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 Eight: A DealLily's POVThe air was thick in the car as I followed Simeon. He didn't say much, his expression unreadable as his hands gripped the steering wheel. I wasn't quite sure what made me follow him. Perhaps it was the curiosity, the allure of answers, or that strange pull toward him.Simeon had dropped a bomb on me back at the lawyer's office. Adrian's lies and betrayals had already wrecked my trust in humanity, and now here I was, driving behind a man who seemed to hold pieces of a puzzle I wasn't even sure I wanted to solve.My breath caught as his sleek black car turned into a gated estate. The iron gates alone looked to cost more than my car. They slowly creaked open, allowing a glimpse of the sprawling mansion beyond them. The house-or rather, the palace-was a masterpiece in modern architecture: towering glass windows, cascading fountains, and perfectly manicured gardens.I parked behind him, getting out of my car a little apprehensively. The cold night air bit a
Chapter Nine: The Locked DoorLily's POVMorning sunlight came through the high windows and delicately beaded on the furniture in a sheen of the most expensive varnish. None of this brought me tranquility. Images from the previous day, the contract, Simeon's incomprehensible behavior, and this house-a prison-end.I couldn't merely sit in my room. The quiet of this house was constricting. It was the kind that always made one have the impression somebody was watching one-even when there really was no one around.I swung into the passage, where I sank into deep carpet and promenaded haphazardly. The corridors were really endlessly long, bathed in eerie quiet-but every little squeak from a floor made me jump.And then I saw it:.A door stood at the far end of a narrow hall, plain and unadorned from all the others I had passed. There was something about it that felt… off. It wasn't just a door but a boundary, and I couldn't help but wonder what lay behind.My hand hovered over the doorknob
Chapter Ten: The Mafia Lord's Double LifeLily's POVThe moment we passed those heavy-duty gates, it was like I stepped into a completely different world-an even more treacherous one. Hard-faced guys with black suits seemed to block each street; others casually grasped arms that were big weapons, which, to me, seemed simply a part of the accessories to carry. Then my tummy twisted, like something started wrong inside me.From the moment Simeon had stepped out of the car, the whole ambiance had changed. All heads turned toward him. The men—they looked like bad news—were already going into bows, some right down almost to their ankles, as if he was some sort of king or something."Welcome, sir," one of them greeted in a deep, respectful tone, his head down.Simeon didn't even acknowledge them. He walked past them with this calm, calculated air, his black suit pristine and commanding in his movements. I followed him hesitantly, legs feeling weak beneath me.What the hell was this?I stuck
:Chapter Ten: The Realization of No EscapeLily's POVI was fuming as Vivian's words hit me."Go to the kitchen and prepare me a meal, you are here to work and I always want to see you do something” she ordered, her voice cold, as if I were no better than an employee-no, not even that. I fisted my hands, battling the scream that wanted to tear from my mouth. Everything in me wanted to stand up to her, to tell her she had no right to order me around. But I couldn't. Not here, not in this world I barely understood.I didn't utter a word. I did a swift turn on my heels to take a walk to the kitchen while my mind replayed everything that had just happened.How could Simeon do this to me? Lie to my face when everything was supposedly okay, when I was just some pawn in his twisted game? And that woman-Vivian? The way she looked at him, touched him, and kissed him just turned my stomach. He had a girlfriend, was living two lives-one as a CEO and one as a mafia lord. And I was supposed to be
Chapter Eleven: The Fight for FreedomLily's POVI had made my decision.I didn't care what it would take-I was leaving.I didn't belong here, and I wouldn't let anyone, not even Simeon, decide my fate. Not anymore.The night was cold, the air thick with an eerie silence as I walked toward what I hoped was the way out. Every shadow felt like a threat, every rustling leaf sent a chill down my spine.I wasn't stupid.I knew this place was dangerous.But what I hadn't realized was how deep Simeon's world ran.Just as I turned a corner, a group of men stepped into my path.My heart stopped.Mute at first, just standing there like statues cloaked in darkness, their presence was suffocating, reeking of danger with black suits and sharp gazes.I knew it in that instant.They belonged to Simeon.I retreated backward.One took a step closer. "Where do you think you're headed?"His tone was composed, almost mocking, as if he knew the answer all along.I swallowed hard and tried my best to have
Chapter 13Simeon's POVThe door slammed behind me.Lily froze.She stood in the dimly lit room, her back stiff, her breathing unsteady. The way she hugged herself, the way her body stiffened-it told me she already knew why I was here.I took a slow step forward, watching the way her shoulders tensed. She was always like this. Resisting. Even when she had no way out, she still fought.I enjoyed that about her.She turned to me, her face pale, but her eyes were sharp, burning with unspoken rage."What do you want?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.I exhaled, dragging my gaze down her trembling form. "You."Her breath caught.I stepped closer, closing the distance, forcing her to tilt her head up to look at me. "You should have read the contract carefully, Lily," I murmured, my voice low. "You belong to me now."Her lips trembled. "No," she whispered, shaking her head. "I—I'm just a maid."I laughed. "That's what I told Vivian. Not what's in our contract."She took a step ba
Chapter FourteenSimeon's POVThe room was silent but for the soft tinkling sound of Vivian's laughter. She lay beside me, propped up on one elbow, her fingers tracing lazy circles on my chest. The silk sheets pooled at her hips, the soft light from the lamp casting a golden glow over her delicate features. She was beautiful, seductive even, but I barely noticed.Vivian had been talking about something-I wasn't really listening. My mind was elsewhere, tangled in thoughts I couldn't quite shake off.Lily.The way she had moved. The way she had fought back.I had underestimated her. That much was clear. She wasn't some helpless woman tossed into my world. No, she was something else altogether. The precision of her attacks, the instincts in her movements-it was trained, refined. She wasn't some weakling caught in the storm of my life.She had a past. A hidden one.And for some damn reason, I wanted to know more."Simeon," Vivian's voice drew me out of my thoughts.She was staring at me,
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