Chapter 101 Simeon’s Desperation Lily's POVPain. That was all I could perceive.A searing, deep pain in my belly. It was engulfing me like fire, making it hard to breathe, hard to think. My body was so heavy, as if I were sinking into the earth.I heard voices—I heard Simeon's voice. He was shouting. Panicked. Desperate."Wake up, Lily! Don't you dare shut your eyes!"I had to answer him, to tell him I was doing my best, but my lips were glued together. Everything felt far away, like I was trapped in a nightmare. My eyelids felt like they weighed an ounce.No, I was not going to shut them. I had to stay awake.I blinked slowly, and for a moment, I could see Nelson.He was being held by someone else, his head falling to one side. His face was white as snow, his eyes barely open. He tried to say something, but he couldn't.Blood. There was so much blood.It was covering him. Covering me. Covering Simeon.I attempted to raise my hand, to grab Nelson, but my body wouldn't cooperate.Th
Chapter One hundred and two : Awakening Lily's POVPain. That was the initial emotion I felt.A searing, gnawing pain seeped into my abdomen, tightening my air. My body was heavy, as if I was sinking into something too cushy but too confining. I tried to move, but the moment I did, a burning, searing sensation raged through me, forcing out a weak gasp from my lips.Where was I?I tried to open my eyes, but the light was too bright, and my head pounded. Everything was distant, as if I drifted between sleep and wakefulness. Then, through the haze, I heard something—someone."Lily…"That voice. It was familiar. Desperate. Tortured.I jerked my eyes open, blinking again and again as the world slowly became visible. Above me, a white ceiling loomed, impossibly white. A soft beeping sound filled my ears, steady and perpetual. The faint antiseptic scent invaded my nostrils.A hospital.Then I moved my head to the side and looked at him—Nelson.He sat right beside me, his white face, swollen
Chapter One hundred and three: A New BeginningSimeon's POVThe car ride home was quiet, but quiet in a peaceful way, not strained like it used to be. I sat in the back with Lily, my arm still around her in case she needed me again. Nelson drove, his eyes fixed on the road, though I could tell he was daydreaming.Lily had finally recovered, and in spite of everything that had happened, I still couldn't believe we were all intact. The hospital had tried their best. Nelson's wounds had been treated, and Lily's injury, painful as it was, wasn't as bad as we had feared. She was going to be fine.And now, after all of that. we were going home.But there was still something that had yet to be settled.Nelson hadn't spoken to me a word about what went down on the battlefield. He hadn't mentioned the battle, the way I nearly killed him, or the way he had pleaded for his life. I didn't fault him—it wasn't something you could easily discuss. But I knew we couldn't keep avoiding it.So I waited.
Chapter One Hundred And Four : SafeSimeon's POVThe ride home was quiet. The sound of the car engine was the only sound as I drove through the dark roads. Lily sat beside me, her head resting lightly against the window. Her eyes were half-closed, her breathing soft and steady, but I knew she was still in pain.Nelson sat in the backseat, his eyes flicking back and forth between Lily and the dark road ahead of us. He hadn't spoken much since we'd left the hospital, but I could sense his mind racing a thousand miles an hour. We'd all been through enough in the past few days.I reached out and gently encircled Lily's hand with mine. She blinked, turning her head infinitesimally to look at me. A tiny, worn smile passed across her lips."Are you okay?" I whispered.She nodded, but remained silent. I could feel the chilliness of her fingers, so I didn't release them, rubbing my thumb in circles over her skin, trying to warm her.I hated having her like this—so weak, so exhausted. But at le
Chapter One Hunredd and Five: A Freah StartLily's POVThe morning wind was chilly with the scent of damp earth and the distant scent of burning wood from the neighbor's houses. The sun wasn't high yet, so soft golden lights glowed all over the village. The scene was peaceful, but inside me, something enormous is about to change.Simeon had just announced something that left me speechless.“We’re leaving this place,” he said, his deep voice calm yet firm. “All of us. We’re moving to the city to start a new life.”For a moment, silence filled the room.I looked at Nelson, my chest racing. His eyes were shocked, and I could tell what was racing through his mind. This was the only life he had known. This is where we had lived, suffered, and thrived. And yet, at the same time, I knew that he too had been looking forward to a new beginning—like me."Are… are you serious?" Nelson finally voiced, his words a soft whisper.Simeon nodded. "Yes. It's time to move on."A knot filled my throat.
Chapter One Hundred And Six: The Truth About SimeonLily's POVIt was not even dawn yet when Simeon stepped back from the balcony, phone pressed to his ear. He was speaking in hushed tones, but I could still hear snippets of what he was saying. He was giving orders, giving instructions, and telling someone to pick us up.I sat up on the hotel bed, stretching my arms, still dazed by the exhaustion of the past few days. All of it had occurred so suddenly. We were no longer at the venue where we had spent most of our lives. We had left behind the constant brawls, the fear, and the bloodshed.Nelson was sleeping half on and half off the couch, but the moment Simeon finished on the phone and turned around to us, he sat upright, rubbing his eyes."Who was it?" Nelson rumbled, his voice rough with sleep.Simeon pocketed his phone. "One of my security team. They're coming to take us in."Nelson frowned. "Security team?" He sounded perplexed. "You have a security team?"Simeon smiled faintly b
Chapter One Hundred And Six : A New Beginning Lily's POV The city air in the morning was something different—lighter, fresher, bursting with the energy of a city that never slept. Stepping out of the hotel with Simeon and Nelson, I felt like I was entering a new life. A new life free from the violence, the struggles of the past, and the constant battles for survival. Simeon had made up his mind—we were leaving, starting over. And that meant going to his company. I already knew that Simeon was rich. But Nelson was still in shock. Even as we entered the black SUV that we had been waiting in, he kept looking at Simeon as if he was seeing him for the first time. You're saying," Nelson said slowly, "that the whole time you had all that? You've been living like a king and we were stuck in that dump?" Simeon grinned, revving the engine. "I didn't say I was struggling." Nelson sneered. "Yeah, but you also never said you were a damn billionaire.". I chuckled. I was not shocked. I had se
Chapter One hundred and Eighr : The Battle of the Past and PresentLily's POVThe office was quiet, except for the metronomic clacking of my fingers against the keyboard. The city lights in front of the colossal glass windows gave a glow to the gleaming marble floor, making the room seem ethereal. It was already past midnight, and yet I remained in the office, hunched beside my desk, double-checking all the pieces of information of the upcoming project proposal.I wasn't just working hard—I was fighting.This wasn't just any project. This was personal.Adrian, my ex husband. Adrain company was bidding on the same deal, and I knew all too well what that meant. He wasn't just trying to win; he was trying to prove something—to himself, to Simeon, and worst of all, to me.My fists curled up at the very thought.Adrian had always been patronizing, but this was different. He was no longer just a business rival. He was after something I was struggling to claim for myself, something I needed
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,