Chapter 39

Ethan gripped the steering wheel tightly as he drove down the dimly lit road, the night air heavy with tension. Sarah sat beside him, her arms crossed and her jaw set in a firm line. After a few moments of silence, she couldn’t hold back any longer.

“Can you believe Lily?” she began, her voice laced with venom. “She’s always been manipulative, Ethan. Ever since we were kids, she’s had this way of getting what she wants. She played your parents like a fiddle, and now look at her—she’s got everything! And she’s so arrogant about it.”

Ethan glanced at her, his expression conflicted. “Sarah, I really don’t want to get into this right now.”

“Why not?” Sarah shot back, her voice rising. “You think ignoring it will make it go away? She’s trying to shoot your friend! This isn’t just some petty feud; she’s dangerous! Do you really think she hasn’t been planning this all along? She’s always been around you, always in your life—there’s a reason for that!”

“Sarah, please,” Ethan warned, his tone firm. “We don’t need to rehash old wounds. This isn’t going to help anything.”

But Sarah pressed on, her frustration boiling over. “Help anything? You’re seriously going to defend her? After everything she’s done? She’s been playing the victim while she’s the one who’s hurt everyone around her. I can’t stand it! She’s always had her sights set on the Gray family legacy, and now she’s taken it all for herself!”

Ethan felt a surge of irritation. “We’re responsible for this, Sarah. We made her like this. You can’t just blame her for everything that’s gone wrong.”

“Responsible?” Sarah echoed, incredulous. “Are you kidding me? You’re taking her side after all these years? You never loved her or respected her, and now suddenly you’re defending her actions?”

Ethan’s heart raced as he processed her words. “I’m not defending her! I’m trying to understand why she’s acting this way. You can’t just ignore the fact that we’ve all contributed to this mess.”

“Contributed?” Sarah scoffed, anger flashing in her eyes. “You think I’m responsible for her behavior? She’s the one who’s manipulated everyone around her, including you! You’re letting her walk all over you, and I won’t stand for it!”

“I’m not letting her walk all over me!” Ethan snapped, his voice rising. “I’m trying to navigate a situation that’s spiraling out of control. You don’t understand what it’s like to feel this kind of pressure.”

Sarah’s expression twisted with rage. “And what about me, Ethan? I’m going to be the mother of your child! You’re letting your ex-wife dictate your life! It’s pathetic! She’s taken everything from you, and now you’re acting like she deserves sympathy?”

Ethan took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. “I’m not saying she deserves sympathy, but we can’t keep vilifying her. This cycle of blame isn’t going to help anyone, especially not our future child.”

“Your future child?” Sarah echoed, incredulous. “You’re more concerned about your ex-wife than the family we’re trying to build together? You’re unbelievable!”

Ethan’s heart sank as he realized how deep the divide between them had grown. “I’m not more concerned about her! I’m just trying to find a way to deal with this without it destroying us. I can’t just ignore the reality of what she’s going through, no matter how much I wish I could.”

“Reality?” Sarah spat, her voice thick with disdain. “The reality is that she’s a manipulative liar who’s gotten everything handed to her. And you’re letting her win! You’re letting her take everything away from us while you defend her!”

The car fell silent as their anger hung in the air, heavy and suffocating. Ethan felt the weight of Sarah’s disappointment, the chasm between them growing wider by the second.

****

Lily walked briskly back to Mia’s apartment. As she entered the apartment, she found Mia waiting by the door, her face lighting up with curiosity.

Mia bounced on her feet, her eyes wide with anticipation. “How was it?

Lily took a deep breath, feeling the weight of her decision. “It was intense, but there’s something really important we need to discuss. Pack all your stuff. We’re moving to the Gray mansion.”

Mia’s expression shifted from excitement to confusion. “Wait, what? The Gray mansion? Are you serious? Why would we do that?”

Lily took a deep breath, her heart racing as she prepared to share the news. “At the party, Robert announced that he’s giving me an 80% share of the family company and properties. He wants to support me and believes I deserve a chance to lead.”

Mia’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Wait, what? He’s giving you 80% shares? That’s huge! But why would he do that? What about Ethan?”

“Exactly!” Lily replied, her voice tinged with urgency. “He made it clear that he trusts me and sees my potential. He said, I’ve always been part of the family, and he wants to ensure I have a place in it, regardless of what happened with Ethan.”

Mia shook her head, still processing the information. “So, you’re saying you want to move back into the Gray mansion? After everything that’s happened?”

“Yes,” Lily affirmed, her resolve strengthening. “I need a fresh start, and the Grays have always been there for me. I don’t want to keep living in the shadow of my past with Ethan. I want to reclaim my life, and being with them feels like the right step.”

Mia’s expression shifted from confusion to admiration. “Lily, that’s incredibly brave. But what about Ethan? He’s not going to take this well.”

“I know,” Lily said, her voice steady. “But I can’t let his feelings dictate my life anymore. I need to prioritize my own well-being. Besides, it’s time for me to stand on my own two feet, and I believe Robert and Margaret will support me in that.”

Mia nodded slowly, her eyes shining with support. “If this is what you truly want, then I’m with you. We can pack your things and move in as soon as possible.”

Lily smiled, feeling a surge of gratitude for her best friend. “Thank you, Mia. I really appreciate your support. I know this is a big change, but I’m ready for it.”