Chapter Sixty-Nine: Caught in the Crossfire

Lillianna’s Point of View

I rummaged through Rei's drawers, sifting through her belongings. She was a rather dull woman, except for her impressive collection of vibrators. That caught my attention and garnered my admiration. It seemed like a hidden side to her was just waiting to be revealed. Maybe the bathroom incident with Xavier wasn't just a one-time wild experience; maybe there was more to this seemingly ordinary woman than I had initially thought.

As I looked at my reflection in the mirror, a scowl formed on my face. I could see that I was losing my edge, which was unacceptable. Rei had to be removed from the equation; she couldn't have what rightfully belonged to me. I refused to be swayed by trivial things like her ability to please herself. It was a skill that many women lacked, and they resigned themselves to never experiencing the satisfaction of an orgasm or discovering what truly brought their body pleasure. They were convinced that only a partner could fulfill them, which was a pitiful thought. It was a sad reality for so many women. So fucking sad.

Xavier always had a thing for black lace thongs. They were my go-to lingerie choice when he was around. I pulled out the pillows and arranged them just how he liked them, and then added the final touch: a black lace thong placed on top. Stepping back, I couldn't help but smile at my handiwork. This would definitely bring back some old memories.

I still felt unsatisfied, knowing Rei would never understand my true intentions. But I couldn't leave without leaving a message for her, a small reminder that I was once in her space and touching her belongings. I returned to her dresser and looked through the minimal makeup she had displayed. This woman seemed blessed with natural beauty, as she only had mascara, eyeliner, and lipstick on her dresser. Where was her foundation? My eyes landed on a bold red lipstick that appeared well-used. This must have been her favorite shade. Perfect. It would be the one I would ruin as my final act in her room.

I walked into her ensuite bathroom with the red lipstick I wrote in capital letters: HE’S MINE. ALWAYS HAS BEEN, ALWAYS WILL BE. XAVIER WILL NEVER BE YOURS. Then I tossed the lipstick tube in the trash. There wasn’t much left to it after my message, anyway.

I heard the front door open and close. Damn it. I didn't expect them to be back so soon. I cautiously exited Rei's room and peered down the stairs, trying to figure out who had entered. But no one was in sight, the door was closed, and everything was quiet. It couldn't be Rei and Xavier. I took a deep breath and prepared myself for someone's arrival, but no one came.

I stepped back into Rei's room and put my bag on the floor. I searched through it until my fingers closed around the grip of my gun. It could be anyone at the door- a neighbor, Grace, Aamon, or even one of the kids. No matter who it was, I made a vow to myself that I would never bring harm to Grace or the children. I had to find a way out of this house and return later. The alarm couldn't be reset now, but once they entered Rei's room, they would see my messages and know I had been there.

I descended the staircase cautiously, my gun held tightly in my hand, prepared to fire at any sign of danger. But as I reached the bottom, I saw no one. Perhaps I had imagined the sound of the door opening and closing. My lack of sleep and reliance on hard liquor for sustenance might have been playing tricks on me. Maybe it was all just in my head. As I approached the door, a voice spoke my name. It was the last person I ever expected to hear from.

"What have you done now, Lillianna?" Don Brzezinski asked with a mixture of annoyance and concern.

My hand froze on the doorknob, and I let go of the gun I had been holding so confidently just moments ago. Fucked. I was so fucked right now. The head of the mafia had entered the room; no wonder he had been able to sneak in so silently and with such confidence. Kazimierz Brzezinski controlled this small town and everyone in it. At that moment, I knew my chances of survival were slim to none.

I mustered up all my courage and faced the Don, hoping to hide the fear in my voice. I knew what he was capable of.

"You don't intend to let me go, do you?" I questioned him, bracing myself for his intimidating response.

"Lillianna, you were able to win my favor once before. Surely you recall that," Don Brzezinski replied in a seemingly friendly tone.

“I removed Greg Ravenscroft from the equation. Yes, I do remember,” I replied in a hushed tone.

“Because of that, you will be allowed to leave here alive. However, Lillianna, there must be consequences for your actions. My granddaughter did nothing to deserve your harm. Why do you wish to hurt Rei?" Don Brzezinski's voice was filled with concern and disappointment.

“I followed Aamon's orders and found someone who would want her. He wasn't the perfect choice, but Greg Ravenscroft met the requirements you both had given me. Rei could have any man she desired, but she chose the only one who truly loved me - Xavier. I refuse to let Rei have him; he belongs to me," I said fiercely.

“That is not your decision or even Rei’s decision. Xavier deserves to love who he chooses to. Lillianna, he is not choosing you, and the man never has. You’ve always been a space-filler while he pined after the one he loved but could never have. You are angry and hurt, and I can appreciate why. But trying to hurt or even kill my granddaughter will never gain Xavier’s love,” Don Brzezinski said.

“Shut up! He loves me!” I screamed at Kazimierz Brzezinski while he looked at me with such pity in his eyes.

“Xavier Woods has never loved anyone but my granddaughter. We both know that,” Don Brzezinski quietly said.

“You’re lying! He loves me!” I screamed, and before I could stop myself, I shot him. I shot Kzimierz Brzezinski.