CHAPTER FOUR

Chapter Twenty-Six

Lily's POV

I woke up the next to find William asleep on the couch in my room. He had insisted on staying with me, despite my reassurances that I was fine. I watched him sleep for a moment, his sculpted face serene, his perfect nose and black hair that fell onto his forehead. I wanted to reach out and brush the hair away, but I hesitated. Then there was his mouth. His very talented mouth that had done unspeakable things to me.

William stirred, and I immediately closed my eyes to give the impression I was still sleeping.

I heard someone chuckle softly. “Open your eyes, Lily. I already know you’re awake.”

I couldn’t stop my blush as I opened my eyes. “Good morning,” I greeted, my voice still groggy.

“Morning,” William replied, standing up and stretching. He had removed his shirt during the night, and I tried not to stare as he shrugged it back on, failing miserably. Call me a shameless simp for William Carter. “How are you feeling now?” he asked, taking a step towards me.

“I am fine,” I said, waving away his worry. I clumsily sat up, feeling his eyes on me, watching every movement as if I would somehow fall. Someone should tell him I am on a bed big enough to swallow me.

William started grinning, and I frowned. I quickly rubbed my face. Is something there? I had cried all over my makeup and had running mascara everywhere, but I had washed my face before I slept. Did I not wash it well?

“What?” I finally asked.

“You were staring at me.”

“I—what?” I stammered.

“When you thought I was sleeping. You were staring at me.”

God! Why me? “No, I wasn’t.” I am lying. Will knows I am lying. I know that Will knows that I am lying. Will knows that I know that he knows that I know I am lying. Did that stop me from not lying? No.

William snorted. “So, did I meet your expectations, Lily?”

I groaned and buried myself inside my blanket. I heard William chuckle. “I will be in my room. Do you need anything? Breakfast, maybe?” he said before gently opening the door to let himself out.

A soft knock on the door interrupted my thoughts. It was August, William had made given him his room to the left of mine. He pushed open the door and jump on me on the bed gigling.

"Morning, Maa," he said cheerfully.

"Good morning, sweetheart," I replied, hugging him close. "Did you sleep well?"

He nodded, his eyes shining with happiness.

“Did you miss me in your new room?”

“No,” August answered shaking his head.

Well that’s not very nice.

"Yes, Aunt Cook made us pancakes."

I smiled. Even I did not know the name of the cook or any of the workers in this place. I made a mental note to learn their names as soon as I could. "That sounds nice. Did you save any for me?"

He giggled. "Maybe."

William's POV

I stood outside the room, listening to the soft sounds of August, my new step son and Lily talking. The tenderness in her voice when she spoke to August was always something. Despite her young age and everything, she was an amazing mother, fiercely protective and loving. Nothing Like Aria who I suspect sometimes forget she has children. I wanted to help Lily take care of August. I want to support her.

Taking a deep breath, I walked to the room and knocked softly before entering.

"Good morning, everyone," I said, smiling as I saw Lily and August cuddled together on the bed.

"Morning, Daddy," August chirped, his face lighting up at the sight of me.

Lily’s eyes winden in surprise but I pretented not to see it. I had spent the night convincing August of why he should call me daddy and though it was deficult to sway him I successed after bribing him with 2 big scoops of ice cream.

Okay fine that’s bad parenting but that not what matter. What matter is that Augus called me Daddy.

“Good morning Lily,” I greeted.

Lily glanced at me, her eyes still cautious. "Morning, William," she said softly.

I crossed the room and sat on the edge of the bed, reaching out to tousle August’s hair. "Are you ready for breakfast? I’m sure Anita just made some biscuit.” I said to Lily.

“Yes.” August replied.

“No baby, William was not talking to you. I thought you already ate.”

“His name is Daddy mom.” August corrected

Lily glared at me and I shurugged. “Daddy is my middle name.”