LILY

The moment those words rolled off his lips and whispered through the cold rainy air, I stilled, cold chills skimming through my skin.

I waited for a minute, then another, hoping he would burst out into deep laughter and say he was joking.

Although he didn't strike me as one who would joke, especially with this. When he didn't reply, I muttered, “What?”

“Yes, Lily, marry me.”

I blinked

“You must be joking,” I mouthed.

“I'm dead serious. Your kids are happy with Noah and Noah is happy with you—”

“No.” I shook my head firmly. “I just met you.”

“We have all our life to—”

“No. I don't want to get married…” I breathed out, my ring finger clutching tightly onto the teacup. “I am sorry, but I can't accept this.”

“Lily, I understand.”

“You don't.” No one will ever be able to understand my pain, my ache, and there was no way in hell I would willingly sign up to be hurt again, especially not with one I knew nothing of. “I will take my leave.” I dropped the teacup on the opulent glass table. He stood in front, his face pulled into a cool, calm expression.

“I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. It's too late, plus the rain hasn't subsided.”

“We will manage.”

“The kids are asleep. You can go tomorrow.” I opened my mouth to talk, but he beat me to it, swiftly stepping back. “I will leave you to have a good night's rest. The guest room is ready.”

“But…”

“Goodnight, Miss Lily.”

With that, he turned and vanished through the endless hallways. My eyes lingered on him for far too long, doubt seeping into my mind.

Maybe I was rude. I didn't know him, but he seemed like one who didn't need a companion. If he requested marriage, it was solely for the interest of the one he cared about, which would be his son.

I let out a long, exasperated sigh.

By morning he was gone while the butler conveyed his words. He had an important meeting and would be back by evening.

My heart ached for little Noah.

Although he showed next to no emotion on the surface, I knew every child needed their parents.

“Bye.” He waved his little hands, a huge smile etched onto his lips.

“Bye,” Emma and Ethan echoed.

I resisted the urge to invite him over, and turned and left with Emma and Ethan.

The drive from the villa to Joshua's apartment was barely fifteen minutes. Throughout the journey, they couldn't stop talking about how big the house was, how nice Noah's father was, and how Noah was their new best friend.

I laughed beneath my breath, watching the argument about who gets to be Noah's best  best friend—their words ,not mine. And for kids who had more social skills than me, they were quite interested in Noah.

“Noah can be both your best friend,” I chimed in, and their gaze told me that was the most disastrous thing I could ever utter. “He can't? Why?”

“Well, I am a boy, so I should be his best friend.”

“Lies. I am a girl, and girls are better at friendship!” I laughed, this time louder, openly at their bickering.

“Don't worry, when we go to see him next time, then you two will ask him.”

Their eyes lit up. “We are going to see him again?”

I stilled, half regretting what I had said.

Noah was a good kid, but I didn't want to face his father after the weird conversation last night.

“Mummy.” She tugged my sleeve. “Are we going to see him again?”

“Uhmm, I... sure.” They beamed happily and jumped into my arms.

“Thank you, Mummy.”

“Anything for you, my little angels,” I said, my mind darting back to Noah—the mental image of him all lonely in that massive mansion with no one to hold him.

Maybe it's best the kids visit.

Once we arrived, Joshua hurried to the kids, who couldn't stop telling their little adventure and how much they liked Noah and his dad, while Silver pulled me aside, her gaze pinned on me.

“It's not what you think,” I muttered, fiddling with the hem of my gown.  “It was late, and it rained.”

“Really?” Disappointment edged her voice. “I refuse to believe it.” She leaned in, her smile curling into one of those sweet smiles of hers. “How was the dining?”

I pursed my lips, then pulled out the envelope he had given me.

She stilled, her curious gaze lingering on me, then the envelope I held out. She took it, opened it, and her eyes widened.

“This is…”

“Huge? I know. He said it was appreciation for saving his son's life.” I sighed. “I rejected it, but he insisted. He said his son was his life and he would have died if anything happened to him. We didn't just save Noah; we saved him.”

I waited for her words, yet none came.

Silver and I had grown to be good friends over the years, mostly because she treated me like her sister, her little sister, hiding and making sure I was alright. Her advice was always the best, and I needed it now.

“What do you plan on doing?”

I shook my head slightly. “I don't know, I—”

“What's with the dull mood?” We swiveled our gaze to Joshua, who leaned against the doorframe, his gaze darting from me to Silver, then back to me with a scrutinizing gaze. “Did something happen?” He pushed himself closer, so close that I could hear his harsh breathing. “Did he do anything? Are you okay?”

“No… no, nothing like that happened.” He turned to Silver, who confirmed it with a nod, then drifted to her.

“Then what happened?” She passed the cheque to him and he mirrored the same expression we all did.

Shock and confusion.

I recounted what had happened, leaving out the part of the marriage. It was nothing important, plus if I did say it, Joshua would worry for no reason.

“What do you plan on doing with it?”

“I… I don't know yet,” I echoed. “I can't return it because it would seem rude, and I can't spend it because it's too much. I should just keep it aside.”

“This would go a long way in Emma's and Ethan's education.”

I paused.

“Indeed.”

“You don't need to rush, take your time,” he said, and I nodded.

“Now go freshen up, I made your favorite.”

My eyes lit up. “Cream pasta.”

I smiled, the memory of Adrian tucked away in the deepest part of my head.

TWO DAYS LATER

I placed the tray over the sink, my gaze narrowed back to Quinn, who rushed into the kitchen, her cheeks hot.

“Ma, there is a man outside. He hasn't ordered for over an hour.” She rushed, almost breathless.

I had arrived at the coffee shop two hours ago but hadn't stepped out of the kitchen, mostly because I was making the next batch of fluffy strawberry cakes we sold alongside the coffee.

I stared at Quinn, puzzled.

“Get the phone on standby. We might need to call the police,” I said. This wasn't the first time a creep had wandered into the shop, although it was too early for it.

“The man seems respectful. He is wearing a suit and very handsome.”

My eyebrows furrowed.

I wiped my hands clean and walked out, heading back to the front counter. My gaze fell on the broad shoulders that slouched into the chair.

I swallowed hard and reached closer, ready to politely escort him out.

“Good morning and—” he turned, and I froze.

My pupils dilated at the pair of grey eyes that stared back at me.

It was him.

Adrian.