Lillian's POVI saw happiness glistening in his eyes as he looked at me.He looked happy when I told him about the glimpse of memory that I had but I wasn't sure if it was mine or if my mind was playing tricks on me.I was confused if I was Lillian or if I was just forcing myself to believe that I was Lillian just to fill the memories that I had lost.Up until now I still can't remember anything and it frustrates me.I am slowly doubting my parents wondering if they are telling the truth or making me believe in lies.But why would they do that? Why would they lie to me?Why am I doubting them just because of this man in front of me whom I barely knew?His happiness was replaced by confusion when I fell silent.He was about to hold my hand but I hid it behind me afraid that if he touched me I might feel something again.Pain crossed his eyes when I refused to be touched by him."What's wrong?" he asked pain filling his voice.I shook my head and avoided his gaze. I focused my eyes in f
Marcus's POVI felt my heart swell in happiness as I wrapped them in my arms.The emptiness that I had been trying to battle for a year was now gone.Everything feels complete again.She's finally here.She came back just like what she promised."I told Daddy, Mommy will come back just like what she promised,"A soft chuckle escaped my lips when I heard Amari utter those words.We broke off the hug and my gaze drifted on Lillian again.She's smiling genuinely. A kind of smile that reaches her eyes indicating that she is truly happy."Thank you for not giving up," she uttered.My hand reached for her face and gently caressed her cheeks.I still can't believe it.It feels like a dream seeing her stand in front of me looking at me with her eyes filled with love and happiness."Thank you for coming back," I whispered as my hands gently caressed her cheeks.She leaned her face on my palm and closed her eyes as she found comfort in the warmth of my hand.She looks peaceful to watch.I alway
Lillian's POVMy memories are still blurry but one thing remains clear.My feelings for him.I know that I love him. My heart feels happy whenever I am with him.I can't remember some memories I have with him but that won't stop me from marrying this man.When the door of the art gallery opened I felt my heart beating loudly against my chest.My hands went cold so I held the bouquet tightly trying to find some strength and ease the nervousness that I was feeling.I roamed my eyes around.I saw art hanging on the wall and everything looked familiar to me but I can't tell when I exactly saw it or what particular memory it holds.As I took a step forward all eyes were on me. People who are close to us are watching my step closely and it made me even more nervous so I fixated my gaze on him...to the man who can calm my storm.He smiled at me but he wiped something on the corner of his eyes as if he was crying.Seeing him cry made the corner of my eyes water as well but I suppressed it so
Lillian's POVI am the perfect child.The perfect daughter.The one who never makes mistakes.I am like a puzzle piece that fits perfectly because I always trim away parts of myself that they consider flaws.I follow orders without questioning, for in the Hawthorne household, I am the epitome of perfection. But behind that flawless facade, a dirty secret lies.***Hawthorne Mansion is filled with people who share the same interests—money and power. Their conversations echo throughout the room, but I act as though I am hearing pleasant words. A smile is permanently etched on my face as I socialize with my father's guest, Gabriel Hawthorne, the newly-elected president who, after a lifetime in politics, has finally achieved his desires.Beside him stands his best friend and vice president, Alexander Montgomery, who has seen me grow up and transform into a lady. Alexander understands me better than my own father. He knows of my obsession with the arts, a passion my father remains unaware
Marcus's POVI stood before the crowd, blinded by the flashes of cameras, but their attention did not occupy my mind. It was the woman beside me, Lillian, who captured my focus.Every movement she made, every shift of her weight, revealed her discomfort. Her trembling hands and forced smile displayed her unease with our position. Sensing her discomfort, I instinctively moved away, creating a distance between us.Lillian turned her head towards me, relief evident in her eyes. I gazed intently at her face, but she quickly averted her eyes, focusing on the crowd instead. I let out a deep breath and shifted my gaze away as well, scanning the audience. While everyone celebrated this moment, it was Alexander Montgomery who caught my attention. His dark gaze was fixed on Lillian, but when his eyes met mine, his expression changed. He smiled and nodded, acknowledging my presence, and I reciprocated the gesture."Marcus, come. I will introduce you to Vice President Montgomery," Gabriel said, p
Lillian's POVStepping out of my room, I noticed Victoria walking in the hallway. When she saw me, she greeted me with a sweet smile."Good morning, Lillian," she said.Returning her smile, I replied, "Good morning, Victoria."We hadn't had a proper conversation the previous night, as we were both busy entertaining guests."Just call me Mom, Lillian," she suggested. I shook my head, disguising my true feelings towards her with a warm smile."I'd rather call you by your name. You're not yet married to my dad, so I don't see any reason to call you Mom," I politely responded. However, she seemed offended upon hearing my words.Her smile disappeared, and she muttered, "I'm sorry."I maintained my smile and walked away, heading towards the kitchen, leaving her bewildered in the hallway.Entering the kitchen, I saw my father at the dining table, engrossed in reading a newspaper, oblivious to my presence.Approaching him, I kissed him on the cheek."Good morning, Dad," I greeted him.He glan
Marcus's POVI saw fear in her eyes, the glimmer of terror reflecting at me.Tears cascaded down her face, each droplet a testament to her anguish.She stood frozen in place, lost and disoriented amidst the chaos.As I approached her, her eyes remained fixated on mine, searching for answers or perhaps seeking solace.Kneeling on one knee, I gently held her chin, studying her face intently, trying to decipher the turmoil within."Why are you crying?" I asked, a hint of amusement dancing in my eyes as if I found her distress somewhat entertaining.Lillian swallowed hard, her gaze never wavering from my face."Are you going to tell Dad?" she asked, her voice filled with fear as if her entire fate depended on my response.A chuckle escaped my lips, amused by the desperation in her voice.Lillian hung onto my every word, as if it were a lifeline, desperately hoping I would spare her from her father's wrath.Using my thumb, I brushed away the tears that had fallen onto her cheeks, momentari
Lillian's POVI sat alone in my room, staring at the blank canvas before me. Tears streamed down my face, not out of sadness, but from a deep sense of frustration. I felt a rage building inside me, unable to voice my thoughts because I grew up that way.Dad forced me to be like that. To please people and simply agree to everything they have to say because that is the only way for them to like me...to love me.Ever since I was a child I was silenced keeping my opinion to myself.I always have this urge to speak up but fear always consumed me. I am afraid that if I revealed the real me they won't like me, especially my father.I want him to see me as a perfect daughter because he loves me that way. He will only love me if I am a perfect daughter.While drunk in self-pity, my phone lit up, and upon checking I saw a message from Alexander.From: AlexanderI'm sorry about what happened, Lillian. I hope it won't change anything between us.I stared at the message, unsure of how to respond.