Chapter 49 If you love me…
CHAPTER 49: If you love me…
Vera
The living room was quiet, save for the soft rustle of streamers being adjusted. I stood near the grand fireplace, where a ‘congratulations’ banner had been hung to surprise Lily, feeling a flicker of my old strength returning.
For the past couple of days, Silas had primarily ignored me. He only retired to the room when I must have fallen asleep, and left even before I awoke in the morning. I had barely seen him. The initial weakness and malaise I felt was now replaced by a dull ache in my spirit.
But for today, I had pushed the shadows aside.
I wanted to surprise Lily. I wanted her to feel celebrated, to feel like her graduation was a milestone untainted by the rot in my life.
Even with all that was happening, it was also a win, because part of the reason why we had fled was so that Lily would be able to finish her schooling.
“Is everything ready, Elena?” I asked, looking at the small gathering of maids who had agreed to help me.
I had gently declined their offer to help in a bid to avoid getting them in trouble with Silas who would likely not approve, but they insisted. And I was grateful that they cared for Lily, too.
“The cake is ready now, madam,” Elena smiled, walking into the room with the dessert in her hand.
“And we have the confetti poppers ready too, madam.” another maid, Louella said.
I smiled widely, genuinely grateful for their help. Even if Silas were to learn of this, I'd take full responsibility and spare them from any punishment.
Lily deserves this. She’s worked so hard.
The maid on the lookout at the window quickly shut it and moved toward us.
“Miss Lily is here.”
No sooner had we all gotten in position, then the heavy front doors swung open, and I felt a surge of excitement.
“Surprise!” we all chorused, amid a pop of confetti as she stepped into the foyer.
Lily stopped, but there was no smile. Her face was a mask of irritation, her eyes red-rimmed and her jaw set.
She looked at the streamers, the small cake in Elena’s hand, and the smiling faces of the staff as if they were insults.
My smile fell.
“Lily? Sweetie, what’s wrong?” I asked, stepping forward with a bouquet of flowers. “Aren't you happy? They were all waiting to congratulate you.”
She turned and headed for the stairs.
“Not now, Vera,” she snapped, her voice cold and short. She didn't even stop walking. “Thank you. Whatever. I'm tired. I’m going to my room.”
The silence that followed was deafening.
I looked at the nervous, disappointed faces of the maids, the celebratory atmosphere deflated like a punctured balloon.
I sighed, with an apologetic wince.
“I’m so sorry, everyone. She’s... she’s just had a long day. Thank you so much for your help,”I made an excuse. “Elena, please take the cake to the kitchen and enjoy it, all of you.”
I handed the bouquet to one of them.
“Can you put this in a vase and bring it to Lily’s room later?”
“Of course, madam.”
I waited until they were gone before I climbed the stairs, my heart thudding with a familiar anxiety.
I knocked softly on Lily’s door before entering, though she didn't reply.
She was sitting on the edge of her bed. She barely glanced at me.
“Lily? Sweetie, talk to me. Is something wrong? Did something happen at school?”
“Nothing. It’s fine,” she muttered, staring at the wall.
I took tentative steps forward.
“It’s clearly not fine. You’re upset,” I sat beside her and reached for her hand. She didn't pull away, but she didn't grip my hand either. “I can't help you if I don't know what the problem is.”
She let out a frustrated sob, finally turning to me.
“Melody.”
My forehead scrunched. “Melody? Who is she?”
Her jaw clenched.
“A witch from school. She mocked me in front of everyone, Vera! She told everyone I haven't paid for the Tulum trip—”
I shook my head, confused. “Tulum? What trip?”
She sighed. “It's a class graduation thing. You've been too preoccupied with whatever problems you have. There hasn't been an opportunity to tell you.”
I wanted to tell her that she was the one who had not bothered to check up on me, but I swallowed my retort.
“Anyway, she called you a gold digger. She said we were broke!”
I wasn't bothered about being called names by people. However, it got to me if Lily was being affected too.
She grabbed my arm, her eyes desperate and teary.
“I need that money, Vera. I have to go on this trip. It’s the last thing we’re all doing together. I’ve looked forward to this for four years!”
I felt a cold weight settle in my stomach.
No matter how much it was, we couldn't afford it. I had spent all I had on paying off Damien. And I was yet to receive the promised allowance from Silas.
I shifted uncomfortably.
“Lily... honey, it’s just a trip. It doesn’t matter what Melody says. We know the truth. You don’t need to go to Mexico to prove anything to her.”
She snatched her hands from mine. “Yes, I do!” she wailed, her voice rising in a whiny, frantic pitch. “You don't understand! I can't stay here while everyone else is having fun!”
“I wish you could go too, sweetheart. But we gave all our savings to... to that man. I have nothing left,” I reminded her softly.
“I don't care! Then ask your husband!” she demanded, her eyes lighting up with a sudden hope. “He’s a billionaire, Vera! The money for this trip is pocket change to him.”
I recoiled as if it was a taboo subject.
She reached for my hand across the bed. “He seems generous enough,” she pressed. “Remember that insane diamond necklace he gave you for the gala? He’ll agree. Just ask him for the money, Vera. Tell him I need it for my graduation.”
My mouth dried up.
Ask Silas?
I couldn't fault Lily for suggesting such. She had no idea what was happening.
How could I approach him with this request?
A man who currently looked at me as if I were a plague?
The man who had made me a prisoner under his roof, awaiting the day he would hand me over to the police.
“Lily, I'm sorry. I can’t... things are complicated right now between Silas and me. It’s not a good time.”
She looked heartbroken.
“Why not?” she pressed, her lower lip trembling. “If you love me, you’ll ask. You’re his wife! Surely he won't say no to you. Please, Vera. I really need this,” she cried, pressing my hand.
I saw the desperation on my sister's face, and I felt my reservations wavering.
I knew I shouldn't.
I knew approaching Silas for anything right now, much less for money, was like walking into a lion’s den with raw meat in my hands.
But her tears were my undoing. They always were.
“Fine,” I whispered, my voice trembling.
Lily’s face brightened into a hopeful smile. “Are you serious?”
“Yes. I’ll... I’ll try. I’ll ask him.”