Jessica’s Point of View I stood just outside the kitchen, my hand on the doorframe, frozen as I overheard Simon’s voice:“I really want to help you, Lily. You don't have to marry Thomas. Not If you don't want to.”I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. How could Simon discourage Lily from marrying Tom, even with the wedding plans in motion? The very thought sent a rush of anger coursing through my veins. As I peered around the corner, I caught sight of them—Lily, gazing up at Simon, their chemistry, so evident, it was undeniable. I watched Lily lean in, clearly tempted to kiss him.How long has this been going on right under my nose? Why didn't I track that it’d get this far when I saw them in the garden from my balcony? They want to make a fool of me and Tom, but I wouldn’t allow it. Not after everything I have done to ensure Tom’s success, to protect him from his brother. No, Lily wasn’t going to ruin everything. Not now.I stepped into the kitchen. “Jessica,” Lily muttered, shock
Jessica’s Point of View The next day, was a bright Saturday morning. I sat on a plush sofa on the patio of the mansion, sipping a glass of wine, my thoughts scattered. Should I tell Thomas what I had overheard? Telling him would help me drive a deeper wedge between the brothers. Still, I had to be smart. I couldn't afford to make a wrong move. Thomas entered, his face was calm, his usual charm shimmering in his eyes as he greeted me. “Mom,” he said, sitting down across from me. I hesitated for a moment, wondering how to approach the subject. I wasn't sure how to break the news about Simon and Lily—it was definitely going to ruin his mood. I had to be careful. “Tom,” I began, swirling my wine. “Why are you so intent on marrying Lily? I know you’re fond of her, but there are plenty of women more… suitable for you.” Thomas paused, his brow furrowing. “I find her attractive,” he said, but I could tell there was more. Tom fancied Lily, but she had been giving him a hard time—that was
Simon’s Point of View Damn it! I ran my fingers through my hair. I had gone out for a drive but I still couldn't concentrate. Lily was the only thing on my mind. I hadn't expected to get caught and worse by Jessica. I overreacted. I showed her my hand and now she’d know I’m coming after her. She’d be prepared for me. I didn't want her accusing Lily, that was the best I could come up with to take the blame and keep Lily out of it. Last night, after the heated conversation with Jessica, I followed Lily as she left. But, she didn't want to see me. She slammed the door in my face and muttered something like ‘Leave me alone.’ I wasn't the type of man who’d steal my brother’s woman. The problem here is that Lily was mine first and she has never been his. He doesn't love her, she doesn't love him. They’re not dating. They’re engaged, bound by a stupid contract, another of my Dad’s manipulations. Am I just making excuses for my actions? Have I become the type of man who’d date my brother's
Lily’s Point of View I thought I was dreaming till I opened my eyes and I was alone on the gigantic bed. Fear gripped me, he had done it again. He left. I rose from the bed and quickly wore my clothes he had taken off earlier. I checked through all the rooms, went downstairs, but there was no sign of him. I panicked. Did he leave me all alone in this big house? I heard a sweet melody coming from the basement, and I followed the sound. I pushed the door open and there he was playing a grand piano, his eyes closed, enjoying the rhythm. I stood there for a second gazing at him and enjoying the sweet music before he noticed me. “Lily, you’re awake,” he said with a charming smile, his hands leaving the piano keys.“Yeah,” I replied, walking over as he pulled me into his lap. “I was afraid you had left me again,” I admitted, wrapping my arms around his neck.“I’m sorry for ever making you feel insecure about my commitment. Lily, I love you, and I’m not going anywhere,” he said, gently ki
Lily’s Point of ViewI followed Thomas, my curiosity growing with every step. What on earth could he have planned, and why was he leading me to my room? As he opened the door, I stepped inside and froze. My room had been transformed into what looked like a high-end boutique. There were rows of elegant dresses on sleek hangers. “What is this?” I asked, stunned, my eyes scanning the shocking and beautiful display.“For you, my lovely Lily,” he said, his voice smooth and proud. “Go ahead, explore.”I hesitated for a second, but then my fingers moved to the clothes, shuffling through them. Each outfit was stunning, designer dresses I’d only ever seen in magazines. A black Balenciaga, a striking blue Givenchy, a pink Thom Browne that looked like it would fit me perfectly. My eyes wandered to a gray Louis Vuitton handbag sitting casually among the clothes, and I couldn’t resist picking it up, admiring the smooth leather.But then I remembered—Thomas was watching me. His presence reminded m
Lily’s Point of ViewDinner had been tense, to say the least. I came down late, expecting the family to have already started without me, but I was wrong. Everyone was seated, waiting. Thomas stood as I approached, greeting me with a kiss on the cheek and ushering me into the seat beside him. His politeness felt overwhelming, like it was part of some grand show.“Hi Lily,” he smiled warmly, but I could feel Simon’s gaze across the table, hard to ignore but necessary to avoid. “How nice of you to finally join us, Lily,” Jessica said, “We’ve all been waiting for you.”“It seems you and Thomas are bonding quite well,” Geoffrey chimed in, his smile genuine. “He insisted we not start eating until you arrived.”I swallowed the tension creeping up my throat. “Oh, Tom, you didn’t have to. Thank you all for waiting for me.” I felt nervous that I had kept the great Weston family waiting. Thomas beamed. “Lily and I are growing stronger, Dad. I can’t wait to make her my wife.”Geoffrey and Jessi
Lily’s Point of ViewI couldn’t sleep all night. How could I? I was torn between the Weston brothers. Simon, the love of my life and the man I wanted to spend my life with, has a part of him, I feel he’s still unwilling to share. I can’t ask him about it now, while things are going so well between us. I don’t want to ruin it. I know he wouldn’t tell me. My instincts scream at me not to fall for him again, not until I understand the secrets he’s hiding. How could I elope with him knowing that?Then there’s Thomas. He’s a control freak, and with him and Jessica at the helm, my life has been mapped out for me. I’d be a dutiful, quiet wife. No doubt, I’d be constantly looking glamorous with his exquisite taste, if I was that type of girl, which I’m not. What would it be? Safety or passion? Comfort or love? I had no idea what choice to make. My heart was pulling me in one direction, but my head wasn’t sure if I could risk it all. Either way, a choice was coming. And I had to decide.I lov
Lily’s Point of View“Si, I...I—” I stuttered, unsure of what to say. Things had gotten so complicated after Tom’s conversation with me. I couldn’t just break off the engagement, not after he’d bared his heart to me.“Are you second-guessing us, Lily?” Simon asked, his gaze piercing me with intensity. “No, no, that’s not it, Si,” I replied softly. “Then what is it?” he asked, his voice gentle but his eyes concerned. “If you're not doubting us, then what’s the problem?” He leaned in, desperate for an answer.“I spoke with Thomas yesterday, Si,” I admitted, unsure of how to go on. “He wants us to continue with the wedding.”“So what? Tell him you can’t,” he said, his tone more tense now as he picked up on my hesitation. “Lily, come on, you have to stop this damn wedding.”“How do I do that, Si? What do I say?”“Just tell him you can’t marry him because you’re in love with me. That’s all you need to say.”I shook my head, a lump forming in my throat. “Simon, that’s your brother. How do