“Glad.” Aaron said.”I never saw you at the campus.” “I haven't been able to attend for a few days.” “Oh, that’s fine.” “I’m gonna go from next week, I hope I haven't missed much.” “I can collect and provide you with the notes, if you want?” “That’d be great, thank you so much, you know anyone in my department?” “Oh, I know everyone in every department.” “Very social.” “I am, actually, I used to go up to everyone and make them my friend when I first joined, so that I never feel lonely on campus, if my best buddy doesn't come, I have plenty of people to pass my time with.” “That’s a good idea.” Lily laughed. “Do you have any friends there?” “Quite a few, but I don't know anyone very personally, just buddies.” “You hang out alone at the university then?” “Yeah, most of the time.” “We can hang out together, you know? I’m bored of my old friends anyways, I would love to keep you company.” “Sounds great, we can do that. But, just so you know, I hang out alone by choice." She
“Zared, what do you want?” Lily interrupted, her patience wearing thin. “I’ve told you, I need space. I’m trying to move on and focus on my life.” “I know, but I can’t stop thinking about what happened. I want to make things right, can we meet, please?” he pleaded. Lily’s grip tightened on the phone. “You can’t just keep calling me and expect everything to be okay. You’ve done enough damage. I don’t have the time or energy to deal with this right now.” There was a pause on the other end of the line. “I’m sorry, Lily. I didn’t mean to upset you. I just—” “Goodbye, Zared,” Lily said, cutting him off. She hung up the phone, feeling a mix of anger and sadness. She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. The call had shaken her, bringing back memories she was desperately trying to bury. She stared at her textbooks, but the motivation to study had evaporated. Her thoughts were a storm of emotions, frustration, anger, sorrow. She wanted to move on, to focus on her future, but Z
"I’m always here, Lily." Just then, Clara came from behind Aaron. “And if he’s not, I am. What is going on here ?” She asked, looking at both of them with curious eyes. “I am here though, and nothing, we were just chatting and I was letting her know that we were here for her anytime she needed us.” "Oh, great, do you want some tea? I've just put the kettle on." Lily managed a small smile. "Sure, Clara. That sounds nice." Aaron gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze before they both headed to the kitchen. As they sat down with Clara, the warmth of friendship and support surrounded Lily, giving her the strength she needed to face whatever came next. After tea, Lily decided to try to study again. Aaron was in his room and so was Clara. The night passed as each of them lay with their worries under their pillows. The next morning, Zared woke up to his dog jumping on his chest to wake him up. He smiled and wiped his face as he recalled the events of the previous day. He had called
Meanwhile Zared, who caught sight of her couldn't just sit there with the information of her being at the same place as him. Maybe it’s a sign? He asked himself, feeling the excitement and hope within him, he couldn't contain them anymore, he had to get up and approach her, he couldn't just sit there and do nothing. He waited for her to be seated with her coffee and as soon as she did, he didn't miss a beat to go up to her. “Riley.” He called her as he stood in front of her. Clara lifted her head up to look at him. “What do you want? And I’m Clara.” She demanded rudely. “Right, I’m sorry.” He apologized nervously “Clara, can we talk ?” “What for ? I don't go around talking to r*pists just so you know.” “Clara, please, may I ?” He asked, pointing at the seat in front of her. She nodded at him, sighing. “I’ll get to the point and not waste your time,look ...Clara....I know you hate me but...I'm not the same person anymore...trust me,I'm not lying." "What.do.you.
Lily didn't move forward but she didn't move backwards either. As he was about to touch her lips with his, a voice came in from behind, the door clicked. “I-I’m so sorry, I-I didn't mean to-you know what, I’m gonna go, I am so sorry, bye!” Aaron and Lily sat stunned as Clara left, closing the door again leaving both of them alone once again. Lily turned around looking back at the books while Aaron did the same. Aaron’s heart was pounding as he and Lily sat there, the weight of the almost-kiss pressing down on them both. The silence between them was thick, a palpable tension that neither seemed to know how to break. The once cozy room now felt stifling, and the air was charged with unspoken words. Lily kept her eyes fixed on the books in front of her, pretending to be engrossed in their contents, but her mind was racing. Aaron, on the other hand, couldn't shake the feeling of his heart hammering against his chest, the taste of regret already forming on his tongue. He had come so
And why did it feel like he had just dodged a bullet?Aaron’s face kept flashing in her mind, the way he had looked at her, the way he had leaned in so close... What had he been thinking? What had she been thinking? She didn’t even know anymore. All she knew was that she couldn’t stop replaying that moment in her head, couldn’t stop feeling the way her heart had skipped a beat when he had leaned in.But there was one thing she knew for sure, she wasn't ready for whatever this was-she wasn't ready for any more drama, there was nothing going on between them and it will stay like that, she thought to herself.But those feelings quickly gave way to anger, anger at herself for letting it happen, and anger at Aaron for putting her in that position. What had he been trying to prove? That he could just kiss her whenever he felt like it? That she was just there for him to do with as he pleased? Was this his motive all along ? Was this why he kept helping her? Making her feel safe and comfortab
Clara turned around to look at her and sighed as she heard what Lily said and sat beside her on the bed with her hand on top of her’s. Lily let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. She closed her eyes, trying to calm the storm of emotions swirling inside her. But it was no use. The more she tried to push it down, the more it bubbled to the surface, threatening to overwhelm her. “You know you can tell me anything, right?” “I know, but- it's just, weird, I guess” “It’s okay if you don’t want to share it, but, just so you know, I won’t ever judge you.” Lily pressed her lips together and looked at Clara. “Thank you. I-nothing actually happened, but it was going to.” ‘and..is it bad that it was going to happen?’ “Yes,yes, of course, it shouldn’t happen, never, and thanks to you it didn’t, but, it just makes me feel weird.”Lily looked down at her hands. “It’s okay to feel that way, but, why do you think it shouldn’t happen, like ever?” Clara asked curiously.
“Lily, aren’t you ready yet?” Clara asked, a hint of concern in her voice. “Aaron already left.” Lily’s heart skipped a beat. “He did?” she asked, surprised. “When?” “A little while ago,” Clara said, leaning against the doorframe. “I thought you two were going to walk to the university together?” Lily felt a pang of something she couldn’t quite identify, disappointment, perhaps. She had assumed that, despite everything, they would still go to the exam together and everything would be back to normal today. “I guess not,” she muttered, pulling herself out of bed and quickly getting dressed. Clara watched her with a knowing look. “You two need to talk,” she said softly. Lily didn’t respond, but Clara’s words echoed in her mind as she hurried through her morning routine. She couldn’t deny the truth in what Clara had said. Things between her and Aaron had been strained ever since that awkward moment, and if they didn’t address it soon, it would only get worse. But for now, ther
It had been two weeks since the gala, and life had settled back into its usual rhythm for Lily; or at least, that’s what she told herself over the weeks. The days were packed with meetings, client calls, and deadlines, leaving her little time to dwell on anything else. But no matter how busy she was, Aaron’s presence lingered in the back of her mind like a stubborn shadow. She hadn’t expected to see him again so soon, and certainly not like that-standing across a room, looking at her with a mix of longing and regret. Lily shook her head as she sat at her desk, trying to push the memory aside. He doesn’t matter anymore, she reminded herself. You’ve moved on. Your life is yours now. But the truth was harder to face. A part of her was still drawn to him, to the man who had once made her feel like the center of his universe. Later that evening at her apartment, as she stepped into the kitchen, her phone buzzed on the counter. She picked it up to see Clara’s name flashing on
Aaron was already making his way toward her, his steps purposeful but hesitant. “Do you want me to distract him?” Clara asked, noticing. “No,” Lily said, surprising even herself. “I’ll handle it.” When he finally reached her, he stopped just short of invading her space. “Lily,” he said, his voice a mix of relief and uncertainty. “Aaron,” she replied, keeping her tone neutral. Clara took that as her cue to slip away, leaving them alone. “You look...” Aaron trailed off, his gaze softening. “You look beautiful.” “Thank you,” Lily said, her walls firmly in place. There was an awkward silence before Aaron spoke again. “How have you been?” “Busy,” Lily said simply. “You?” "Same. Busy." He said, his eyes boring into her's. Aaron Knight had never been one to doubt himself. His confidence, honed over years of navigating ruthless boardrooms and mastering impossible deals, was unshakable. But now, sitting in his empty penthouse with the city lights stretching endlessly b
The 4 years that followed were a whirlwind of success for Lily. As the founder and CEO of her own fashion brand, she had become a name synonymous with innovation and elegance. Her designs graced international runways, and her name carried weight in the business world. She was confident, composed, and exactly where she wanted to be. It was a crisp evening in the city, and Lily sat in her office overlooking the bustling streets below. She tapped her pen against the edge of her notebook, her mind wandering. A knock at the door broke her thoughts. Clara walked in, looking radiant as ever in a sleek jumpsuit. “Your PR team says you need to approve the final list for the charity gala tomorrow,” she said, placing a folder on Lily’s desk. Lily smirked. “You didn’t need to bring this yourself. What’s the real reason you’re here?” Clara feigned an offended look. “What, I can’t check on my dear friend? Fine, maybe I just needed a break from my office. Paperwork is soul-sucking.”
The penthouse felt lifeless. Every step Aaron took echoed through the empty rooms, each sound reminding him of what he’d lost. He couldn’t stop himself from wandering to Lily’s favorite spots-the kitchen where she used to hum softly while brewing tea, the couch where they would argue about what to watch, her corner of the bedroom where her books were still stacked neatly, her pink and white bedroom-the one she always dreamed about. He stood by the window where Lily once leaned against his chest, watching the city lights together happily. Now, those same lights felt distant and cold. On the coffee table lay a scarf she’d left behind, forgotten in the rush of her departure. Aaron’s hand trembled as he picked it up, the soft fabric bringing back the faintest trace of her perfume. He closed his eyes, clutching it tightly as if it could somehow bring her back. Aaron couldn’t shake the memory of her face when she left, her tear filled eyes, the hurt in her voice as she said goodbye.
The penthouse felt cavernous in her absence. Lily’s steps echoed faintly against the polished floors as she carried a small bag down the hall. She had packed only the essentials-clothes, documents, and her favorite book-a conscious decision not to look back. The thought of leaving the home they'd shared stung, but staying felt like drowning. Her mind replayed the scene in Aaron’s study, the damning photographs and the file with her name etched at the top. Every piece of information about her, laid bare-her family, her childhood, her fears. She’d trusted him, and in return, he had dissected her life like a puzzle to control. As she neared the door, the faint scent of his cologne lingered, and her grip on the bag tightened. This was the only goodbye she could give. Aaron had been out since the incident-a small mercy-but as Lily turned the handle, she heard the elevator hum to life. Her heart plummeted. The doors slid open, and Aaron stepped out, his suit slightly dishevel
The day was quiet, too quiet for Lily’s liking. Aaron had been called away for an urgent business meeting, leaving her alone in the penthouse. Normally, she’d enjoy the solitude, but today felt different. Her gaze wandered to the key sitting on her side table, the one Aaron had handed her a few days ago to the study. She hadn’t ventured inside yet, mostly because it felt too personal, too private. But now, with the emptiness of the penthouse pressing in on her, curiosity got the better of her. Sliding the key into the lock, she pushed the door open, stepping inside her fingers brushed against the dark wood of the desk. The view of the city skyline stretched beyond the glass, but her attention was drawn to a folder sitting in the center of the desk. It wasn’t marked, but something about it seemed out of place. “Just a peek,” she murmured to herself, feeling a twinge of guilt. Sliding the folder closer, she flipped it open-and froze. The first thing she saw was a phot
The last few days passed with Lily immersed in his studies and Aaron struggling to manage studies with the company work. Both of them got little time to spend together over the last two weeks-especially in Clara's absence. Aaron insisted they tell Clara about their relationship but Lily protested-too embrassed to admit she was right all the time. It was late in the afternoon when Lily was curled up on the couch with a book again, her feet tucked under her, while Aaron sat nearby with his laptop open. Clara was gone since morning and said she'd return late today. The quiet intimacy of the moment was broken only by the occasional click of the keyboard or the rustle of pages as Lily flipped through her novel. She glanced up, catching Aaron staring at her. “What?” “You,” he said simply, his voice low and teasing. Lily raised an eyebrow, though her lips twitched in amusement. “Me?” Aaron nodded, pushing off the wall and walking toward her. “I’ve been trying to work all day,
“Then I’d wait,” he said simply, his tone unwavering. “However long it took.”Lily felt her chest tighten at the sincerity in his words. “You don’t have to wait anymore. I’m ready.”His eyes searched hers, as if he couldn’t quite believe her words. “You mean that?”She nodded. “I mean it.”There was a pause before Lily resumed."So...are we....exclusive now?” her tone light but her gaze searching.Aaron’s grin widened, his confidence returning. “Lily, I’ve been exclusive to you since the day we met. You’ve been the only one for me.”Her cheeks flushed, and she ducked her head, suddenly feeling shy under the intensity of his gaze.“Since then?" She asked when she realised what he had said.Aaron tilted her chin up, forcing her to meet his eyes. "Since then. And you? Am I the only one for you?”Lily smiled, her hand brushing lightly against his chest. “Yes. It’s only you.”His shoulders visibly relaxed, and he let out a breath he didn’t seem to realize he’d been holding. “Good. Because
Lily looked up at him with widened eyes, unsure of what to say. “You don’t have to use it,” he added quickly. “I just thought...if you ever needed anything, it might help.” Clara raised an eyebrow, but said nothing, though she had a massive smirk on her face.“Thank you?" Lily said, unsure.Aaron held her gaze for a beat longer before nodding and leaving the room. As the door closed behind him, Clara leaned in, “You know what that is, right?” “What?” Lily asked. “That’s trust,” Clara said with a grin. In the quiet moments that followed, Lily stared at the key in her hand, her mind racing. Trust, she thought. It was a small gesture, but it carried more weight than Aaron probably realized. The day had stretched into a quiet evening, Lily stood by the large windows of the penthouse, watching the sunset. Her thoughts were a whirlwind of emotions, all centering on Aaron.He had been quieter than usual after their last conversation. She could sense the weight of his emotions every ti