“Plans?” Lily asked him as confusion lined her brows. “For the day….I mean, do you study ?” Aaron sensed her unease but knew they needed time to process everything that had happened. “No…. I would like to… someday again.” “Not right now ?” “I don't know, I want to go to college and study but the marriage was so sudden and….and it distracted me from everything else.” “It was sudden, I don't understand why…anyway, till where have you studied ?” “I’m done with my 12th grade.” “What?” Aaron asked her, smiling, “you’re messing with me right ?” “No…I actually am just a 12th grade pass out.” Lily looked down embarrassed seeing how he was probably laughing at her, he would probably insult her just like everyone does every time. Aaron’s face softened as he noticed the embarrassment taking place on Lily’s face and her voice dropping to the lowest one. “It’s-I’m sorry, I didn't mean it in that way, I-I just, I just thought you were older than me, it's fine, you can still study, righ
Lily’s expression screamed that she disagreed and thought this was all bull because nothing was this easy.“Aaron, I know what you mean, but it’s too sudden, I need time to process and think about it as well.”Aaron may not have heard what she said after his name, “Aaron” he played it in his mind again and again, her voice calling his name felt so sweet, no one had called him in this way before but even if they did he probably didn't feel like this.He had fans all over his campus but he never thought of dating any of them or the girls that were genuinely interested him as well, all he did was politely refuse them when they confessed, he had a few girlfriends earlier but his relationships never lasted, he hadn't been in a serious relationship ever since his last one, he wanted time for himself after he broke up so he could focus on himself rather than somebody else.But right now, he was lost. His heart would stir with a mixture of tenderness and concern. Lily was a delicate soul, una
"Lily," he began tentatively, "I know you’re very scared and don't want to trust me easily- and you shouldn't- I-I mean…. you shouldn't trust anyone easily but, I just want you to know that you don't have to face this alone. I'm here for you." She turned to him, her eyes searching for any hint of deception. "Why are you helping me, Aaron? You barely know me." Aaron hesitated, his heart racing. How could he explain that his motives weren’t harmful, that seeing her safe was as much for his peace of mind as her’s? "Because... because no one deserves to live in fear. Especially not someone as brave as you." Lily’s gaze softened, a flicker of gratitude in her eyes. “Brave ? Me ?” She laughed, it wasn't a funny one and Aaron didn't return it “I’m not brave, I’m the weakest and the most vulnerable person you’ll ever meet, I’m the weakest person I’ve ever met. But I wish I could believe that.” She looked down at her foot disappointingly. "You will," Aaron said quietly, hoping his
The night passed as Lily faced nightmares in her sleep and woke up sweating multiple times. Aaron tossed and turned all night feeling uncomfortable on the unfamiliar structure. On the other hand, Zared was on his bed with Riley lying beside him with her head on his chest, she had fallen asleep but he couldn’t sleep yet, Alexander did not get back to any of his calls or texts the whole day, he felt concerned not for Alexander but for Lily this time, because he could not go there at his mansion as someone would definitely be out there waiting to know where he had gone to. No matter how cautious one might be, it is definitely going to be news for them as soon as they spot something suspicious about Zared whether it is a reporter or an enemy. That was why Zared had to watch his every move and timing since there were no official statements made concerning Lily’s article about being lost. He spent the whole day worrying about Alexander and his worry lines were visible such that it got
Meanwhile, across a few kilometers in Zared's mansion, the morning sun cast harsh light on his troubled features. He stared out the window, his fingers tapping nervously on the polished desk of his study. Guilt and anger battled within him as he recalled the events that had unfolded since he asked Alexander to abduct Lily.His thoughts were interrupted by the ringing of his phone, he immediately picked it up, eager for some useful news to reach to him.“Sir…” came the rough voice on the other side of the line. It was his man who went to see what was happening in Alexander’s house.“What happened?” Zared responded in a clipped tone“I d- did not find anything else except dead bodies,” said he with some caution. "Someone saved her."Zared's heart stopped momentarily as fear gripped him tight behind that mask."Why would anyone save her ? He might also be dead; look for Lily’s body.”"Your...wife isn’t here, sir, but there are several men lying lifeless on the floor.”“This is not good.
Meanwhile, across a few kilometers in Zared's mansion, the morning sun cast harsh light on his troubled features. He stared out the window, his fingers tapping nervously on the polished desk of his study. Guilt and anger battled within him as he recalled the events that had unfolded since he asked Alexander to abduct Lily.His thoughts were interrupted by the ringing of his phone. Zared hesitated for a moment before answering, steeling himself for the confrontation he knew was inevitable.“Sir.." came the terse voice on the other end. It was his man whom he sent to check at Alexander’s house."What is it?" Zared replied, his tone clipped.“N-no one is here, only dead bodies." the man said, his voice betraying a hint of caution. "Lily has been rescued."Zared's heart skipped a beat. Despite his composed facade, panic gripped him like a vice. "Rescued? Who would do that? Maybe they were all killed, check for Lily’s body .”“Sir..Mrs.William is not here, there are bodies of multiple me
Lily shook her head. “Who was it?” “It was no one you should worry about, just my friend from college.” Aaron said, reassuring her. Lily suddenly broke down in front of him, tears flooded down her cheeks sobs breaking through her, she could no more have control over her emotions, it was hard to pretend like she was fine, it was hard to pretend and just survive like nothing happened, the unwanted tiring thought, the horrible flashbacks and terrifying nightmares won't leave her alone. She was abducted, raped and rescued and was living at a stranger's house, so much of it in a week, how was she supposed to celebrate her rescue after what she had been through, never in her life did she think she would end up in a situation like this, her life had took unexpected turns, but this was beyond everything that could go wrong. The Lily who once looked towards marriage as something that would change her life completely, had nothing but a wrecked marriage which was far opposite than the heart
Zared suspected it wasn't Alexander’s doing, he didn't trust him but Alexander didn't have the guts to challenge Zared but if he did, he was going to pay a price, he probably got ahead of himself.The morning melted into a beautiful sunny afternoon.“You don't have to, you know.”“I have to, I need to.”“I understand your discomfort, but I’ll have my men body guard you.”Lily looked at him with a look Aaron couldn't explain, it was complicated, awe? Gratefulness? Irritation? "I don't know how to thank you, Aaron. For everything." Gratefulness it was, thought Aaron. It could be awe as well, why did she have to say his name like that ? It would be so hard to let her go if she kept calling him by his name like that. "You don't.... need to thank me, Lily. I'm just glad you're safe."They sat together in silence, the weight of their shared experiences hanging in the air. For a moment, Lily allowed herself to believe that maybe, just maybe, there could be a future beyond the darkness tha
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
Lily was curled up on the couch at the penthouse, with the same book in her lap. Her mind wandered restlessly, replaying Aaron’s intense behavior at the café and the protectiveness in his eyes. Clara had wisely given her space after their conversation, though Lily suspected she was lurking somewhere nearby, ready to jump in with more pointed observations. Lily sighed, snapping the book shut and leaning back against the cushions. Damian’s voice broke the silence. “Ms. Lily, Mr. Knight wants you, he's at the balcony.” Lily looked up. “Did he say why?” “He didn’t,” Damian replied, his tone as formal as ever. “But he did insist it was important.” Lily hesitated, her heart skipping a beat. “Alright,” she murmured, setting the book aside. Aaron was already on the balcony when she stepped outside, his tall frame silhouetted against the city skyline. The evening breeze ruffled his hair slightly, softening the usual sharpness of his appearance. He turned at the sound of her fo
The day wore on with an unsettling quietness. Lily had hoped for a moment of peace, but the intensity of her recent conversation with Aaron loomed over her like a storm cloud. She spent the morning aimlessly flipping through her to-do list, pretending to work but unable to focus on anything for more than a few minutes. She started to have doubts if she was making the right decision by completely trusting someone so soon after...she shook her head. By the time the clock struck noon, Clara barged into her room. “Okay, enough of this brooding,” Clara said, hands on her hips. “Get dressed. We’re going out.” “I’m fine, Clara. Really.” Lily opposed. “No, you’re not,” Clara countered. “You’re overthinking everything again, aren’t you?” When Lily didn’t respond, Clara sighed and grabbed her hand. “Come on. You need a change of scenery before you lose your mind. Besides, I need coffee, and you’re coming with me.” "Clara, I-" "It's been days since we've spent quality time tog
Aaron lingered near the door for a moment before stepping back inside, his gaze hesitant but resolute. Lily turned to face him, her brows furrowing slightly. “I thought you were leaving,” she said, her voice softer now. “I was.” He walked back toward her, his steps deliberate. “But I realized something.” Lily’s heart thudded against her ribs as he closed the distance between them slowly. She tried to appear composed, but his presence made it nearly impossible. Aaron stopped a few feet away, his expression a mix of determination and vulnerability. "I’ve spent so much of my life walking away-from people, from emotions, from anything that felt... complicated. But I don’t want to do that with you.” Lily blinked, stunned by the weight of his words. “Aaron...” “I’m not expecting you to feel the same way or even to understand,” he continued, his voice steady. “But I need you to know that you’re the first person who’s made me want to stay.” Her chest tightened as his c