“No, I don’t love her…” Lily heard Drew reply to Orion.
Lily knew she was the one who made the crucial decision and had requested to end her marriage with Drew. It would be painful and difficult for him to take care of her while bearing the guilt invested by their parents in their marriage.
[This chapter may disturb some readers. A trigger warning is advised.] [Fourteen years ago] Around eleven o'clock in the evening, most of the lights in the 12-story skyscraper owned by the Walton
Several days had passed. Orion had a family matter to attend to, and Lily convinced him that he could leave her. If she continued to be terrified of Kenneth, nothing positive would happen in her life. She had to overcome her anxiety about being independent and alone.Orion was Drew's confidant, and she didn't want to settle into a life she knew wasn't meant for her.
Lily, Danica, and Kael were picked up by a shuttle service and driven to the resort area from the island's dock. Danica's true identity still perplexed her."Miss Danica!" gasped the staff member, the person who came to pick them up.Her friend said, forgetting the teen's name. "I told my dad I would go back today."
“I am the one who will be paying Kael's firm, and then my daughter claims she works under him, which, incidentally, made me pay for you as well!"Lily seemed alarmed by the rage she detected in Danica's father. The man’s loud voice triggered her anxiety. Terrified, she gripped Kael's arm, not realizing her fingers were digging into his skin. The memory of how angry Mr. Martin was flashed through her mind. The man struck her with anything he could get his hands on, including his cane.
"I want these two autograph chairs in the pool area," suggested Danica, pointing to an item on an iPad, which displayed an in-pool luxury lounger to Kael. They were shopping for appliances from a trusted supplier.Kael turned his attention to the space around the pool before examining the chair Danica intended to place there."Hmmm... I'd like those
Dan, please… talk to me, please. I didn’t do anything to that woman! Please trust me. Let’s talk! That was Brian’s latest message to Danica. She broke up with Brian after discovering that he had played a role in Lily's predicament years ago. Their one-year relationship had been great until it wasn't. His friends were insane! She had once celebrated Brian's birthday with them, but she had never suspected that they were keeping something secret.
During her time at the Arvesso's Resort, Lily excelled in her work, making an effort to put aside the issues she had left in the city for two months. She had little trouble selecting the finest furnishings and appliances and formed good relationships with Kael, the rest of the staff, and the Arvesso family. Although she didn't need to stay on the island for the entire two months, Lily chose to do so, given the troubles that Kenneth and his friends were facing. Mr. Arvesso welcomed her with open arms and allowed her to stay as long as she wished.
"Brother, where do you think Drew will take Lily?" Danica asked her big brother, Orion, with a frown. He was ten years older than her. Just like their dad, Orion treated her like a princess. "No, that's not my question—why are you here with Drew Walton?" "Because Drew is my boss."