Chapter 44

A Deadly Confrontation:

The sight of Lily standing there, with that aggravating smile on her lips, triggered a surge of mixed feelings in me. Part of me wanted to run to her and give in to the pull she'd always had on me. But the other part, the one shaped by Alice's steadfast love and support, recoiled at the mere concept. "Lily," I managed to croak out, my voice filled with dread and barely restrained rage. "What are you doing here?" Her eyes glinted with malicious enjoyment as she stepped deeper into the room, briefly focusing on Alice. "Why, I was simply passing by and couldn't resist the urge to check in on my dear Arnold," she murmured, her tone oozing with fake concern. I felt Alice stiffen beside me, her grip on my arm becoming more protective. "That's very considerate of you, Lily," she remarked, her voice tinged with a barely hidden edge. "But, as you can see, Arnold is quite busy right now." Maybe you might come back another time." Lily's smile grew wider as she took anothe