Chapter 133 – A Hidden Threat Lily's POVThe night was heavy with silence, the kind that pressed upon my body and made my mind sound louder than it was. I sat at the table in front of Simeon, my fingers closed around the burning mug of tea I hadn't even taken a sip of within the past ten minutes. The room was dim, shadows dancing on the walls, but the real weight in the air wasn't from the shadows—it was from the conversation we were about to have.Liora had just returned from work, her face expressionless, but I could tell by the way her hands were clenched in her lap, the way her lips pressed into a thin line as if she was holding something enormous in.Nelson, standing next to me, said something first to break the quiet. "You seem to have something to say."Liora jerked her head and caught her breath and then at last said her words. "I overheard them talking about this big investor. His name is Vincent Moore. He's deciding if he will invest his money in Adrian's business."My grip
Chapter 134 – The Power Play(Lily's POV)The house was alive with activity, each of us immersed in our own work, but there was a strange sense of togetherness in the air. We were all working towards the same goal, though each of us was doing it in our own way.I was in the kitchen, my hands chopping rapidly as I cut vegetables, my mind wandering to everything that was happening around me. The air was thick with the scent of garlic and onions, combined with the warm spices that I had added to the pot. Cooking was always a means of clearing my head, of doing something productive, but today, it was a necessity.If we were going to fight this battle, we needed to be strong. And strength started with a full stomach.I could hear Nelson clacking away on his laptop in the living room, his fingers moving so fast over the keys that the sound was like raindrops hitting a windowpane. Occasionally, he muttered a curse under his breath, his eyes narrowed intently at the screen as he researched mo
Chaprer 135Chapter 135 – The Meeting with Vincent Moore(Lily’s POV)The car ride to meet Vincent Moore was quiet, but it wasn’t a peaceful kind of quiet. It was the kind of silence that came before a big storm. I could feel the tension in the air, thick and heavy, as Simeon drove, his hands firm on the wheel.I stole a glance at him. His jaw was clenched, his eyes sharp and unreadable. He was thinking, planning—getting ready for the battle ahead.I shifted in my seat. “Are you nervous?”He let out a small chuckle, shaking his head. “Nervous? No. Focused? Yes.”I nodded, but my hands were slightly sweaty. This meeting wasn’t about convincing Vincent Moore to reject Adrian. No, we were here to show him something better. Something more promising. If we succeeded, it would change everything.Simeon reached over and squeezed my hand. “Relax. Just follow my lead.”I let out a slow breath and nodded. “Okay.”****We arrived at a private lounge inside a luxury hotel. The atmosphere was excl
Chapter 135: Vincent's DecisionLily's POVThe warmth of the night surrounded us as we gathered in the living room. The smell of freshly cooked food filled the air—my efforts at cooking something that everyone could enjoy. Something that I barely ever got to do anymore, what with the chaos and tension that went into closing business deals, but I was eager to make this night a little more normal. Looking around at the friendly faces of those I loved—Simeon, Nelson, Liora—it was comforting to have them all in one place, as if nothing else in the world mattered for a little while.Liora and Nelson were chatting something softly in the room corner, laughing at a joke they'd just told each other. Their laughter, so free and light, was a rare blessing. It made me smile as I set the table, setting the last dish of salad before them."Is that all?" I asked, trying to push down the little bit of nervousness I felt, even though I knew they'd be happy with the work.Liora grinned. "Lily, this is
Chapter 136 – The Morning After VictoryLily's POVI awakened to the warm heat of Simeon's body next to me. His arm was draped across my hips, his breathing slow and steady. I didn't move for a while. I simply lay there, listening to the quiet of the morning, the warmth of his body against me. It was peaceful—like the calm after the storm.Last night was one of the most incredible nights of my life. Vincent had called with his decision, and he was going to go with us instead of Adrian. The resulting excitement was nearly too much. We had laughed, danced, celebrated, and for the first time in ages, I felt free.I leaned slightly to look at Simeon. Even while asleep, he looked so powerful, so in control. His black hair was a bit mussed, and his features had a vulnerability that he never showed when awake. I smiled, reaching up to brush a strand of hair off his forehead.As if sensing my touch, his eyes fluttered open. His lips spread into a slow smile as he pulled me closer. "Good morn
Chapter 138 – Be Careful, NelsonLily's POVIt was a quiet afternoon, and for once, the house did not feel like a battleground. The air was peaceful, and the tension that had been present for weeks appeared to have taken a wee break. The deal with Vincent was going smoothly. He had called only two nights prior and told me that he would be in touch soon with the final papers.I had just cooked lunch—rice and hot chicken with fried plantains. The smell wafted through the house, inviting and warm. Simeon and Nelson were in the living room, both staring at their phones. Liora was out on an errand, and I took advantage of the moment to sit between the two men now that I considered them the best pillars around me.Simeon appeared relaxed, one arm draped over the back of the couch, his other hand scrolling through his phone . Nelson sat on the edge of the cushion, tapping something on his phone with a small smile on his face.I rested my head and smiled. "You've been smiling at your phone fo
Chapter 140 – Her True FaceNelson's POVIt was a mellow afternoon. The sky was pale blue, and the sun was not too intense. I sat at an outside café, waiting patiently. The street was not busy, just a few cars driving by and pedestrians. I lazily drummed my fingers on the table, my mind trying to stay calm.I hadn't seen Camila in a couple of days. Lily had cautioned me to be cautious, and Simeon had cautioned me too. They didn't believe that something was amiss with her. But I wasn't sure. Camila had never provided me with a reason not to trust her.But I was being cautious.Then I saw her.She came up the sidewalk, her bright red hair flowing in the gentle breeze, a soft smile playing on her lips. She wore a simple blouse and jeans, nothing fancy, and still, she looked. serene. Ordinary. Innocent."Hey," she said, breathless, as she reached the table."Hey," I stood to greet her, pulling out a chair for her to sit.She smiled a little and sat down, sweeping her hair back from her fa
Chapter: Unspoken TrustLily's POVThe moment the door shut behind Nelson, I recognized something was off. His light footsteps were replaced with a pause I had not previously seen. He came in, his gaze on me with a mixture of determination and uncertainty. Simeon leaned against the kitchen counter, his usually calm expression not quite as sharp tonight, behind him.Nelson's eyes locked on mine as he walked towards the couch, the tension between us heavy. My chest was aching just to glance at him, wondering what news he'd brought."Lily," he began, his voice uncertain, "I have to talk with you and Simeon about something."Simeon didn't move, simply sitting there with a quiet attention. I stayed in the doorway to the kitchen, glancing over at the two of them, waiting. My hands were still wrapped around a glass of water that I hadn't even known I'd picked up. I put it down hastily."What is it?" I snapped more harshly than I intended.Nelson took a breath and brushed a hand over his hair
Chapter Title: A New BeginningSimeon's POVI stood at the window of my living room, holding a glass of wine that I hadn't yet sipped. The golden light poured in, whirling on the floor and casting snug shadows on the walls of our home. Our home. No longer mine alone. It was where Lily resided with me now. My wife. The word still made my heart catch its breath in awe.The scent of vanilla-scented candles wafted on the air, mingling with the delicate lingerings of the rose petals still on the hallway floor from the wedding reception. There was laughter in the kitchen—Leora's soft titters, Nelson's thunderous laugh. A reminder that this house was no longer vacant now.I turned as Lily came in barefoot, her satin dress swirling around her ankles. Her cheeks glowed, her eyes sparkling from wine, from love, or from sheer joy of being with her people.She saw me looking at her and smiled. "What?" she asked, coming over."You," I said directly, hugging her close. "You are like everything I di
Chapter: Forgiveness and RedemptionAfter the whirlwind of the wedding celebrations, with everyone buzzing from the joy and happiness of the day, the atmosphere shifted. As the final guests trickled out of the reception hall, an unusual stillness filled the air. Nelson, Leora, and Simeon gathered quietly in a corner of the room, a conversation that had been lingering on the edges of their minds now demanding their attention. Adrian's name had been the ghost looming over their day—no matter how much they tried to get rid of him, he remained in their heads. Nelson knew that despite all of it, Adrian remained in their lives. The question wasn't whether they were capable of living without him; it was whether they were capable of living with the damage he inflicted and still extend a hand of forgiveness.Do you think he can be forgiven?" Leora inquired softly but firmly. The flickering candle flame within the room corner caught the distress in her eyes. Her bridal dress now trailed on a c
Chapter : The bigNelson's POV:The air was charged with tension, but I couldn't help but hear the soft thrum of my own heart. The world outside, the others scrambling about, the flowers being arranged, and the music playing softly in the background—they all seemed very distant, almost remote. Today was not a normal day; today was my day. The day I was marrying Leora, the woman who had completely transformed my life in every sense and beyond.I kept readjusting the tie for the umpteenth time, even though it was already perfect. My reflection stared back at me via the mirror, and I simply could not help but grin. I didn't want the world to know if I was okay on the inside—I was a knot of excitement and nerves, and I knew I was not alone. Leora had been more nervous in the days before the wedding, although she hid it behind that same calm, serene mask of hers.A knock at the door broke my daydream, and a wedding coordinator poked her head in."Ready for the ceremony, Mr. Taylor," she to
Chapter: Simeon and Lily's Wedding DayThe long wait was over—Simeon and Lily's wedding day. The sun poured through the elegant windows of the hall, pouring a golden warmth on the spotless white walls, as if nature itself had conspired to celebrate their wedding. The air was filled with the scent of fresh roses, mixed with the subtle aroma of lilies, a gesture of honor to both their names. It was a day in which the two of them would at last arrive at the destination of their travels—two lives soon to be blended into a single entity.Lily's MorningLily sat in front of the big mirror in the dressing room, watching herself as the seamstress made last-minute alterations to her wedding dress. The fabric was beautiful, a smooth blend of satin and lace, the ivory tone a match to her skin color. The dress hugged her as if it had been made to order, accentuating her curves, draping over every step she took. It glowed with a soft light, reflecting as if it held secrets of its own. Her heart po
Chapter: Nelson's Proposal to LeoraNelson's POV:I rested against the window, the city lights glinting in the distance, but I was not gazing at the view. I was thinking about Leora, what I was going to do. The weight of the choice had descended upon me like a burden, and I could not shake it. There was no turning back now. This was something I was not going to let pass by carelessly; I was prepared. I was beyond prepared.The past few months had been pure craziness. So much had occurred, the drama, suspense, the bouts of doubt. But through it all, there had been one individual who was there for me – Leora. One person who knew me, who was able to break through my charade and reach into my very soul. I had never thought this would happen to me, had never thought that I would be able to feel so strongly for another human being. But here I was, with a heart racing, palms sweating, waiting for the minute that would turn my world upside down.When the day finally drew to a close, I could h
Chapter: Lily and Simeon's New BeginningsSimeon's POV:It was just a little past dusk, with orange hues still sprawled across the sky, as I stood before my office complex, waiting to catch sight of Lily's vehicle. The workday had drained me, but today was more than that. Today was about new beginnings.Today was starting something that was going to change everything.Lily had said yes. She had said yes to me, to us, to the life we were going to build together. And in that moment, as the car door opened and she stepped out, I couldn't help but smile. She was radiating, as always, her eyes shining with a mix of excitement and apprehension. I knew that look. It was the same look she gave when we started this craziness."Hi," I told her, approaching her with a huge grin. "How was your day?"Lily smiled, though it was weak, her mind clearly elsewhere. She had been thinking about the wedding, our lives to come, all the things that would be changing. The weight of it all was beginning to ta
Chapter 184: A Place to Call My OwnNelson’s POVI never thought I’d feel this kind of warmth just from holding a set of keys.They were chilly in my palm, but the weight of them was loamy—reminding me that this moment, this location, this roof… it was mine. Not borrowed, not hidden, not part of someone else's life. It was something I had worked for. Something I had built from all the pieces of myself that I had once thought were too broken to rebuild.I stood in front of the door for quite a while before actually opening it.It wasn't the biggest house in town, but it was okay with me. A two-story little home in a small neighborhood on the edge of town, far enough away from the craziness but close enough to still be a part of their lives. The walls had just been painted, pale gray and white trimmings. The front porch would accommodate two chairs and a table. I could already imagine sitting there, sipping coffee as the sun rose.I stepped inside, and silence welcomed me like an old fr
Chapter Title: "A Ring for My Light"Simeon's POVThe quiet that fell on the apartment when Lily had left to buy ingredients was a golden kind of tranquility. But it was also the perfect time I had been waiting for. I glanced at Leora, who was cramped with her phone, and then at Nelson, who was mindlessly changing channels with the remote.This was it.I jumped up, too fast, my own heart racing already."Gone?" I said, trying to be calm.Leora looked up. "Yes… She just got up and walked out. Why?"I took a deep breath. "Because it is time. I must ask Lily to marry me."Nelson shot upright as if electrified into alertness. "Wait—a real question?"Leora burst out, eyes shining. "Oh my God. Yes!"I rubbed the back of my neck. My hands were sweating already, and she hadn't even arrived yet. "Yeah. I've been thinking about it for weeks, but I couldn't decide. After everything we've been through. after Leora was stolen, after Adrian's arrest. I just— I want Lily to understand that I want he
Chapter 152: The Night AfterLeora's POVI couldn't sleep.No matter how many times I shifted my pillow or clamped the blanket down, it would not work. The silence was too deaf, with reverberations that didn't exist at all—his voice, his cold laughter, the thudding door that slammed behind me. I was caught once again even though I was secure now.I straightened up in bed, sweat clinging to my body. The room was dark, except for the gentle illumination of the streetlights coming through the curtains. My heart was racing as though it had just run a marathon. I couldn't breathe horizontally anymore. I needed air.I slid quietly out of bed, wrapped my arms around myself, and snuck out onto the balcony. The night air enveloped me like an old acquaintance—cold, still, but reassuringly strange. I stood at the rail, trying to calm my breath as I looked out into the dark street. The stars filled the sky with seemingly random shreds of hope.I didn't see the door creak open behind me until I he