Chapter 35

Lilly wasn't sure what she had expected when she walked into the coffee shop that afternoon, but seeing Michael and Jacob sitting with Sarah was a surprise. The shop was officially closed for the day, yet the familiar space felt like a refuge.

"Lilly!" Sarah greeted her warmly and pulled her into a hug. Michael and Jacob stood to do the same.

"You look stunning, Lilly," Sarah said with a grin. "And is it just me, or have you gained a little weight? Pregnancy suits you."

Lilly blinked, momentarily caught off guard. Her hand instinctively went to her cheeks. "Do I really?"

Sarah nodded enthusiastically.

A soft smile tugged at Lilly's lips as her hand drifted to her still-flat stomach. The idea of carrying Alexander's child was both overwhelming and oddly comforting, a flicker of warmth amidst the chaos.

"This baby will be beautiful." Jacob chimed in, his tone playful yet sincere.

"With parents like you two, it's practically guaranteed.”

Lilly chuckled, picturing a little boy with Alexander's piercing eyes and sharp features. But the lighthearted moment didn't last long. Michael,who had been watching her intently, finally spoke. "Lilly,now that your stepmother and sister know you're alive, you're in real danger.You need to limit your outings and make sure you always have bodyguards with you.Alexander has plenty of them-use them." His words landed like a stone, shifting the mood entirely. "Michael, she's been cooped up for ten days." Sarah interjected, rolling her eyes. "Let her breathe. Don't act like an overprotective brother."

Michael ignored her. "Alexander's estate is massive, practically a small town. You can walk, exercise, even ride horses there without ever stepping outside the gates. You don't need to go out. And, Lilly, you have to tell Alexander everything. He deserves to know the risks, especially with his child involved. You're hiding the truth about your situation, and if something happens, he won't forgive you."

Lilly said nothing. She sipped her coffee, her expression unreadable.

Michael's voice softened. “Lilly, Alexander is the only one with enough power to protect you properly. This isn't about pride or independence.It's about survival."

“He's right." Sarah admitted reluctantly. “Alexander probably already suspects something. He knows about your sisters' deaths and that you were hiding because you were next. Do you really think he'll let you face this alone?"

Lilly's finagers tightened around her cup. Of course, Alexander knew.He always knew more than he let on.

When she finally returned to the estate later that day, her heart sank at the sight of Alexander's sleek black car parked out front. He wasn't supposed to be back so soon. The house seemed unnaturally quiet as she slipped through the front door.Her heart raced as she decided to take the stairs instead of the elevator,hoping to avoid him altogether. She was halfway up when his voice cut through the silence. “Come here."

Her breath hitched. She considered pretending she hadn't heard him but knew it would only make things worse. Slowly, she descended the stairs and made her way toward the living room, plastering a bright smile on her face.

"You're back," she said, her tone light and casual.

Alexander sat in an armchair, his expression cold and unreadable. He motioned for her to come closer.

Lilly hesitated, then moved to the couch across from him.

"Closer," he barked.

Her smile faltered as she reluctantly stood and walked around the coffee table,sitting next to him.

"Closer," he repeated, his voice lower but no less commanding.

Before she could react, he grabbed her wrist and pulled her to her feet.The distance between them vanished, and his grip was firm, almost bruising.

"When I say you're not to leave the house, you obey," he said, his voice cold and deliberate."You are carrying my child, and the world knows who you are. Do you understand the danger you've put yourself in?" Lilly stared at him, her heart pounding. His icy gaze bore into hers, and for the first time, she saw something darker lurking beneath his calm exterior. “Don't make me show you what I'm capable of, Lilly," he warned."You don't want to see that side of me."

A shiver ran down her spine.

He released her wrist abruptly and turned to leave. Lilly cradled her wrist,wincing at the pain. She wanted to hate him for his harshness,but deep down, she knew he was right. She had taken a reckless risk, and the consequences could have been far worse.

The next morning, the tension between them was palpable. Alexander had ordered her to come down for breakfast, and she complied reluctantly. She sat at the table, picking at her food in silence.

He noticed her bruised wrist and frowned."Why didn't you bandage your hand?”

She glanced at him, her expression defiant. “Because I wasn't the one who bruised it," she said simply before returning her attention to her plate.

His jaw tightened. "Finish your food, then go upstairs and change. You're coming with me."

Lilly looked up, surprised."Where are we going?”

Alexander's lips curved into a cold smile. “Aren't you desperate to leave the house?”