Dear Wife, I Hate You (by Josephine Mbanefo) novel Chapter 42

Lilith’s Pov

The door shut behind Killian, and just like that, silence swallowed the room again.

I walked slowly to the bed, like my body had no weight, like my soul had left already. I laid down. My head hit the pillow, and that was all it took.

I cried.

I cried and cried and cried. I didn’t even try to stop at first. Then when I tried, I couldn’t. The tears kept coming, like a river that didn’t care who drowned.

I turned to grab my phone. My fingers shook. I searched for Emily’s number. My thumb hovered over the call button. But I stopped.

Emily has a life. She’s happy. She doesn’t need me always dragging my sadness into her world.

So I scrolled up. I saw her name. Mom. I hadn’t spoken to her in so long. She hadn’t even called.

Still, I pressed the call button.

It rang. Once. Twice. Ten times. I was about to drop the phone when I heard her voice.

“Hello? My dear, how are you doing?”

Her voice sounded normal. Like she hadn’t forgotten me. Like everything was fine.

I couldn’t speak.

“Hello?” she said again.

I swallowed hard. My voice cracked. “Mom… I want to leave. I want to go out from here. I can’t handle the emotional torture. Please, I just want to come home. Just for a few days.”

I was crying again. I didn’t even care anymore.

She stayed quiet for a few seconds. Long seconds that broke my heart.

Then she said, “My dear, you’re married now. This is your home. Not here. You only come here with your husband… or if he gives you permission. You’re locked in now, Lily. So find a way to make it work.”

I sat up on the bed, holding the phone tighter. “Really? I’m your daughter, Mom. Talk to Dad. Please-”

“I’m sorry,” she cut in. “Just… try to make him love you. Earn his trust. You don’t have to take every word to heart. Just remember your mother loves you. Even if I don’t call, I just don’t want to interfere in your home. Take care, my dear.”

And then she ended the call.

Just like that.

I stared at the screen. Then I dropped the phone and cried harder. My chest burned. My stomach twisted. I felt like a ghost in my own life,

Someone knocked on the door.

I didn’t answer.

They knocked again.

Still nothing from me. I didn’t want to talk. I didn’t want anyone near me. I just wanted to disappear.

Then I heard the door creak open.

Footsteps.

I didn’t even raise my head. Maybe it was Killian again. Maybe he came back to finish what he started.

Then the footsteps stopped. Someone stood in front of me.

I wiped my tears fast. Sat up, not wanting to look weak.

It was Nolan.

I blinked, trying to act like I hadn’t been crying. “I’m… I’m sorry,” I muttered, cleaning my face.

“Can I sit?” he asked gently.

I nodded.

He sat beside me, leaving enough space.

“You don’t have to hide your tears,” he said. “I understand how painful this can be.”

“You don’t understand,” I whispered.

“I do,” he said. “It’s going to be fine. Just hold your ground. Don’t let anyone step over you.”

“You all keep saying that,” I said, voice shaking. “You don’t know how hard it is. To be hated for something no one even knows the truth about.”

“I think people know the truth, Lilith.”

“No,” I shook my head, “You don’t get it. You don’t.”

He sighed, a little. “Okay. If you insist.”

Then he looked at me again. “Do you want to go out? Just for the night?”

“What?” I asked, confused.

“I have a building nearby. You can stay there tonight. If this house is too toxic for you, you can take a break and come back in the morning.”

“Really?” I asked, like I was scared to believe him.

“Yes,” he said. “But Killian must not know. I don’t want trouble between you both because of me. You’ll drive yourself there. I’ll just give you the address.”

I nodded fast. “Thank you. Thank you so much. I just… I need to breathe.”

He took my number, sent me the address in a text.

“I’ll come check on you tonight,” he said. “Then I’ll return here. Just take care of yourself. The key is under the flower vase by the door. I’ll text you the passcode to enter,”

“Thank you,” I whispered. “Thank you for trusting me. I really, really appreciate it.”

He smiled gently. “Anytime.”

As soon as Nolan left. I stood up slowly and walked to my closet, I didn’t even know where the strength came from but I just needed to breathe, to escape. I wore something light, a simple dress, nothing fancy. Then I grabbed a small bag, picked a charger, my hairbrush because I’d definitely want to brush my hair tomorrow, maybe feel normal for once. I didn’t pack much, just what I’d need for one night, just one night away from all this pain.

I looked down at my phone and opened the message Nolan sent. The address. I memorized it twice just to be sure. When 1 stepped out of the room, the house was dead silent. No family members. No Killian. Thank God, I didn’t want anyone to see me leaving. I didn’t want to explain anything to anyone. I just needed to disappear for a while.

I reached the garage and looked at the cars, the keys were right there. I took the one I was sure I could drive. As I got into the car, the driver showed up from nowhere and asked, “Ma’am, should I take you somewhere?” I smiled faintly and shook my head, “No, I’ll drive myself.” He nodded and stepped aside.

I started the engine and followed the map. It wasn’t even that far. Maybe fifteen minutes, twenty at most. My heart was beating so fast, like I was running away from something but also running towards peace.

When I arrived, the house looked beautiful, calm. I followed the instructions. Nolan had sent the passcode. The key was exactly where he said it would be. I opened the door and stepped inside.

It wasn’t big, but it was everything. Spacious, cozy, spotless. Every corner was clean and white and fresh. It was beautiful. Like someone had been taking care of it even without living in it. I walked through the living room, stared at the ceiling, the walls. I felt like I had stepped into someone’s heart. He trusted me with this place. His safe space. That made my chest feel warm, almost too warm.

There were four rooms. I didn’t even know what he was using all of them for, but I picked one. It was already arranged. The bed was made. The curtains were perfect. Everything was perfect. I changed into my nightwear and sat on the bed.

And then a knock.

I froze.

My heart skipped.

Who could it be? Did Killian follow me? Did someone tell him?

“Who is it?” I asked softly.

“It’s me… Can I come in?” the voice replied.

Nolan.

I breathed out. My body relaxed.

“Come in,” I said.

The door opened slowly and Nolan stepped inside. He looked… calm, thoughtful.

“Sorry,” he said. “Did I scare you?”

I nodded lightly, “Yes… a little.”

“I didn’t mean to.”

“It’s fine.”

He looked at me. “How are you feeling?”

I answered without thinking. “Fine.”

“Don’t lie to me, Lilith. It’s okay to not be okay.”

“I just… I can’t keep putting my weight on people. It’s not fair.”

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