I stayed silent, but my mother’s frustration quickly escalated.
“Lily James, you’re our only daughter. Even though your brother runs the family business, aren’t you still part of this family? We’ve never deprived you of anything growing up!”
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Chapter 5
My voice remained calm. After a long pause, I gave a simple answer.
“Fine.”
The next afternoon, I returned to Cruglow with Zane.
Perhaps they had already heard the news, because as soon as we walked through the door, I saw my father, who rarely came
home, sitting on the couch and waiting for me.
I walked into the living room, arm in arm with Zane. The anger that had been written all over my father’s face disappeared the
moment he saw Zane.
“Lily, who is this?”
Zane quickly stepped forward and introduced himself.
“Hello, sir. I’m Zane Stone.”
My father’s eyes subtly took in the details of Zane’s attire before he reached out to shake his hand.
“Nice to meet you.”
The three of us sat back down on the couch. Zane, who was holding my hand, spoke up first.
“Sir, I’ve heard that your family has been facing some financial difficulties recently. Would you be open to discussing it?”
́“Of course,” my father agreed, clearly pleased. Even the people Jake had sent were easily brushed aside.
After everything was settled, my father, who was satisfied, finally ordered the food to be served.
For him, it never really mattered who I was with. What mattered was whether the person I was with could bring him profit.
After lunch, I stood by the window. Looking out at the familiar view, a strange sense of sadness creeping in.
The harsh reality that the parents who raised me did not love me was painful.
Even so, it was something I had to accept.
Zane wrapped his arms around me from behind.
“Don’t be sad.”
“Okay.”
This was not Zane’s first time in Cruglow. Before my electrotherapy, we had met online and later in person here.
However, despite all the time he had spent in the city, we had never properly explored it.
So, I volunteered to be his guide to take him around to see the sights.
After our little adventure, as we strolled through the busy streets, Zane suddenly took my hand and kissed it.
Chapter 5
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That was when Jake appeared. He looked nothing like the charming man he once was.
He seemed exhausted. He stared at us with bloodshot eyes and disbelief written all over his face. His voice, hoarse and raw, broke
through the noise as he yelled at me.
“Lily, how dare you!”
Zane pulled me closer. His arm firmly wrapped around my waist, and he smirked at Jake.
“Why wouldn’t she dare?”
Jake’s eyes were filled with hurt. He took a deep breath as if he was trying to compose himself. Then, he forced a gentle look in my
direction.
“Lily, you’ve won. I really can’t live without you. Let’s get married.”
I took a step back. My gaze was calm as I looked at him.
“Jake, it’s over between us. Leave me alone. Just let it go.”
Jake suddenly snapped. He pointed at Zane in frustration and said, “You really think he’s going to marry you? Let me tell you,
you’re dreaming! The Stone family would never accept someone with depression as their daughter–in–law! Only I! I’m the only
one who would never look down on you!”
Zane did not bother looking at Jake. He simply pulled me closer and shielded me from the crowd’s gaze as he held me in his arms.
Then, with a cold stare directed at Jake, he spoke menacingly.
“Mr. Stevens, who I choose to marry has nothing to do with you. If you’re really that concerned, I’ll make sure to send you an
invitation to our wedding. How does that sound?”
Jake’s face twisted in anger. He tried to step forward and grab ine, but Zane’s bodyguards quickly restrained him.
“Lily, you can’t go with him! I forbid you!”
I just tugged gently on Zane’s sleeve and whispered in his ear. “Let’s go home.”
Zane leaned down and whispered softly in return, “Okay.”
