LOGIN"I can forgive you, I guess. People have done worse than this." She admitted. "Did he do anything to you? What did he come for?" Lily's eyes narrowed. "Iâve had...Damian keeping an eye on you ever since he revealed himself to you...." Aaron admitted, "I didnât want you to be blindsided by him.â For a moment, she didnât know whether to be angry or grateful. âWhy didnât you tell me?â she asked, her voice quiet. âBecause I didnât want to scare you,â he said honestly. âI wanted to make sure you were safe, but I also wanted to respect your space. I wasnât sure if hearing it from me would help or just...make things worse.â Her emotions overwhelmed her, and before she could stop herself, tears welled up in her eyes. Aaron, without hesitation, reached across the table and took her hand. âItâs okay,â he said softly. âYouâre safe now. Thatâs all that matters.â For the first time in what felt like forever, Lily let herself break. She leaned across the table, and Aaron
Lily was sitting in her living room, her mind a whirlwind of the confrontation with Zared and Aaron stepping in, having her back-as always. After all that happened, she wondered if her pushing Zared off was selfish of her. While Lily had grown more mature these years, she had also become cold and made sure to keep herself first at any cost-but this Lily...it was the old Lily...who wanted to think that she was wrong for mistreating Zared-maybe her was disturbed, what could have possibly been the reason for him to fake his death-how big the problem must've been? A knock at the door startled her from her thoughts. Frowning, she checked the time-it was late, far too late for visitors. Cautiously, she approached the door and looked through the peephole. It was Zared. Her breath caught, and her hand instinctively tightened on the doorknob. Part of her wanted to ignore him, but the other part-the one still grappling with the guilt of his supposed death-compelled her to open the
Lily sat across from Clara in her cozy apartment after the massive shock she had, the glow of the city lights filtered through the windows. Clara had invited her over for an evening of conversation, sensing something was weighing heavily on her friend. As Lily sipped her tea, her fingers fidgeted with the rim of the cup. âClara,â she began hesitantly, âsomething happened yesterday.â Clara raised an eyebrow. âWhat is it?" Taking a deep breath, Lily placed the cup down and looked Clara in the eye. âZared is alive.â Clara froze, the mug in her hands suspended mid-air. âWhat?â âHe came to my office. I didnât recognize him at first, but it was him, Clara. Heâs alive, and he... he apologized for everything.â Clara placed her cup down, her expression a mixture of shock and confusion. âZared? As in Zared Williams?The same man who k*lled himself? How is that even possible?â Lily shook her head, her voice shaky. âI donât know. He said it was complicated and that he was tryin
Lily sat at her desk in her company, her fingers hovering over her keyboard. The day had been long and draining, but there was still a stack of work to get through. She sighed, rubbing her temples, when a soft knock interrupted her thoughts. âCome in,â she called not lifting her head up. The door opened and closed behind. âDo you need anything, ma'am?â "No, thanks." "Would you like some coffee?" "No, you can go." Lily said, her tone cold as her eyes remained on the screen. âSome tea?" he asked Her brows furrowed but her eyes remained on her paperwork. "I dont need anything, leave before I fire you." There was a pause, but the person in front of her didnât leave. Instead, he took a step closer. âAre you sure? I can fetch you tea, coffee... water, maybe?â Lily looked up briefly, irritation flickering across her face, though she still didnât focus on him entirely. âNo, thank you. And I think you should go.â But the man didnât move. âHow about I help you
It had been two weeks since the gala, and life had settled back into its usual rhythm for Lily; or at least, thatâs 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, Aaronâs presence lingered in the back of her mind like a stubborn shadow. She hadnât 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 doesnât matter anymore, she reminded herself. Youâve 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 Claraâs name flashing on
Aaron was already making his way toward her, his steps purposeful but hesitant. âDo you want me to distract him?â Clara asked, noticing. âNo,â Lily said, surprising even herself. âIâll handle it.â When he finally reached her, he stopped just short of invading her space. âLily,â he said, his voice a mix of relief and uncertainty. âAaron,â she replied, keeping her tone neutral. Clara took that as her cue to slip away, leaving them alone. âYou look...â Aaron trailed off, his gaze softening. âYou look beautiful.â âThank you,â Lily said, her walls firmly in place. There was an awkward silence before Aaron spoke again. âHow have you been?â âBusy,â Lily said simply. âYou?â "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
Aaron led Lily through a narrow hallway, up a metal staircase, and finally to a door with faded paint. He pushed it open and stepped aside, his hand lightly touching her lower back as he guided her forward. Lily froze in the doorway as her breath caught slightly. The rooftop garden stretched
"Chocolate." He showed her, his now chcolate covered thumb."Thanks." She said before breaking the eye contact."It was a pleasure." when Lily looked up at him, he was already staring at her-like he was piercing his gaze into her's. There was something about it.Clara began clearing some of the mes
It wasnât just a distraction. It couldnât be. At least not for her. Maybe she should wait till her mind cleared, she told herself, maybe she was too high on stress and emotions. But then she closed her eyes for a brief second, swallowing the pang of disappointment that threatened to rise. It was
Lily took her own cup, her hands trembling slightly as she lifted it to her lips.Clara sat beside her again, her voice soft. âSweetheart, I know this is hard. But you'll be safe. Trust me, I know Aaron, he wont let anything happen to you. Ever."Lily nodded, though the fear gnawed at the e







