Lilith’s Pov
The door slammed behind Killian and silence filled the room.
I just sat there. Staring.
No more crying. I already promised myself that. I wasn’t going to let tears win today.
But no matter how hard I tried to stop thinking, my mind went back to the way he kissed my hand. The way his body pressed against mine. I felt him. All of him. And now it’s stuck in my head, playing on repeat.
But no. I needed answers. Maya and Emily. What was that stunt for?
I got up and searched the house. No sign of them. My phone wasn’t with me either, which was annoying. So I walked straight to my room.
And there they were.
On the bed.
Laughing like nothing happened.
1 folded my arms. “Why did you guys do that?”
I looked directly at Emily. “I didn’t expect this from you. Why are you teaming up with her now? It’s supposed to be us.”
Emily sat up, guilty smile on her face. “Oh my god, I’m sorry, baby. I just switched sides for a little bit. Maya opened my eyes, okay? She means well–for both of you.”
Maya nodded. “We made a plan. Starting today, you and my brother are going to learn how to tolerate each other.”
“Tolerate?” I scoffed. “I’m not the problem. Your brother is.”
“That’s why I didn’t tell you,” Maya said. “I knew you’d never agree. But I’m sorry. Really.”
Emily added, “Please forgive her. It’s all just to make things work. I still love you, you’re my best friend.”
I sighed. “Now he thinks I was in on it. That’s the worst part
“I figured he’d think that,” Maya said quietly. “I’m so sorry for what I put you through.”
I turned to Emily. “So Maya is your best friend now, huh?”
Emily pouted. “You’re still my best friend. But girl, you’re married. You have to make it work.”
“Whatever. I’m taking a hot shower,” I mumbled and grabbed my towel.
Just as I was walking into the bathroom, Emily grinned. “I saw what you guys did.”
I froze. “What?”
Maya joined in. “We saw the kiss. Even the part where you almost…”
“I’m so sorry for interrupting,” Emily said quickly. “We’re both sorry.”
They were nodding and apologizing like guilty kids.
I rolled my eyes. “Thank God you interrupted. If we actually did it, I would’ve died.”
Emily giggled. “But still.. second kiss! That’s progress.”
She turned to Maya. “It’s progress, right?”
“Yes!” Maya clapped. Third, fourth time, and boom–she’s in love.”
“You guys are delusional,” I muttered and walked in.
The hot water hit my skin like a warm hug. I stayed under it for a long time. Letting it wash away all the confusion, all the heat, and that damn memory of his lips on my hand.
When I finally came out, the room was quiet.
They were gone.
But then I noticed a note on the table. I picked it up.
“Got you some sexy dresses for your husband. See you later. With Maya, our new friend – Emily
I sighed, a small laugh escaping. “Oh my God.. what are these two up to?”
I dressed up anyway. Not too sexy. Just comfy.
Then I lay on my bed and picked up my novel. I didn’t feel like eating. Didn’t feel like doing anything.
Just wanted to disappear into someone else’s story.
As I read, flipping page after page, my phone buzzed.
I checked it.
Nolan.
Hi, princess.
The moment I saw Nolan’s message, I didn’t know why I smiled. It was soft. Unplanned. I dropped my book on the bed and typed back quickly.
“Hey, Nolan.”
A second later, he replied, “What are you doing?”
“Reading a book. You?”
“Just sipping wine,” he said. “Zoey just left. Not much work for now.”
I blinked at the name. Zoey. I didn’t ask more. I just said, “Maybe you should paint. It’s your thing, right?”
“It used to be. I haven’t painted in a while,” he replied.
“Well,” I smiled a little, “you told me to read books, remember? Maybe now it’s your turn.”
He answered almost immediately. “Fine. But I’ll need your help. The library’s full. I don’t even know what I’ve read and what
I haven’t.”
I chuckled. “I have one here I finished a few days ago. Want it?”
“Yeah, sure,” he said. “But I’m too lazy to come get it. Can you bring it? Or send someone?”
Lazy. Typical Nolan.
“Alright. I’ll come with the driver.”
“See ya.”
I changed quickly into something casual. A tank top, soft shirt thrown over, and jeans. I grabbed the novel, tossed it in my small bag, and headed outside. The air felt warm, my thoughts a little all over the place.
When I got to his mansion, I rang the doorbell. He opened it, shirt sleeves rolled up, wine glass still in hand.
“Come in.”
I stepped in. It was just him. Quiet. The way he always seemed to like it.
I sat down on the couch, the novel still in my hand. “Doesn’t it get lonely sometimes?”
He didn’t even hesitate. “Yeah. But I have Lilith. So it’s less.”
My heart skipped. I looked away and pulled the novel out of my bag.
“You’ll enjoy this one. When you’re done, let’s talk about it.”
He nodded. “Thank you.”
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