Chapter 157:The Teasing BeginsPOV: LeoraThe atmosphere was dense after what had transpired.I stood there frozen. My heart was still racing. Nelson hadn't spoken. Neither had I. And in front of us, Lily and Simeon were standing at the door, staring.No one moved for a few seconds. No one made a word. I was so embarrassed that I wanted the floor to open up and swallow me. I hadn't meant to kiss Nelson. Well… maybe I did. But I hadn't planned it.I looked at Lily. Her mouth was slightly open as if she was trying her best to hold back a smile. Her eyes were sparkling. Simeon, who was behind her, one eyebrow up and that same infuriating, knowing smile on his face.I glared off hastily."I—I should go," I stuttered.But Lily came into the room, standing with her arms folded."Oh no, no. Don't go now," she said. "We timed it just right."I hid my face in my hands. "Lily, please.""What?" she was giggling. "You expect to slink into Nelson's bedroom, make him a cup of tea, cuddle him, kiss
Chapter One: The Wife No One Knows I stepped into the sleek, modern lobby of Brennan Enterprises, my heart racing with excitement. Today was meant to be a surprise—something I hadn’t done in a long time. I missed the early days of our marriage, when Adrian and I would steal little moments together. Lately, work had consumed him—meetings, business trips, endless responsibilities. But today, I wanted to remind him that I was still here. Still his wife. The lobby buzzed with quiet conversations, employees glued to their phones or hurrying past. A normal morning for them—but for me, this was special. I carried a carefully wrapped gift in my bag: a limited-edition watch Adrian had wanted for months. A small gesture, but one that mattered. I approached the front desk with a bright smile. “Good morning. I’m here to see Mr. Adrian Brennan. I’m his wife, Lily.” The receptionist’s eyes widened for a fraction of a second before she masked her surprise with a polite smile. But I saw it—that
Chapter Two: The Truth Hurts I sat in the dim living room, my body trembling, my chest so heavy it felt like I couldn’t breathe. Tears kept falling, no matter how hard I tried to stop them. I thought I was strong. I thought I could handle anything. But nothing had ever hurt like this. Adrian. The man I loved. The man I trusted. The man I had built my life around. Had been lying to me all along. I went to his office today to surprise him, to remind him that we were still a team. That after everything, we were still us. But I was wrong. The name Sophia wouldn’t leave my head. The way they called her Mrs. Brennan. The way everyone knew her—but no one ever told me. I had given up everything for Adrian. I sold my father’s land, the last piece of his legacy, so Adrian could build his company. I stood by him, supported him, believed in him. I thought we were building something together. But now… I realized I was building a dream alone. The front door opened, snapping me back to rea
Chapter Three I sat at the kitchen table, gripping the edge as I watched Adrian get ready for work. He moved quickly, as if nothing was wrong, as if last night’s conversation never happened. After our talk, I had called his sister, hoping she would remind him of the family we once dreamed of. I could barely look at him, but I had to try. “Adrian,” I said, my voice unsteady. “Your sister called yesterday. She wants to see us. She said it’s been too long since we visited.” Adrian paused, his hand stopping mid-air as he adjusted his tie. His face darkened, and he narrowed his eyes at me. “What did you tell her?” His cold tone felt like a slap. I swallowed the hurt. “Nothing, Adrian. I didn’t say anything about… us. She just wants to see you. Is that so wrong?” He turned to me fully, his jaw tight. “Don’t involve my family in this, Lily. Whatever is happening between us stays between us. The last thing I need is you running to them with your emotions.” His words cut deep. I tried t
: Chapter Four The sun rose too fast, dragging me into a day I wasn’t ready for. My eyes were swollen from crying, my heart hollow from the pain Adrian had caused. His smile at her, the way he kissed her hand, his voice declaring his love for Sophia—it all played in my head, over and over, like a cruel joke I couldn’t escape. I sat on the edge of my bed, staring at the divorce lawyer’s number on my phone. My fingers trembled as I pressed the call button. A polite voice answered. The assistant scheduled my appointment for the afternoon. It was done. I was filing for divorce. I should have felt relief. Instead, a crushing sadness settled over me. I had given everything to this marriage. I had fought for Adrian, sacrificed so much of myself—only for him to destroy me without looking back. He wasn’t worth my tears anymore. But still, they fell. I gripped the steering wheel, listening to the rain hit the windshield. The city blurred past me as I drove, my mind tangled in too many th
Chapter Five: Aftermath and Betrayal I woke up with a start. Light sliced through the dim room, my head pounding, my body sore. For a moment, I didn’t know where I was. The sheets beneath me were unfamiliar. The air smelled of something that wasn’t mine. And then it all came rushing back. The man. The stranger. The night. Panic surged through me as I bolted upright. My clothes were in disarray, my skin humming with the aftermath of what we’d done. My breath came in short gasps. What have I done? I turned my head, my heart hammering. He lay beside me, his back rising and falling in slow, steady breaths. So different from the broken man of last night, the one who clung to me like I was his last lifeline. Now, in the cold light of day, I couldn’t even look at him. I scrambled out of bed, grabbing my clothes with shaking hands. Shame burned my skin. I had come here to escape, to breathe, to clear my mind. Instead, I had done the unthinkable. I needed to leave. Now. As I reached fo
Chapter Six: The Unwanted Encounter I took a deep breath as I sat in my car, staring at the lawyer's building ahead. Today was the day. I had made up my mind. Nothing, absolutely nothing, would stop me from walking into that office, signing those papers, and ending everything with Adrian. Not the pain, not the humiliation, not the past. I was done. I had to be. Adrian had pushed me too far, and now it was my turn to push back. I didn't care how messy it was going to get, how much my heart would shatter in the process. I had made a promise to myself: I would be free. My palms dug deeper into the skin of the wheel as my eyes fixed on the road ahead. Familiar streets now seemed to mesh together as my mind started running riots of memories of Adrian's lies, his deception. I couldn't afford distraction with thoughts of him-not when I was so near the point of finally assuming my life. A weird, peculiar kind of determination was building up in my head, a fire I hadn't felt for a long
Chapter Seven: The Revelation of the Truth - Lily's POV My heart was racing in my chest as my fingers wrapped around the cool metal handle and turned it, the door to the law office creaking open. I tried to steady my breath, but my pulse refused to cooperate. I had to do this. I had to finally bring an end to the nightmare that was my marriage to Adrian. But as I stepped inside, I could already feel him behind me. The steady rhythm of Simeon's footsteps echoed in the silence, growing louder, until it was impossible to pretend he wasn't there. Lily," his voice cut through the air, smooth and commanding, yet underlying that was something sharper. I resisted the urge to turn around, to acknowledge him. Instead, I focused on the receptionist, my voice barely a whisper. "I have an appointment with Mr. Coleman," I said, the words coming out far frailer than I had meant them to. Before the receptionist could say anything, I heard it-his voice, low and insistent. "I'll wait right here."
Chapter 157:The Teasing BeginsPOV: LeoraThe atmosphere was dense after what had transpired.I stood there frozen. My heart was still racing. Nelson hadn't spoken. Neither had I. And in front of us, Lily and Simeon were standing at the door, staring.No one moved for a few seconds. No one made a word. I was so embarrassed that I wanted the floor to open up and swallow me. I hadn't meant to kiss Nelson. Well… maybe I did. But I hadn't planned it.I looked at Lily. Her mouth was slightly open as if she was trying her best to hold back a smile. Her eyes were sparkling. Simeon, who was behind her, one eyebrow up and that same infuriating, knowing smile on his face.I glared off hastily."I—I should go," I stuttered.But Lily came into the room, standing with her arms folded."Oh no, no. Don't go now," she said. "We timed it just right."I hid my face in my hands. "Lily, please.""What?" she was giggling. "You expect to slink into Nelson's bedroom, make him a cup of tea, cuddle him, kiss
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