“Grandpa, the party is about to start,” Justin said as he looked at the time.“Okay.” Coming back to his senses, Wilfred nodded. He looked at Lily with a questioning gaze.Lily shook her head. “Grandpa, I won’t be going. I don’t like crowded places, as you know.”“Oh.” Wilfred did not say much and turned to Alexander. Alexander immediately put his hand on Lily’s shoulder. “I won’t go either. I’ll stay with her.”With a slight smile, Wilfred said, as if to gratify them, “In that case, do stay. I’ll get someone to prepare two rooms. Stay two days before leaving, okay?”The final sentence was for Lily as if begging for her agreement.Seeing her grandfather asking that way, Lily was flattered. She hurriedly nodded and said, “Alright, if you wish.”Hearing that, Wilfred was very satisfied and he flashed a relaxed smile. “Justin, let’s go.”Justin responded affirmatively, walked forward to grab the wheelchair, then looked at Lily. “Someone will take you both to your rooms.”“Okay.
“That’s right. I’ll miss you.” Lily was not shy. She boldly put both arms around his neck and said, “What if you miss me?”“No matter what, there’s always a solution,” he laughed lightly, then bent forward to peck her on the lips. “Look in your room.”It was the room she always had at the Lodge family residence. Lily pushed the door open and was instantly touched.Her room was maintained the way she had left it. The things inside were untouched, but the room was clean. It was obvious that the room was cleaned frequently while the items were undisturbed.The only difference was that the beddings were new. They seemed to have been dried under the sun and looked very comfortable.However, there was no heater in the house. Alexander noticed that there was no air-conditioning either. The space felt stuffy."There’s no air-conditioning in the room?" He walked another round to ensure that he had not missed something. True enough, there was no cooling system.When he said this, Lily rem
It was such a cold day. Even without an air conditioner, the house felt more like an igloo.“Even the guest rooms have no air conditioners? Does your family have to torture their guests too?” Alexander was amused.There were so many guests here to attend the celebration. Surely not all of them were going to leave on the same day. They would likely stay the night. Did they have to endure the cold too?Lily shook her head. “The block in front is for the visitors. The few guest rooms there have air conditioning. Back here is where the Lodge family resides.”The message was that the family was not allowed to enjoy the luxuries, but outsiders could. When Alexander heard her, he felt that something was wrong. After thinking for a while, he said, “Does that mean I’m one of you guys?”‘If not, why else would they assign me to a room with no air conditioner?’“You’re right. Logically, that is what it means.” Lily nodded thoughtfully.Alexander could not decide if he should be happy or sa
Now, the thick snow covered Lily’s memories of this place, perhaps because she could depend on the person next to her. It was as if the courtyard was not the one she once knew, even though it was the same.“Are you feeling cold? Do you want to go back?” Alexander held Lily’s shoulders, worried she would feel cold.Lily smiled. “It’s not going to be much warmer when we go back. If we run around here, it won’t be as cold.”That was the truth since their room was chilly. Especially now that there was nobody around, it would feel even colder.“If you’re uncomfortable, we don’t have to stay here tonight. Let’s go home,” Alexander suggested after some thought. It was hard to imagine how Lily survived all this for many years.Alexander had interacted with the Lodge family a few times through business, but nothing extensive. He did not know they had such old-fashioned thinking.“I grew up like this, so it is no big deal. I’m worried that you’re not used to it instead.” It was not that sh
Lily did not expect to see the young man she had been trying so hard to find in her family’s backyard. He looked like he did not change much except that there were no more sparkles in his eyes. There was a gloomy atmosphere surrounding him instead.“Everyone who’s here today has the same purpose,” Benedict stated as he raised his head nonchalantly and glanced toward the banquet hall.“Then why aren’t you inside?” Lily asked.“You’re not either.” Benedict looked at Lily. Although Benedict looked less happy than his previous self, he was still the same mouthy kid.“You still owe me an explanation. Why did you quit all of a sudden? You were the one who promised that you’d handle the job I gave you properly, but then you just disappeared without even a text or a phone call,” Lily could finally voice out her dissatisfaction after keeping it inside for such a long time.When Benedict heard what she said, his eyes became further clouded. He did not try to explain and just mumbled, “I h
Derrick’s eyes were like laser beams scanning her from head to toe coldly. His eyes contained no warmth as if to express displeasure at her behavior. The moment he looked at her, Lily felt a shiver down her spine, but then she realized she did not need to fear him as he was just a nobody to her. After adjusting her perspective, she felt better and stood erect, holding his gaze firmly. Derrick was surprised that this young woman had such courage in her and was not intimidated by his stare. He frowned and was about to open his mouth to speak when someone interrupted them.“Mr. Tanner,” Alexander, who was watching the whole ordeal from not too far away, decided to step in. He came over and stopped to stand next to Lily. Derrick was surprised to see Alexander, “Alexander Russell?” “I didn’t see you inside, so I assumed you had sent someone else to attend on your behalf. I didn’t expect to see you here,” Alexander spoke eloquently without offending anyone.“I was running late
Even Derrick could not hide his obvious shock. Though it was a private matter, for people with their status in society, the only way that you could meet your partner was most likely from an arranged marriage. It was impossible for news not to travel if someone from their social hierarchy got married or was engaged. Alexander was always deemed an eligible bachelor in most women’s eyes. They were all dying to date him or even try getting married to him. However, there was never a rumor about him dating or being interested in anyone. He was always only focused on his work and how to build up the Russell family. Now getting the news of his engagement so suddenly was a shock to Derrick, plus it was coming from Alexander himself. It was just unbelievable. “Fiancee?” Benedict yelled with his eyes wide-opened, looking at Lily. “Enough, Benedict!” Derrick reprimanded him sternly for his rudeness. He immediately regained his composure and addressed Lily politely, “This was surp
Lily extended her palm toward Benedict and continued asking, “Where’s my wood?” Benedict was speechless at her stubbornness. “I don’t have it anymore. I’ve used all of them,” he said simply. Lily could tell that he was lying from his reaction, “I don’t care! You’ve made a promise, and since you finished using them, you can start from scratch and plant them. Everyone should honor their promises, even if you’re a kid!” Lily was so serious about her wood that Benedict could not convince her to let it go, so he looked at Alexander for help, “Why aren't you even trying to stop her?” Alexander just shrugged nonchalantly. Realizing he was on his own, Benedict said helplessly, “Why are you so obsessed with that piece of wood? You wanted me to make a birthday gift for you, so I did. Why are you still so determined to get that piece of wood back?”Lily would not mind explaining to him why she was so fixated on it, but Benedict’s attitude was awful, so Lily just said, “It’s non
Lily tilted her head up to fight back her tears, saying, “There’s something I find strange.”“What is it?” Mike asked after comforting his son.“Instead of detaining Prince Ross, Her Majesty has sent him back to Yudonia. If so, why couldn’t we reach him?”After some thought, Mike answered, “There are two possibilities. It’s probably due to poor signals, or he doesn’t want us to contact him.”The two shared a look, knowing what each other was wondering.‘Why can’t we contact Ross? Is he planning something?’…Three days later, Lily inserted the last needle into the queen’s leg and looked up at her, saying, “You should start feeling your legs tomorrow. Still, it’ll take some time before you can stand.”Suddenly, Lily chuckled.“Why are you laughing?” Yasmin touched her legs. She had begun to regain sensation in her legs over the last two days. She then began to believe that she could get up. However, the queen was hesitant when the queen heard Lily chuckle.Lily shook her head
Lily straightened up and said without resentment, “Of course, you wouldn’t.”“That’s… quite a pity,” the queen murmured thoughtfully.“Well, there’s a price to pay for everything. That’s how the world balances itself,” Lily continued, “I can’t stop you if you must carry on with R10. Still, I won’t witness whether or not it succeeds. I just wish the outcome isn’t something you’ll regret.”Lily smiled and turned to head out the door.Rick heard their conversation as he stood guard outside. After exchanging looks with Lily as she brushed past him, he entered the room and saw the needles in Yasmin’s legs. “Your Majesty, those needles—”The queen waved dismissively. “It’s okay. Lily will remove them later.”Even so, Rick was wary. “You’re being too careless, Your Majesty. What if that woman—”“She wouldn’t,” Yasmin interjected, shaking her head."Why do you trust her so much?" Rick asked despite himself. The queen fell silent. If Rick had not asked her that, she would not have rea
Lily took out a cloth and unfolded it, revealing a row of silver needles inside. Yasmin was surprised she carried the needles with her.“Tell me. What do you want?” The queen took a deep breath to calm herself. She then reminded herself that she could always say no to Lily’s request. Still, Yasmin was cautious about Lily trying to trick her.Lily casually said, "I left because Prince Ross wanted to help me. I hope you don’t punish him.""That's it?" Yasmin thought she had misheard Lily. 'Is she trying to talk terms with me just so that I won't punish my son?' she wondered in disbelief."Ross is my son. I won't harm him. Don't you think you've wasted an opportunity by making such a request?" The queen shook her head. "I wasn’t sure if you’d blame him, but he did rescue me once. If I don't do anything, it would be ungrateful of me," Lily said gently, "Also, didn’t you already lock him up?"Yasmin was puzzled. "No, I only sent him back to Yudonia. He kept trying to get me to sto
"Three days," Lily replied.“That’s it?!” Yasmin was in disbelief. She thought Lily would try to buy some more time and suspected she would say the process would take several months or even years.‘I haven’t felt my legs for over a decade. I wouldn’t mind waiting for three more days.’“Are you sure I can get up and walk in just three days?” Yasmin pressed her legs hard but felt nothing. She would have treated her legs long ago if it were that easy.The queen had visited many famous doctors from various countries, but they could only stop her legs from getting weaker. However, Lily confidently told Yasmin that she could fix her legs so quickly.Yasmin wanted to believe it.After some consideration, Lily said, “I can’t guarantee that you’ll walk as fast as you once could. After all, you haven’t used your legs for a long time, and your muscles have atrophied. Still, you’ll recover slowly.”Yasmin nodded repeatedly, thinking it was good enough. She never dreamed of walking as well a
“Because only our opinions matter." Lily thought of something and said, "Unless you choose to believe Rhea.""I… don't trust anyone." Yasmin’s expression stiffened as she turned her wheelchair away."Your Majesty, I know you're dedicated to the experiment, but there are other things in life. Have you ever considered letting go of your burden to sightsee? You’ve done enough as a queen over the last few decades. Aren’t you tired of living a lonely life?”Lily gently spoke as she gazed at Yasmin’s back.The older woman caressed her knees with both hands and stared down at her legs, murmuring, “Sightsee, huh? I’ve forgotten what that’s like.”Yasmin had not used her legs for many years. Initially, she could still stand up and sometimes took a few steps. However, she could no longer get to her feet.She had grown accustomed to sitting in a wheelchair, but she felt a pang of sorrow after hearing Lily’s suggestion.Lily asked, “What if I can help you stand again? What if you can walk a
"Yes, I returned not just for him but also for you," Lily said, "I'm sure you were anxious for my return, weren't you?"Yasmin scoffed dismissively. "Why would I be? I have my bargaining chip. Besides, did you honestly think I couldn’t bring you back?""Bargaining chip? Do you mean Nick?" Lily shook her head with a smile. "Don't forget that he's not my son. Do you think he'll be much of a bargaining chip to you if I choose to ignore him for my three children?"She did not wait for Yasmin to reply and continued, "Besides, Nick still has a father who’s willing to die for him. If Mike decides to take drastic action against you— Yes, you're a queen, and you don't care much about an insignificant businessman.“However, don't forget that his business spans worldwide. There's no guarantee what he might do. Who knows, he might spread information that can affect Your Majesty and Yudonia's reputation?""You…" The queen was exasperated but could not retort.Lily noticed it and casually said
Rick could only remain silent at that moment.Yasmin then turned her wheelchair around and blandly said, “Bring Lily over. I’d like to see what excuses that sly woman can come up with.”"Your Majesty?" Rick was puzzled. "You know she'll just lie to you. Why must you—"Yasmin interjected, "I'd like to hear what she has to say."Rick had no choice but to leave and do as she said.As Lily was about to doze off, she heard noises from outside and opened her eyes. Immediately after, the door opened, and Rick appeared. He glared at her and spoke coldly, “Her Majesty wants to see you.”Lily glanced at Rick calmly and stood up as if she had expected his appearance. On the other hand, Mike rose before her and headed out.However, Rick stopped him as he reached the door. “You stay.”"But we came together!" Mike glanced over his shoulder at Lily, signaling her to persuade the man. Rick added, "The queen doesn’t wish to see you. Just stay here!"Lily patted Mike's shoulder and said gentl
Everyone was shocked when Lily returned to the embassy with Mike. One of the staff members quickly left to report the news to Queen Yasmin.Meanwhile, Lily saw people peering at her and Mike from the corner. Afterward, several guarded-looking men appeared. Lilt recognized them as the queen’s attendants. They brought Mike and Lily inside and then gave the duo a thorough search.The men only relaxed after finding nothing suspicious about the duo. Even so, Lily could not see the queen as the men told her to wait in an innermost room instead.After returning to the embassy, Lily felt a sense of strange familiarity. Although she knew the place well, her mindset had changed.She previously hated the embassy and simply wanted to escape. However, she had returned with a critical mission. Not only did she have to complete it, but she also needed to leave the place in one piece.While she was calm, Mike was somewhat anxious. He clasped his hands on his knees and glanced around as he sat dow
"I promise I'll do anything you want, okay?" Mike begged. He was desperate to see his son, so he decided to follow Lily when she insisted on returning to the embassy.Mike continued, “If any of you go with her, they might stop or suspect you. They won’t do that to me. It’s natural for me to want to see and rescue my son. I’m the best candidate because it makes sense for me to sacrifice myself for him.”After a short silence, Lily said, “You’re right.” She then looked at Alexander, who pondered before slowly raising his head and saying, “Me too.”Dominic tapped the table. "So do I."Cameron thought for a moment before saying, "I've no objections."Seeing this, Austin spread his arms and said, "Since you all agree, what else can I say? Let's do it!"It did not matter whether or not he agreed, but he just wanted to support Mike. The latter nodded and became emotional, saying, “Thanks, you guys!”"Why are you thanking us? Just be careful, and don’t be rash like you promised," Aust