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
They had a good night’s sleep at the Lodge family’s manor. However, Alexander stirred awake from the commotion downstairs at the break of dawn. Although he was not a morning person, he was a light sleeper, especially in an unfamiliar environment.Any noise would wake him, so he got up from the bed and walked toward the window to look outside. It had finally stopped raining, and the front yard was clear of snow. The Lodge family members were already awake and had started their morning training routine.They were having their morning jog in such cold weather. It was strange because Alexander could feel the heat just from seeing them run. It was as if the cold never bothered them.There was a knock on the door, and Alexander went to open it. He saw his wife standing outside, yawning, “You’re awake?”“I just got up. Let me wash up, and then we’ll go down,” Alexander said.“Okay,” Lily agreed while rubbing her sleepy eyes. She wanted to go back to bed but could not, as this place was n
Today, Alexander experienced it first-hand.After taking a few bites absentmindedly, Lily put down her silverware and said, "I'm going to see Grandpa.""Okay," Justin lightly answered as he lowered his gaze.Perhaps this was how the Lodge family interacted, but Alexander found it strange as a bystander.The Lodge family seemed indifferent on the surface. Even after not seeing each other for years, they showed no enthusiasm when they met. It was as if it did not matter whether or not Lily showed up. However, they were very meticulous and thoughtful.Although there was no heater in the room, they had prepared thick bedding alongside hot water bags. These things were placed quietly on the comforter without any explanation.Another example was how the housekeepers had prepared an extra sandwich alongside glasses of milk just because they had a light breakfast of porridge and eggs. Alexander could tell they did not prepare a large portion, so it was apparent that the Lodge family had
Wilfred sighed. "What are you talking about? Who told you I have insomnia? Don't listen to the nonsense Justin says!"Lily knew it was true the more Wilfred tried to deny it. After being the family’s backbone for so long, there was no way he would admit that age was catching up to him and that he was getting frail and sick.However, Lily knew Wilfred's pridefulness and did not try to call him out. Instead, she agreed, "I know you choose not to sleep, but didn't you always tell us the importance of resting for kickboxers like us? You said that we'd have to recharge our energy. Yet, you're not doing it yourself."Wilfred laughed after hearing what she said, and this surprised Lily. It was rare to see a severe man like him laughing. A few seconds later, he sighed again. "You still remember what I said?""Of course I do!" How could she forget? After so many years of teaching, it had already instilled itself in her. She could remember everything even with her eyes closed."Then you mus
"Grandpa, I'm sorry for being so unruly,' Lily whispered.She was unfilial for picking a fight with her family over such a man."Silly girl, there’s no one who wasn’t unruly when they’re younger. Just bear in mind that this will always be your home!" After he finished speaking, he turned his head and coughed a few times.When Lily heard Wilfred cough, she immediately got up and looked at him nervously. "Are you all right? I'll get the doctor to come to take a look!""There's no need for that!" He held her down and frowned disapprovingly. "It's no big deal. I'll just drink some water and get some rest!"Then, he picked up the glass of water by his bedside table and took two sips before saying, "See? I'm fine now, aren't I? Are you leaving already? I have nothing to worry about you being out there on your own. You seem very capable of taking care of yourself. You can visit any time you want."After a pause, he continued, "That Alexander seems like a good guy. However, make sure you
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