Chapter 8

Lilith’s Pov

I didn’t even know when I hugged Nolan like that. It just happened.

My emotions had taken over. One second, I was drowning in my own tears, and the next, I was wrapped around him like a lost child finally being seen.

And then I heard a voice. Cold and sharp.

“What the hell are you doing with my fiancé?”

I jumped back like I had touched fire.

My arms dropped to my sides. My heart slammed in my chest. I turned to the voice.

She was beautiful. Dressed to perfection. Nails sharp enough to cut glass.

I stammered. “Um... I didn’t mean to. I’m so sorry.”

She walked closer, eyes moving from me to Nolan like she was calculating something dangerous.

“What is happening here?” she asked, voice tight.

Then she turned to Nolan.

“Nolan, why was she hugging you like that?”

Nolan opened his mouth, probably to explain, but I panicked.

“No! Don’t blame him,” I said quickly. “He didn’t do anything wrong. I was just... overwhelmed. He did something kind for me, and I—I just reacted.”

I swallowed hard.

“I’m sorry. I just ran to him and hugged him. I didn’t even think. This is not what it looks like. I swear it’s not.”

Her arms crossed over her chest. She didn’t look convinced.

“So what did he do that made you cling to my fiancé like that?”

Her tone cut deeper than her words.

I blinked fast. “You’re getting it wrong. I didn’t mean to. You don’t understand what I—”

“Zoey. That’s enough.”

Her name was Zoey.

He took her wrist.

"Let's go," Nolan said.

Zoey frowned but followed.

"You still have to tell me what you did for her," she said as they walked.

Nolan didn’t look back. "It’s not necessary."

And just like that, they disappeared inside.

My heart wouldn’t stop racing.

What the hell just happened?

I hadn’t even been here a month. And already, it was drama after drama.

Now I had a woman accusing me of stealing her fiancé.

And honestly? It was my fault.

I shouldn't have hugged him like that. I let my emotions get the best of me. I knew better.

I shook my head, still smiling at how ridiculous the moment had been.

Then I picked up my phone.

I placed an order to have my stuff brought over.

I also ordered some new art materials, canvases, brushes, and colors. Everything I’d need.

I needed something that felt like me. Something to calm my soul.

After that, I went inside.

I didn’t feel like walking around anymore.

So I curled up on the bed, watched a few reels, then opened one of my novels.

My body felt tired. My chest still bubbled with leftover stress.

I’d walk around tomorrow. Maybe.

Then, suddenly I heard a soft knock, and the door opened.

It was Rose and some other man I didn’t recognize.

"Excuse me, there’s a package for you. Where should we bring it?"

I sat up. "It’s already here?"

I smiled. "Please bring it all into this room."

They did. Carefully.

My instruments, boxes, and painting tools were laid down in neat stacks.

"Thank you," I said, and paid them for their help.

Then I turned to Rose.

"Could you help me take some of this to the garden? I want to paint out there."

She smiled. "Of course. That would be nice."

Together, we carried everything out.

She even brought me a small stool to sit on.

"Oh my God, thank you so much. That was so thoughtful of you."

She just smiled and nodded.

Once everything was set, I sat down.

Took a deep breath.

And I started painting.

My mind cleared with every stroke.

I forgot the tension. Forgot the embarrassment.

I was finally in my own world.

Then I heard a voice.

"Hey, you’re painting?"

I turned.

It was Zoey.

She looked a little unsure.

I nodded. "Yeah, I am."

The silence between us stretched.

It was awkward after everything that happened earlier.

Then she asked, "Can I sit with you?"

I paused for a second.

"Yes. You can sit by the swing."

"Okay," she said softly, and walked over.

*****

It was awkward at first.

We both stayed quiet.

The silence made it hard for me to focus.

My brush didn’t feel right in my hand. I kept messing up simple strokes.

Then she spoke.

"I hope I’m not disturbing you."

I looked up. "No, you’re not disturbing."

She smiled a little. "I was just bored inside and decided to come out."

I chuckled. "How can you be bored when your fiancé is with you?"

She sighed. "The fiancé that looks like I’m forcing myself on him?"

She laughed a little at her own words.

I didn’t know whether to laugh or just stay quiet.

She caught my hesitation. "It’s okay, you can laugh. Everybody knows I’m trying to force myself on Nolan."

I smiled politely.

In my head, I was thinking, why does everyone keep telling me things I didn’t ask?

I didn’t even know what to say next.

Still, I tried. "I’m sure he’ll come back very soon. You’re a beautiful woman. I doubt he’ll resist you for long."

She looked at me, hopeful. "I hope so too."

Then she asked, "Can I ask you something?"

I nodded. "Yeah. You can."

"How’s your marriage with Killian?" she asked.

"He’s always been the mysterious one among the brothers. Nolan is wise and cold, but not as cold as Killian."

"I’m not sure I want to talk about that," I said softly.

She leaned back on the swing.

"You can talk about anything with me. I come here and stay lonely most of the time."

"We can be friends."

I raised a brow. "Are you sure you want to be friends with me after what happened?"

She gave a soft smile. "I misunderstood you. And I’m sorry. Let’s just be friends."

I nodded. "Okay. Friends."

"You can come talk to me anytime, okay?" she said.

"Yeah. And you can talk to me too."

Just as we were starting to relax, someone’s voice tore through the air.

"Who asked you to paint here?"

I jumped up.

Killian.

"Why the hell did you bring paint into my house?"

I stood, startled. "I’m so sorry. It was your brother that told me to—"

"My brother told you to paint? And you painted after I told you not to paint?"

I tried to explain. My words stumbled out.

Then, Nolan stepped in.

"Killian, I was the one who asked her to paint."