Chapter 11

Lily's voice cut through the quiet of the room like a blade. "I got married."

Michael and Matthew both froze as if time itself had stalled. The words hung in the air, heavy and unfathomable, like a thunderclap on a clear day.

"You did what?" MichaeI's voice finally broke the silence, sharp and incredulous. He looked as though someone had punched him.

Matthew's reaction wasn't any better. "Are you serious, Lily?" His normally calm demeanor fractured, his disbelief plain. “Married? When?To whom?”

Lily clenched her hands tightly, her knuckles turning white. She hadn't planned to drop this bombshell so abruptly, but there was no easy way to reveal the truth. "A few days ago," she said quietly, her words barely above a whisper.

Michael ran a hand through his hair, pacing the small space like a storm brewing on the horizon. "A few days ago?" he echoed. "Who in the world-”

“Alexander Kane," Lily said firmly, cutting him off.

The room went dead still. Matthew's head snapped toward her,his mouth slightly agape as if he hadn't heard right. Michael stopped pacing mid-step,his face blanching as the name sunk in. “Alexander Kane?” Matthew half-shouted, disbelief shaking his voice.“Alexander Kane? You mean the Alexander Kane? Lily, are you out of your mind?” "Yes,” Lily said, squaring her shoulders and meeting their stunned gazes.“ I married Alexander Kane."

Matthew collapsed into his chair as if the weight of her words had physically pushed him down. "Jesus Christ," he muttered, dragging a hand over his face."Alexander of all people..."

Michael stared at her, searching her expression for answers.“Why?"His voice was quieter now, no longer angry but deeply concerned.“Why him?Lily,what have you gotten yourself into?"

Lily hesitated, the truth resting heavily on her tongue.'It'scomplicated."she said finally, her voice faltering.

Matthew shot her a sharp look. "Complicated doesn't even begin to describe it. Do you know who he is, Lily? He's not just some businessman.He's ruthless-powerful beyond anything you can imagine. You married into a life of constant scrutiny and danger."

Michael stepped closer, his tone pleading now. "Lily, you can't trust him.Alexander Kane doesn't do anything without reason. What's his angle here? What does he want from you?”

She bit her lip, struggling to hold her composure. "It's a contract marriage."

"A contract?" Matthew blurted, his voicerising again. “You're telling me you married the most dangerous man in the city for some sort of deal?"

“I had no choice," Lily confessed, her voice low but firm. "It was the only way.” Michael stepped back as if her words had physically struck him. "The only way for what?" "To protect myself," Lily replied. "To keep my past buried and stay one step ahead of the people looking for me. Alexander can give me the protection I need."

“Protection?" Matthew exclaimed, disbelief still clouding his face.“Lily,you're playing with fire. If your grandfather finds out about this marriage,it's game over. He'll come for you, and Alexander Kane isn't the kind of man to let someone meddle with his affairs."

"I know," Lily admitted softly, "which is why you both have to help me.”She looked directly at Matthew. "I need you to make sure my family doesn't find me yet. I can't risk it. Not now.”

Matthew's expression darkened as he let out a slow breath.“Lily,your grandfather's reach is almost limitless. And now you're tangled with Alexander, whose influence might be just as dangerous."

"I know what I'm asking," Lily said, her voice steady but pleading.“But I have no other choice. Lucas, please. Just buy me more time."

Matthew pinched the bridge of his nose, clearly frustrated, but he nodded reluctantly. “Fine. I'll do what I can. But you're walking a razor's edge.Lily. One slip, and you'll lose everything."

Michael remained silent for a long time, his gaze fixed on her like he was trying to see through every layer of her defenses. Finally, he spoke. “Is this really what you want?"

Lily couldn't answer him. Instead, she turned away, her silence speaking louder than words. By the time Lily reached Alexander's mansion, the night had grown dark and heavy, the city's lights dimming against the horizon. The traffic had been unbearable, and it was nearly 10 p.m. when she pulled up to the estate. What she saw next stopped her in her tracks.

The staff-maids, security guards, and even Clara-were waiting outside in the cold, their expressions unreadable. The sight unsettled her, an inexplicable chill running down her spine.

"She's back," one of the maids whispered, and Clara quickly stepped forward, her relief palpable.

"Ma'am,you're finally home," Clara said, though her voice held something unspoken.

Lily frowned, confusion knitting her brows. "Why are you all standing out here? What's going on?"

Clara hesitated, glancing at the other staff before responding.“Mr.Alexander ordered us to wait outside until you returned.”

Lily's stomach dropped.“What?”

"Yes, ma'am,"one of the younger maids said timidly.“We've been waiting for hours."

“Enough," Clara snapped at the girl, clearly trying to contain the situation.She turned back to Lily, forcing a smile. "Please come inside. It's cold."

Lily didn't move. "Is this true, Clara?" Her voice was tight.

Clara avoided her gaze,"Now that you're back, everything is fine." The unease bubbling in Lily's chest only grew. She entered the house, her steps quick as she made her way upstairs. The mansion felt eerily quiet,as though it were holding its breath. When she opened the door to the bedroom, the emptiness struckher like a physical blow.

Alexander wasn't there. The bed was perfectly made, the room pristine,but something felt wrong. When she opened the closet, her unease turned into dread. Her clothes-her old, familiar belongings-were gone. In their place were pristine, luxurious garments that screamed wealth but felt like a stranger's wardrobe.

Panic swelled in her throat as she rifled through the clothes, tossing designer fabrics aside in search of her things. Her hands shook when she realized the scarf-her sister's scarf-was missing.

Storming into Alexander's study, Lily didn't knock. She threw the door open,her voice trembling with anger. "Where are my things?"

Alexander sat behind his desk, calm and composed as ever. He looked up at her,displeased by her interruption."How dare you barge into my office?”

"Where are my things?" she demanded again, ignoring his cold tone.“You had no right to move them."

His gaze darkened, his displeasure sharp enough to cut. He stood, closing the distance between them in two strides. Before she could react,he pinned her against the wall, his hands bracing on either side of her.

"This is my house, Lily," he said quietly, his voice deadly calm. "I can do whatever I please. Don't forget that,” Lily refused to flinch, meeting his eyes with defiance. "I don't care whose house this is. There's something important to me that you've taken." Alexander stared at her for a long moment, his expression unreadable.Then, he smirked faintly. "Important,you say?" "Yes," she hissed. her voice shaking with emotion. "Where is it?"

Alexander's gaze burned into her. "What's more important. Lily?"he murmured, his voice like silk laced with steel. "Your past... or your place in this house?”

Before she could answer, he leaned closer, his lips brushing against her ear.

"Be careful what you cling to," he whispered. "It might disappear before your eyes."

Her blood ran cold. As he stepped back, his words lingered like a curse,and for the first time. Lily wondered if Alexander Kane already knew far more than he let on.