Marcus's POVI felt a lump in my throat as I gazed at Lillian, who stared back at me with anticipation, waiting for my response.My hands grew cold, and my heart pounded loudly in my chest.As she took a step closer, I instinctively took a step back, afraid to get too close to her, as I no longer had control over myself."What are you doing?" I asked, trying to maintain a facade of indifference.This was the first time I felt intimidated by someone. The first time someone made me so nervous."I'm just asking you a question," she replied casually.I swallowed hard, lowering my head and meeting her gaze directly."I don't like you, Lillian," I mustered the courage to say, my voice trembling slightly.Her expression changed. The confident facade faded, and a small smile appeared on her lips as she nodded."I know," she whispered weakly, confusing me even further."What are you doing, Lillian?" I asked, perplexed by her actions and words.Why was she asking me such a question? Did she li
Lillian's POVMarcus stormed out of the room, leaving me dumbfounded.After a while, Martha stepped inside and immediately walked towards me.She cupped my face and made me look at her."What happened, Lillian?" she asked, worry evident in her tone."H-He just asked me something," I stammered.I could still feel my heart beating loudly against my chest."Did you have a fight?" she asked.I shook my head and smiled at Martha to assure her that I was okay."He just asked me something," I repeated, refusing to tell her what Marcus had said.Martha looked intently at my face, and I could tell she wanted to know more, but she stopped herself from asking. Instead, she nodded her head."You should sleep, it's already late," she said, so I nodded my head. After that, she stepped out of the room.When I was all alone, I remembered everything Marcus had said.I could also vividly recall how angry he looked at me.His eyes filled with anger and something I couldn't name.Was it my question earli
Marcus's POVLillian's eyes fixated on mine as I walked down the aisle.Her hands trembled slightly, but she quickly looked away, directing her attention to the painting displayed in front.All eyes were on her, and I watched as she clutched the microphone tightly, her hand shaking.I took my seat in front of the stage.I glanced at my mother, and she smiled when our gazes met.I simply nodded and then shifted my focus to Lillian and one of her paintings.I studied it intently.The artwork appeared to depict someone's face, but the splash of paint covered the identity. Only the blue eyes remained visible, bearing an uncanny resemblance to mine.Returning my gaze to Lillian, I noticed that she was still trembling.She cleared her throat and, after a moment, smiled at the crowd."That painting wasn't meant to be here..." she began, her nervousness disappeared from her voice."It's a mistake—a mere piece of trash that was mistakenly delivered," she said, glancing at me briefly before tur
Lillian's POVAs I felt his hungry kisses and his hand slowly caressing my waist, I knew at that moment that the careful daughter within me had disappeared.All I could think of was his lips on mine and my insatiable craving for him.When Marcus broke off the kiss and looked at me with desire-filled eyes, a smile graced my lips, knowing that I affected him just as he had on me."You should rest, you seem dizzy, right?" he asked.Catching my breath, I looked at him, still unable to get over that kiss.After a while, I slowly calmed myself and nodded."See you tomorrow?" I asked.Marcus smiled at me and nodded."See you tomorrow," he said.I stared at his face for a while, still captivated by that intense moment before I found the strength to walk away.I glanced back at him and saw Marcus watching me intently, his hands tucked inside his pockets.He smiled at me again before I continued walking towards the house.Stepping inside, I bumped into Martha, who looked confused upon seeing me
Marcus's POVHer soft laughter danced in my ears, a melodic sound that warmed my heart.A radiant smile adorned her face, bringing a comforting warmth to my entire being.Her eyes, brimming with happiness, met mine, but her smile faded, replaced by fear as Martha's voice echoed."What are you doing?" Martha asked, her face filled with confusion as she observed us.Lillian distanced herself, taking a few steps back, breaking free from my grasp. She turned to face Martha, who stood at the edge of the pool, her gaze fixed on us."It's late already. Why are you still here?" Martha asked, her eyes fixed on us intently."I slipped, Martha, and Lillian tried to help me. But she couldn't pull me out, so she ended up falling into the water," I explained.Martha scrutinized me, seemingly contemplating whether or not to believe my explanation. After a moment, she nodded."You might catch a cold. I'll get a towel," she said before walking away.As soon as Martha left, Lillian burst into laughter.
Lillian's POVMartha took too long so I decided to follow her into the kitchen. As I caught sight of her talking to Marcus, I quickly hid around the corner, eavesdropping on their conversation."Lillian told me everything," Martha revealed."What did she tell you?" I heard Marcus ask.There was a brief silence before Martha responded."I know you don't like this family, Marcus. I can see it in your eyes, how you despise being a part of the Hawthorne family. But please, don't use Lillian for whatever plans you have," Martha pleaded with him.Her words pierced my heart, and the possibility that Marcus was driven by hatred for my family clouded my mind."If you're doing this out of hatred for the Hawthornes, spare Lillian from that hatred because she doesn't deserve to be hurt. Lillian has been through so much. Please, don't hurt her," she continued desperation lacing her voice.Martha had watched me grow up. She had witnessed my yearning for my father's love and attention, but I had ne
Marcus's POVMy gaze is fixated on Lillian, but as I watch her intently, she does everything to avoid my eyes. Throughout the whole dinner, all I do is watch her, and when we're finished eating, she's the first one to leave the table."I'll pack my things for tomorrow, Dad," she says, excusing herself.Gabriel nods, letting his daughter go.I stand up, ready to follow Lillian, but Mom knows what I'm planning."Where are you going, Marcus?" she asks, looking at me intently.I let out a deep breath, having no choice but to sit back at the table."You're leaving already?" Gabriel asks."No, Dad," I reply."Good. Stay for some wine," he says, and then he calls the maid to serve us wine.We decide to drink our wine in the garden. Mom joins us, and I can see her piercing eyes directed at me."How's work, Marcus? Are you adjusting well?" he asks.I nod and take a sip of my wine.I want to escape this conversation.All I can think about is how I can talk to Lillian."I have some free time. M
Lillian's POVI fixate my eyes on the side, looking outside the window, completely ignoring Marcus.But my own eyes betray me because I can't help but look at him.He looks tired, with dark circles around his eyes as if he hasn't slept.Marcus catches me looking, and when our eyes meet, my heart starts beating erratically once again.I can't look away now that his piercing blue eyes are fixed on me. It's as if I'm being pulled towards him."Did you get any sleep?" I finally ask, unable to hold back my worry.A small smile graces his lips, and he shakes his head."Why? Were you busy fucking other women?" I ask, immediately regretting the question.Marcus's smile grows wider, and I see a teasing look in his eyes."I stayed up all night reading cases," he says, and when I hear his response, my forehead creases."If you're that busy, then why do you have to come with me?" I ask.Marcus lets out a deep breath, and I can see he's struggling to stay awake."So I can be with you," he says, no