Chapter 18

Lillian's POV

Martha took too long so I decided to follow her into the kitchen.

As I caught sight of her talking to Marcus, I quickly hid around the corner, eavesdropping on their conversation.

"Lillian told me everything," Martha revealed.

"What did she tell you?" I heard Marcus ask.

There was a brief silence before Martha responded.

"I know you don't like this family, Marcus. I can see it in your eyes, how you despise being a part of the Hawthorne family. But please, don't use Lillian for whatever plans you have," Martha pleaded with him.

Her words pierced my heart, and the possibility that Marcus was driven by hatred for my family clouded my mind.

"If you're doing this out of hatred for the Hawthornes, spare Lillian from that hatred because she doesn't deserve to be hurt. Lillian has been through so much. Please, don't hurt her," she continued desperation lacing her voice.

Martha had watched me grow up. She had witnessed my yearning for my father's love and attention, but I had ne