Yet, in the end, she had shown a strength he had never acknowledged. Her departure, her willingness to leave him, spoke of a resilience he had underestimated. Was it possible that he had been wrong about her all along? Three months had passed since Lily left the confines of Zared's mansion and started living peacefully with Clara. On the surface, her life had taken a remarkable turn. Clara, who had revealed her true self in an unexpected twist of fate, had opened her home and heart to Lily, offering her a fresh start which she gratefully accepted. Lily had settled into Clara's spacious, elegant home, a far cry from the suffocating walls she had known before. She had even secured admission into the top university in London. Lily's days were now filled with the vibrant hues of opportunity and freedom. She attended lectures in grand, historic halls, engaged in lively discussions with new friends, and found solace in the bustling energy of the city. Clara, too, became more than a pro
They had their own struggles, she knew, but they also had a freedom she longed for. A freedom from the relentless grip of fear. She felt a pang of jealousy, wishing she could experience their normalcy, their ability to find happiness in the mundane. Her mind drifted to her classmates at the university. They were vibrant and full of life, immersed in their studies and social lives. They spoke of their dreams and ambitions with an ease that seemed foreign to her. Lily participated, she smiled and engaged, but there was a part of her that remained distant, locked away. She couldn't shake the feeling that she was different, marked by her past in a way that set her apart. As she lay there, the ceiling fading into a blur, Lily felt a deep sense of loneliness. Clara had been a wonderful friend, a pillar of support, but even she couldn't fully understand the depths of Lily's pain. She longed for the days when her biggest worries were academic pressures and social anxieties, before her lif
It was a pleasant morning. The warmth of the sun and the gentle breeze contrasted sharply with the turmoil inside him, feeling a deep sense of regret and sorrow, a constant ache that gnawed at him relentlessly. His eyes fell upon a dead tree in the garden below, its barren branches hanging limp and lifeless. It was a perfect metaphor for his current state; empty, broken, and withering away, just like him. He couldn't shake the regret that plagued him every moment of his every day. If only he had trusted Lily, even for a second, he might not be standing here alone. The thought tormented him. He imagined a different life, one where he had a family, one where he hadn't driven her away with his baseless accusations and mean behaviour. The weight of his actions had become too much to bear. He needed to find a way to heal, to make everything alright. Zared's thoughts constantly drifted back to Lily. Every time he remembered her painful smile, a clenching pain gripped his heart. How had
Why was he here? His face still looked as angelic as it had before to her, but now there was a depth to his eyes, a sorrow and longing that hadn’t been there before. Under eye bags, messed up hair and he was in his pyjamas, he never left home like this? Never in his pyjamas, his under eye bags did injustice to the sleepless nights he had endured. She could see her galaxy in his eyes, the same eyes that once seemed indifferent and cold. Now, they were filled with an emotion she could scarcely believe. His expression was one she had never seen before, one that spoke of regret and a yearning. His lips parted, trying to form words, but he seemed unable to speak. His eyes were locked on hers, filled with an expectation that made her heart clench. For the first time, she could see something in his eyes other than coldness. Was it for her? Was he guilty for everything he had done? Does he expect her to go back with him? No... she thought, how can you even expect anything but inhumane beh
Her eyes widened in horror as she saw Lily unconscious in Zared’s arms. “What did you do to her, Zared?” Clara shouted, her voice a mixture of shock and accusation. “I didn’t do anything to her!” Zared protested, his voice cracking with anguish. “For God’s sake, Clara, call an ambulance. I swear, I didn’t hurt her! No I’ll take her!” Zared held Lily gently, his tears falling onto her pale face. He felt helpless, consumed by the weight of his actions and the consequences they had caused, carrying her to his car. Soon, they arrived at the hospital and Zared followed closely behind as they took Lily on a stretcher, his heart heavy with guilt and fear. At the hospital, they were met by a doctor who examined Lily. The diagnosis was that Lily had fainted due to her weakened state, consumed by the depression she was suffering from. The doctor’s words felt like a crushing blow to Zared, who could only blame himself for the turmoil Lily was enduring. The doctor discharged Lily afte
“Zared, you don’t understand. You broke me. You shattered everything I believed in. How can I ever trust anyone again, especially you?"Zared fell to his knees, his voice choked with emotion. “I know I’ve done terrible things, but I love you, Lily. I always have. Please, give me a chance.”Clara stepped in front of him, her voice firm.“Zared, enough. You’ve said your piece. Now go or else I'll kick you out of here if you don't leave."Zared looked up at Lily, his heart breaking. “Please....Lily.”Clara picked up her phone and dialled some number.Three well-built men in black suits, Riley's bodyguards, entered and picked Zared, forcing him out as Clara asked. Lily looked at him, her heart torn. She had loved Zared deeply, but the pain he had caused was too much to bear. “I can’t, Zared. I’m sorry.” Zared’s shoulders slumped, the weight of his regret crushing him. “I understand. I’ll leave you alone.”Clara watched as Zared slowly stood up, his eyes never leaving Lily’s. She cou
New York, with its endless possibilities, was a place where they could dream without limits. One night, as they stood on the observation deck of the Empire State Building, looking out at the city lights that stretched as far as the eye could see, Lily felt a sense of clarity. The city had given her a new perspective, a reminder that life was vast and full of potential. Clara, standing beside her, squeezed her hand. "You know, Lily," Clara said softly, "New York might just be the start of something amazing for you." Lily smiled, feeling a warmth in her heart. "I think so, I spent too long working on others, maybe it's time I should start writing my story." Their vacation was a whirlwind of excitement and discovery, but it also provided the space Lily needed to reflect and heal. She realized that while the past had shaped her, it didn't have to define her future. New York was a reminder that she had the strength to move forward, to find happiness on her own terms. One cr
He quickly followed Zared while making sure to keep a safe distance. When Zared entered a nearby hotel, Aaron noted the name and decided he needed answers. He couldn’t let Zared disrupt the fragile peace Lily was beginning to find. Aaron spent the next few hours digging for information, using his contacts and the internet to track down Zared’s hotel room. His anger simmered beneath the surface, ready to erupt. By the time he reached the hotel, his resolve was steeled. He wasn’t going to let Zared hurt Lily again. He marched into the hotel lobby and headed straight for the elevators, bypassing the front desk with a determined stride. Once he reached Zared’s floor, he took a deep breath and approached the door. Without hesitation, he knocked, the sound echoing in the quiet hallway. He knocked a few more times before noticing a response. Zared opened the door, his expression shifting from surprise to recognition and then confusion. “Aaron? What are you doing here?” Aaron didn’t was
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
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