40. Back to you

Lillian arrived at the family house just as the sun was setting, casting long shadows across the driveway. Her father, Mr. Alfred, was waiting at the door, his face etched with a mixture of relief and fear. He hurried down the steps to meet her, wrapping her in a tight embrace as soon as she stepped out of the cab.

"Lillian," he whispered, his voice trembling. "Thank God you're here. I've been so worried."

"I'm here now, Dad," Lillian replied, hugging him back. "We’ll get through this together."

Mr. Alfred pulled back slightly, looking into her eyes with a seriousness that sent a shiver down her spine. "I’ll protect you with my life, Lillian. But why didn't you go to your husband's house? It's not safe here."

Lillian shook her head, her expression resolute. "I can't, Dad. Katherine is there. I don't want her to start hating on me again, and I can't leave you here all by yourself, what if the person who killed Rosa comes for you? I won't be able to forgive myself if anything happens to