."What's happening?" I asked, my heart starting to thump."It's a message," Nelson said. His voice was low. "Someone sent me this."He gave me the phone.I read it out loud:"Camila is in danger. She's been kidnapped. If you love her, go to Redhill Hospital. Alone."My chest tightened.Leora stepped
Chapter: The Emergency MessageI had just prepared the food. The smell of fried rice and chicken with pepper filled the kitchen with a savory aroma as I gingerly placed the final plate on the dining table. It was a peaceful night—one of those rare moments when we could all sit together and have a meal without stress.Simeon was already seated, his sleeves rolled up as he leaned back in his chair. Nelson was scrolling through his phone, and Leora had just come down from her room, looking tired but smiling.“Wow, Lily,” Leora said, sitting beside me. “This smells so good. You’re really spoiling us.”I smiled, wiping my hands on a napkin. “You all deserve it. It’s been a long week.”We all sat down and started eating. The food was hot, and everyone appeared to be in a calm mood. Even Simeon, who was always preoccupied with something, appeared to be enjoying a moment of peace."This is great," Nelson said, his fork stabbing into his chicken. "You've done a great job, Lily."I smiled gentl
Chapter 148: A Quiet Evening TogetherIt was an odd moment. Nelson and Liora were out, and the house was quiet. The normal business chaos, the plans, and the anxiety were all forgotten for the sake of a moment. I had been cooking for my day, something that I no longer had time for. I prepared a simple dinner—nothing fancy, merely some pasta, some salad, and some bread. But the smell of cooked food permeated the house, and I couldn't help but feel a little proud of the meal that I had prepared.I put on a loose dress, one that I usually reserved for times when I needed to unwind. Soft and unadorned, it was the perfect dress for an evening in. I had no idea why, but tonight felt different. Maybe it was because we were alone, the two of us. Maybe it was because, for the first time in what felt like an eternity, I could breathe.I walked into the living room where Simeon was, organizing some papers. His usual composed self was there, but his gaze was on me when I walked in. When eyes met,