04. I Don't Love You, Lily!

•ADRIEN’S POV

Lately, I don’t know what’s been going on with me. When Lily texted, asking me to meet her because it was something important, I deleted the message and tossed the phone aside. I was with Gia at the time.

But I couldn’t ignore the guilt pressing on my heart. I kept thinking, what if she’s actually waiting for me? What if she needs me?

So, I left and went to meet her.

Then the call came from the doctor that Gia had woken up. She was out of the coma.

I had to leave Lily behind. Gia was awake… and that mattered more to me.

When I reached the hospital room, Gia threw her arms around my neck, pulling me into a tight hug.

“We can get married now, Ady!” she said with excitement. “I’m awake… I’m ready to be with you again!”

I gently pulled back and looked her in the eye. “Gia… I’m already married.”

Her smile faded instantly. Her expression turned cold.

“You married someone else?” she snapped. “How could you, Adrien?”

“It was a business arrangement,” I explained quickly. “Nothing more.”

Her face softened at my words. She smiled again, but this time with a different kind of confidence. “Then divorce her. Divorce Lily and marry me.”

“I can’t do that, Gia…” I admitted quietly.

She gave a bitter laugh. “Why not? Don’t tell me… you’ve fallen for her. Is that it?”

I stepped closer and touched her cheek gently. “This marriage is purely on business… it’s complicated. You wouldn’t understand.”

I brushed her hair behind her shoulder and gave her a calm smile. “Focus on getting better. I’ll make sure someone checks in on you regularly.”

“No, Ady,” she said, hugging me tightly around the waist. “I only want you. Stay with me… please.”

I didn’t respond. I just stood there, letting her rest against me, while a storm of thoughts swelled in my head.

Why didn’t I agree to divorce Lily? Her father’s company is small and needs the support of my family. If our marriage ends, I won't be the one affected. Her company will be on the losing end, not mine.

So why did I say no?

I waited until Gia fell asleep, then left the hospital and started driving home. On the way, my phone rang. It was Justin. I answered and switched it to speaker.

“Hey, man!” he said, sounding cheerful.

“Hey. What’s up?” I asked, keeping my eyes on the road. “You back in the country? It's been months since you left. There is good news. I mean, Gia is awake. She is out of coma.

Justin let out a loud cheer. I heard a thump, maybe from hitting the desk in excitement.

“Are you serious?” he said. “That’s amazing! You can finally be with the love of your life, man!”

I didn’t respond.

He paused. “Why the silence? Aren’t you happy? Gia saved your life back in high school. You loved her so much. Don’t tell me you forgot all about her because of…”

“Why would you say that?” I cut in, turning left. “Of course, I love Gia. She saved me. I owe her everything.”

Justin’s tone shifted. “Then what about Lily? Shouldn’t you end things now? Gia is back so I don't see the need to keep pretending in that fake marriage with her.

I opened my mouth to reply, but he kept going.

“You know, that woman used to tell me all the time she’d win you over one day. But yesterday, she finally seemed to waver. Said she’d leave on her own. Guess you won’t even need to bother with a divorce now”

My heart skipped a beat. I slammed on the brakes. “WHAT?!”

A mix of emotions hit me. Part of it is anger, part is pain. I didn’t even know what I felt, but I hated the idea of Lily walking away.

“Dude, what’s wrong?” Justin asked. “Why’d you react like that?”

“I’ll talk to you later,” I muttered, starting the car again. “I need to go.”

I hung up and drove home as fast as I could, praying I wasn’t too late.

When I rushed into the mansion, I asked the servants if Lily had left.

“No, sir,” one replied. “She’s still in her room.”

I ran up the stairs and pushed her door open. There she was, packing her suitcase.

My chest tightened. I stared at her as my anger rose fast.

She looked up and scoffed. “Oh. You’re finally back.”

I walked over and grabbed her wrist, stopping her as she packed clothes into the bag on the bed.

“What do you think you’re doing?” I demanded with a sharp voice. “So it’s true! You were really planning to leave?”

“What are you talking ab—”

Before she could finish, I pushed her down onto the bed and pinned her wrists. I climbed over her, my anger mixed with sexual arousal.

But she pushed me off.

“What the hell is your problem, Adrien?” she yelled, standing up. “You always try to use me whenever it suits you. You treat me like garbage. Do you even care about me? Have you ever loved me?”

Her words hit me like a punch. I didn’t want to admit the answer.

I grabbed her by the arms and backed her up against the wall.

“I don’t love you, Lily,” I said through clenched teeth. “I love Gia. And no matter what you do, you’ll never be her.”