Lillian's POV
Stepping out of my room, I noticed Victoria walking in the hallway. When she saw me, she greeted me with a sweet smile."Good morning, Lillian," she said.Returning her smile, I replied, "Good morning, Victoria."We hadn't had a proper conversation the previous night, as we were both busy entertaining guests."Just call me Mom, Lillian," she suggested. I shook my head, disguising my true feelings towards her with a warm smile."I'd rather call you by your name. You're not yet married to my dad, so I don't see any reason to call you Mom," I politely responded. However, she seemed offended upon hearing my words.Her smile disappeared, and she muttered, "I'm sorry."I maintained my smile and walked away, heading towards the kitchen, leaving her bewildered in the hallway.Entering the kitchen, I saw my father at the dining table, engrossed in reading a newspaper, oblivious to my presence.Approaching him, I kissed him on the cheek."Good morning, Dad," I greeted him.He glanced at me and replied, "Good morning. Where is your Mom?" Instead of inviting me to join him for breakfast."I haven't seen her," I lied, then took a seat beside my father."Good morning," Victoria suddenly appeared, walking towards my father and kissing him on the cheek. His smile in response was something he didn't do when I greeted him.I clenched my utensils tightly to suppress the anger and jealousy that boiled inside me."Good morning, Lillian," Victoria greeted me with another smile.I took a deep breath and forced a smile in return. "Good morning, Victoria," I replied as if we hadn't already exchanged greetings earlier."Lillian, your Mom will use that seat," my father said, confusing me with his statement.Perplexed, I looked at him, wondering what he meant.I want to let out a sarcastic laugh, but I stop myself. Instead, I put on a smile and nod before standing up and moving to a seat one chair away from my father.Victoria took my usual seat, and it felt as if I was being pushed aside. Nonetheless, I remained composed, acting as though I was fine with everything."Do you have any plans today, love?" my father asked, his gaze fixed on Victoria.She nodded. "I have a community visit later," she paused, turning her head to me."Do you want to come, Lillian?" she asked. They anticipated my answer, so how could I say no?"Of course, I would love to come," I replied sweetly, concealing my annoyance toward this woman.Throughout breakfast, they continued discussing their plans for the day. Victoria tried her best to include me in their conversation, but nothing changed—I still felt invisible, and I still despised her for intruding on my family.After breakfast, I decided to stay in my room and paint random things. When I got bored, I gathered all my drawing materials and headed to the garden."Ma'am, what would you like to eat for lunch?" Rose, one of our servers, asked."Fettuccine Alfredo," I answered absentmindedly, my focus on the canvas before me."Should I bring it here, Ma'am?" Rose asked.I looked at her and nodded. "Yes, Rose. Thank you," I replied, smiling at her before dismissing her.When I found myself alone in the garden, I once again gazed at the canvas, contemplating what I wanted to draw.And then, Marcus' face came to mind.His piercing blue eyes, reminiscent of an endless ocean. His tall, perfectly sculpted nose. His strong, chiselled jawline, adorned with a hint of stubble, exuded a rugged and masculine charm. His hair flawlessly styled, giving him an air of intelligence... and his soft lips contrasted with his strong features.As I looked back at the canvas, my eyes widened with surprise. It was no longer empty.Unconsciously, my hand had painted Marcus' face, as if guided by a life of its own."What are you doing?"His voice startled me, causing me to flinch. In a panic, I hastily threw the canvas, then spilt paint on it to hide the fact that I drew Marcus, before swiftly turning around."N-Nothing," I stuttered, but behind a sweet smile, I concealed the nervousness I was feeling."Are you okay?" he asked, his face filled with concern. I nodded my head."Y-Yes," I assured him.He stared at my face intently, as if searching for something. After a moment, he took a step closer, and I stood frozen in place, watching him approach.Lowering his head to meet my gaze, he looked directly into my eyes and gently cupped my face. At that moment, I instinctively closed my eyes, anticipating a kiss, but it never came."You have paint on your face," he said, and I felt his thumb softly brushing against my cheek.Embarrassed, I opened my eyes, and as I looked at him again, I couldn't hold his gaze. I pushed him away and took a step back."W-Why are you here?" I asked, avoiding eye contact."Your father called for me to discuss his new project," he answered, but it wasn't the response I had hoped for.I lifted my head to meet his gaze."No, I mean why are you here in the garden?" I clarified, eager for an answer."Mom's looking for you. You're leaving in an hour for a community visit," he replied, and I nodded my head."Okay," I replied, ready to walk away, but then he called out to me."Aren't you going to clean up your mess?" he asked."I'll ask Rose to clean it up for me," I replied, and upon hearing my response, a mocking laugh escaped from his lips."What?" I asked, taken aback by his laughter.Marcus shrugged his shoulders and shook his head."Nothing. I just forgot that you're a Hawthorne. You have people to do things for you," he said, his words laced with sarcasm."You'll become a Hawthorne too, and then you won't have to lift a finger because you'll have people to do things for you," I sarcastically retorted."No wonder there are people who would do anything to be part of this family," I added, looking at him pointedly before walking away.I made my way to my room, feeling the stickiness of the paint, I decided to take a quick bath.An hour later, I emerged from my room, ready to leave.I began looking for Victoria.In the living room, I spotted Victoria seated on a couch, engrossed in conversation with our family designer, Olivia."Preparing for the wedding?" I inquired.Victoria looked at me and smiled."Yes, Lillian. Once we're done with the community visit, maybe you can help me choose my wedding gown," she suggested, and I nodded my head, smiling in response."Of course, Mom," I replied, using the term that surprised and delighted her simultaneously."You two have a great relationship, I can see it," Olivia commented, and I turned my head towards her, nodding in agreement."Victoria has been Daddy's secretary for so long, so connecting with her wasn't difficult," I explained, glancing at Victoria. I held her hand and smiled warmly."She's a wonderful woman, and I'm genuinely happy that she's finally gotten what she desires—to be with my Dad," I expressed sincerely, never breaking eye contact.Although I could sense Victoria's discomfort in my response, she chose to conceal it with a smile.Victoria then turned to Olivia."I think we should be going, Olivia," she said.Olivia graciously nodded and allowed us to depart.Victoria and I stepped into the car, where a heavy atmosphere seemed to engulf us."Lillian, are you upset that I'm marrying your Dad?" Victoria asked.I looked at her and shook my head."No, Victoria, I'm not," I said, offering her a sweet smile.Victoria gazed at me intently, then reached for my hand, smiling back at me."I know everything has happened suddenly. I never expected your Dad to propose to me after winning the election," she explained, trying her best to clarify how things unfolded.Smiling as if I understood her completely, I replied, "I completely understand, Victoria," and released her hand, turning my attention to the view outside.I stared out the window, finding solace in the scenery, rather than engaging in conversation with Victoria.After an hour of driving, we arrived at our destination. I let out a deep breath and flashed my sweetest smile before stepping out of the car. Excited kids ran towards me, and I knelt to see their faces. My fake smile turned into a genuine one when I saw them smiling warmly at me. I hugged each of the children, feeling the comfort and warmth that I longed for, a feeling I wished I could have towards my father, my only family."We brought gifts for all of you," I announced, and their cheerful cheers filled the air.After a while a woman approached me, guiding me towards a hall where parents and children had gathered. Victoria and I sat at the front, smiling at everyone. Victoria delivered her speech, and then she started distributing food while I focused my attention on the kids. I taught them how to draw and played games with them. It was tiring but also fun.When the clock struck five, we decided to leave and headed back to the White House."You looked happy while playing with the kids, Lillian," Victoria remarked before I enter my room.I looked at her and simply nodded my head."Thank you for today," she said."You're welcome," I replied before stepping inside the room.I made my way to the bathroom, feeling sticky and realizing that I smelled like sweat. A quick bath was necessary before joining them for dinner.After finishing my shower, I headed to the kitchen, eager to have dinner. However, the meal was still being prepared."Do you want help, Martha?" I offered.Martha looked at me and shook her head. "Just sit, Lillian. I'll be done soon," she said, but I didn't listen.I joined her in preparing our dinner, lending a hand."How was the community visit?" Martha asked."It was fun. I taught the kids how to draw, and we played some games," I responded, a smile on my face.Martha smiled at me. "I'm glad you're smiling again," she said.I looked at her, my forehead creased with confusion at her statement."I'm always smiling, Martha," I replied.Martha gazed at me intently. She knew me better than anyone. Being there for me since my mother's passing when I was seven, she had raised me as her own and understood me deeply. I couldn't lie to her."I just can't accept that Dad is marrying Victoria. He didn't even bother to ask me if I'm okay with it," I said, the pain evident in my voice.Martha pulled me into a tight hug, gently caressing my back."I feel betrayed," I said, tears streaming down my face. Finally, I let out the emotions I had been suppressing.Martha held me until I calmed down, then released me, looking into my eyes."Don't join them for dinner. I know you don't want to see their faces," she said, walking to the pantry. After a while, she returned carrying a bottle of wine."Your favourite," she said, offering it to me.I kissed her on the cheek. "Thank you, Martha," I said, then stormed out of the kitchen and headed towards the pool area, clutching the wine bottle.Sitting at the edge of the swimming pool, I dipped my feet into the cold water and opened the wine bottle. Taking a sip, I gazed at the moon, finding solace in its glow and the twinkling stars.Martha had always told me that whenever I missed Mom, I should look at the sky because she was watching over me. I used to believe as a child, that my mom was truly watching from above. As I grew older, I slowly realized that Martha was just saying it to comfort me, but I still looked at the sky. Even though it was a lie, it brought me comfort and eased my longing."I was right, you're here," I flinch when I heard Alexander's voice. I turned my head and watched him approach.Alexander removed his shoes and rolled up his slacks before sitting beside me, dipping his feet into the pool."Are you okay?" he asked, concern evident in his voice.Just like Martha, Alexander could read me. He could tell whether I was okay or not because he was always there by my side."I'm just upset about how things turned out," I replied, taking another sip of wine."About your father marrying Victoria?" he inquired. I looked at him and nodded."I hate Dad," I confessed, tears streaming down my face."How can he replace Mom?" I asked, my voice filled with pain and betrayal.Alexander cupped my face, wiping away the tears gently.Alexander looked into my eyes, and we locked gazes for a few seconds. Then he began leaning closer.My heart pounded loudly in my chest, and when our lips met, I froze in place.Unable to move, I watched as Alexander pulled away."I'm sorry," he said, then walked away, leaving me dumbfounded."Secret Scandal Unveiled: President's Perfect Daughter Lillian Hawthorne Engages in Illicit Affair with Vice President Alexander Montgomery," Marcus's voice startled me. I lifted my head and saw him looking at me, wearing a smile."Sounds like a great headline, don't you think?" he asked.Tears continued to fall as I looked at him.From the moment he appeared, I knew he would be my nemesis.Marcus's POVI saw fear in her eyes, the glimmer of terror reflecting at me.Tears cascaded down her face, each droplet a testament to her anguish.She stood frozen in place, lost and disoriented amidst the chaos.As I approached her, her eyes remained fixated on mine, searching for answers or perhaps seeking solace.Kneeling on one knee, I gently held her chin, studying her face intently, trying to decipher the turmoil within."Why are you crying?" I asked, a hint of amusement dancing in my eyes as if I found her distress somewhat entertaining.Lillian swallowed hard, her gaze never wavering from my face."Are you going to tell Dad?" she asked, her voice filled with fear as if her entire fate depended on my response.A chuckle escaped my lips, amused by the desperation in her voice.Lillian hung onto my every word, as if it were a lifeline, desperately hoping I would spare her from her father's wrath.Using my thumb, I brushed away the tears that had fallen onto her cheeks, momentari
Lillian's POVI sat alone in my room, staring at the blank canvas before me. Tears streamed down my face, not out of sadness, but from a deep sense of frustration. I felt a rage building inside me, unable to voice my thoughts because I grew up that way.Dad forced me to be like that. To please people and simply agree to everything they have to say because that is the only way for them to like me...to love me.Ever since I was a child I was silenced keeping my opinion to myself.I always have this urge to speak up but fear always consumed me. I am afraid that if I revealed the real me they won't like me, especially my father.I want him to see me as a perfect daughter because he loves me that way. He will only love me if I am a perfect daughter.While drunk in self-pity, my phone lit up, and upon checking I saw a message from Alexander.From: AlexanderI'm sorry about what happened, Lillian. I hope it won't change anything between us.I stared at the message, unsure of how to respond.
Marcus's POVThe entire table fell silent, anticipation filling the air as everyone awaited Lillian's response. I noticed Lillian purposely avoiding my gaze, her eyes fixed on her plate. "What do you mean by that, Marcus?" Gabriel asked, breaking the silence.I glanced at Gabriel, offering him a smile. "Nothing, Dad. I just never expected Vice President Montgomery to be so closely connected to your family," I replied, trying to downplay the situation."Our family, Marcus," he corrected me, and I simply nodded my head in agreement.We continued eating breakfast, and once I finished, I decided it was time to leave. "Marcus, I need you to review the profiles of the qualified candidates for judicial nomination," Gabriel uttered just as I was about to exit."Sure, just send me the file," I responded."I have to go," Gabriel acknowledged with a nod, while Mom smiled at me. Lillian didn't even bother to acknowledge my presence.I left the White House and made my way to my car. Driving t
Lillian's POVMarcus trailed behind me as I entered Luis Vuitton.He settled on a couch while I headed to the counter, searching for jewellery when a wristwatch caught my eye.Nicole, my shopper, immediately approached me with a smile. "Hi Lillian, looking for something?" she asked."Can I take a look at this watch?" I pointed to a black and gold wristwatch.Nicole retrieved it from the glass case and handed it to me. "A gift?" she inquired."Yeah," I responded, then glanced at Marcus, who was engrossed in conversation with a store staff offering him a drink.Returning my attention to the watch, I heard Nicole ask, "Is he your boyfriend?"I shook my head. "He's my brother," I replied, causing her eyes to widen."Atty. Marcus Sullivan?" she asked, and I nodded."He looks even more handsome in person. I saw him on the news and thought he was a celebrity," Nicole said, her gaze fixed on Marcus."Is he single, Lillian?" Nicole asked, turning her attention back to me, awaiting my respon
Marcus's POVI returned to the A&M law firm and found Alice waiting for me in my office, arms crossed and eyebrows raised."Where have you been?" she asked, her tone demanding.I walked towards my desk and sat down, deciding to check my computer for the profiles of the candidates for judicial nomination."Lillian had an accident," I replied, my eyes fixed on the monitor.Alice gasped, and when I glanced at her, her eyes widened in shock."Is she okay?" she asked, worry evident in her voice.I nodded and focused my attention back on the monitor."It was just a minor accident. We had to pay for the damages," I said, scanning through the candidates' profiles."Thank God," Alice said, relief washing over her."The way you ran earlier, I thought someone had died. Your face showed genuine concern, even though you claim to hate Lillian. Your actions contradict your words, Marcus," she teased me once again.I furrowed my brow and scoffed at her comment."Shut up, Alice. Don't you have work to
Lillian's POVcould feel my hands growing cold as Marcus stared at me intently.With each step I took towards him, his gaze remained fixed on me.Leaning against his car, he played with his car keys in his right hand. When I finally stood just a few steps away from him, he stood straight and opened the car door for me."Where's Daddy's driver?" I asked before getting into the car."Busy," he replied curtly, and as I stepped inside, he closed the door and walked around to the other side.Sliding into the driver's seat, he started the engine."So, are you two together now?" he blurted out, causing my forehead to crease."It's none of your business, Marcus," I firmly replied, turning my head to look out the window.We settled into silence, but it was soon broken by the sound of his ringing phone.He answered the call, putting it on loudspeaker since he is driving.I don't want to eavesdrop but I can't help but listen to their conversation.I caught a glimpse of the caller's name, Alice,
Marcus's POVMy heart pounded loudly in my chest as I looked at Lillian.Taking the opportunity, I held her hand and led her out of the crowd, pulling her along with me.Once we were out of the crowd, we walked back to our table, and I guided her to sit on the couch.She appeared extremely intoxicated, and annoyance washed over me as I watched her.She closed her eyes, leaning back against the couch."Drunk?" Dylan asked, looking at Lillian.I nodded and let out a deep breath."Let's do body shots, guys!" Alice suddenly appeared, holding a cocktail as she walked toward our table."Enough, Alice, you're drunk too," I said firmly, but she just smiled at me and approached Lillian.Taking a seat beside Lillian, she started tapping her face."Hey, babe, let's do body shots," Alice said, attempting to wake Lillian.Lillian groaned, then after a while, she opened her eyes and upon seeing Alice, a wide smile spread across her lips."Alice," Lillian called, wrapping her arms around Alice's wai
Lillian's POVHis words echoed in my head like a broken record.I felt insulted.No one had ever turned me down before.It was the first time someone had rejected me.I was used to getting what I wanted, but when Marcus came into the picture, he became a constant reminder that I couldn't have it all.As we arrived at the White House, I stepped out of his car, prepared to walk towards the front door, but he pulled me towards the back of the house."Someone might see you if we use the front door," he said, guiding me towards the backdoor that led to the kitchen.As soon as we stepped inside, Martha appeared, her eyebrows furrowed as she looked at us."Why are you late?" she asked sternly, then turned her gaze to Marcus, who stood behind me."I'm sorry, Martha. A friend invited me to a party, so I decided to bring Lillian," he said, causing my eyebrows to furrow.He was giving a different reason, probably to cover for me, but I wouldn't let him take the blame."No. I insisted on coming w