Chapter 30

Xavier's eyes locked onto mine, his gaze burning with intensity. He reached out and gently took my hand, his fingers intertwining with mine.

My heart skipped a beat as I felt his warm touch. I tried to pull my hand away as people were staring but Xavier held it firm.

"Babe," he whispered, his voice low and husky. "From the moment I met you, I knew you were special. You light up my world in ways I never thought possible."

My heart raced faster, my palms growing sweaty. I tried to speak, but my voice caught in my throat. This was a dangerous game as I'm in love with Xavier too but he isn't in love with me. He's in love with Lilith.

Xavier's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled. "I love you, Lilith. I love your quirks, your passions, your beautiful heart."

My breath caught in my chest. No one had ever spoken to me like that before. I felt like melting into his arms.

"Xavier," I whispered, my voice barely audible.

"Tell me, babe," he urged, his eyes burning with desire. "Tell me how you feel."

My heart pounded in my chest, but I knew I had to be honest. "I love you too, Xavier," I confessed, my voice trembling. "I love the way you make me laugh, the way you challenge me, the way you hold my hand like it's the most precious thing in the world."

Xavier's face lit up with joy, and he pulled me into a tender kiss. My heart soared as I felt his love envelop me, knowing I had found my soulmate in this beautiful, imperfect man.

A part of me wants him to get well soon and a part of me hopes he never gets well.

As Xavier drove home, with one of his hands entwined with mine and the other on the steering wheel, I felt like I was on cloud nine. I had never been happier.

But as we walked into the living room, my heart sank. Marco and Xavier's parents were standing there, their faces red with rage. It was as if they had been waiting there for them to come back.

"Lilith, you're a thief!" Marco bellowed, his voice echoing through the neighborhood. "You stole from us, from our family! How could you?"

My eyes widened in shock. "Marco, what are you talking about?"

Xavier stepped forward, his eyes flashing with anger. "Hey, back off, Marco. You have no right to talk to my wife like that."

Marco sneered at Xavier. "And who are you to defend her? You're just a foolish boy who can't see what's right in front of you. Why is your face all over the end Xavier? Can't you see she's using you?" He yelled.

My face burned with shame and anger. "Marco, stop it. You're being ridiculous."

But Marco wouldn't let up. "Ridiculous? You're the one who's ridiculous, Lilith. You think you can just steal from me and get away with it?"

Xavier pulled me close, his arms wrapping protectively around me. "That's enough, Marco. You need to calm down and talk to her like a civilized person."

But Marco just laughed. "Civilized? You want me to be civilized? You're the one who's been deceiving us, Lilith. You're the one who's been lying to us."

"We've been hiding Xavier from the world and you decided to ruin it by showing his face at the party." My Father-in-law yelled.

"I I..." I tried to talk but my mother-in-law cut me off.

My heart raced as I tried to defend myself, but nobody wanted to listen. They just kept yelling, their words cutting deep into my soul.

Oh no, not again! Xavier's eyes glaze over and his body tenses up. I know that look all too well. He's having another attack.

"Everyone stop it." He yelled as he brought the television down.

"Stop yelling at my Lilith! She did nothing wrong." He yelled.

"Xavier, oh no! Come on, let's get you upstairs," I say, trying to keep my voice calm.

I wrapped my arm around his waist and lead him inside. He's heavy, but I manage to hold him up. I'm not sure what's happening to him, but I know I need to get him to safety.

As we reached the stairs, Xavier's legs gave out and he collapsed onto the steps. I tried to hold him up, but he's too heavy. I knelt down beside him, panic rising in my chest.

"Xavier, please! Come on, baby, talk to me!"

But he's unresponsive. His eyes are rolled back and his body is shaking uncontrollably. I'm so scared. I don't know what to do.

"Don't yell at my Lilith. Let her be please." He chanted.

I managed to drag him up the stairs, one step at a time. Finally, we reach the bedroom and I lay him down on the bed. He's still shaking and his eyes are still rolled back.

I held his hand and tried to talk to him, but he wasn't responding. I was so scared. I didn't know what was happening to him again.

As I held him, I start to feel a strange sensation. It's like a buzzing in my fingers, like electricity is flowing through my body.

Suddenly, Xavier's eyes flicker open and he looks at me. "Lilith?" he whispered.

"Yes, baby, I'm here!" I exclaimed, relief washing over me.

But then, his eyes rolled back again and he started shaking even harder. I'm so scared. I don't know what's happening to him.

I held him close, trying to comfort him, but I'm not sure what to do. I felt so helpless.

Everyone was now in our room watching us.

As the attack continued, I started to feel a strange sensation in my own body. It's like my heart was beating faster and my senses were heightened.

I looked at Xavier and saw that he was starting to calm down. His eyes were still closed, but his body is relaxing.

I held him close, feeling a strange connection to him. I don't know what's happening, but I know that I need to be there for him.

As the attack subsides, Xavier opens his eyes and looks at me. "Babe?" he whispered.

"Yes, baby, I'm here," I reply, smiling.

He smiled back and I can see the relief in his eyes.

I held him close, feeling a deep connection to him. I don't know what's happening, but I know that I love him.

I quickly grabbed my phone and dialed the doctor's number, my heart racing with concern. "Dr. Lee, it's me Lilith. Xavier's having another attack."

Dr. Lee's calm voice is a reassuring presence on the other end of the line. "Avery, I'm on my way. Try to keep him calm and comfortable until I get there."

I nodded, even though she can't see me. "Okay, doctor. Please hurry."

I hang up and turn my attention back to Xavier, who's still shaking and unresponsive. I held his hand and try to talk to him, but he's not reacting.

"Is he going to be okay?" I heard my Father-in-law's voice but I didn't reply.

When Dr. Lee arrived, she quickly assessed the situation and started asking me questions.

We both excused ourselves from the room to talk.

"Lilith, who triggered him this time?"

I hesitated, feeling a pang of guilt. "It was Marco. He was yelling at me and accusing me of stealing from him."

Dr. Lee's expression turned serious. "This is not good. Xavier's mental health is fragile right now, and these attacks could be seriously affecting his well-being."

I felt a surge of fear. "What do you mean?"

Dr. Lee's voice is gentle but firm. "Xavier's PTSD is a serious condition, Avery. These attacks could be causing long-term damage to his mental health. We need to find a way to reduce his stress and anxiety, or else... "

She trailed off, but I know what she's implying. Or else Xavier's mental health could be irreparably damaged.

I felt a wave of determination wash over me. I will do whatever it takes to protect Xavier and help him get better.

Dr. Lee nodded and went back into the room to examine Xavier more closely. "I'm going to give him a stronger dosage of his medication to help calm him down. But Avery, I need you to promise me something."

"Anything, doctor," I replied, desperate to help Xavier.

"Please keep him away from people for a while. The stress of social interactions is clearly triggering these attacks, and I fear for his mental health if we can't reduce his stress levels."

I nodded vigorously. "I'll do it, doctor. I'll keep him safe."

Dr. Lee's expression turned serious. "And Avery, there's something else. It's crucial that Xavier doesn't find out that you're not Lilith. His mind is fragile right now, and discovering the truth could be catastrophic for his mental health."

My heart skipped a beat. "I understand, doctor. I'll make sure he doesn't find out."

Dr. Lee nodded and began to administer the medication. "Good. I'll check in on you both regularly to monitor his progress. Let's hope this helps him recover soon."

I and my father-in-law escorted the doctor downstairs and all soon as she was gone, he started to ask me questions.

"Avery, what's going on?" My Father-in-law asked, his brow furrowed with concern.

I took a deep breath and explained everything to him - Xavier's attacks, the medication, the need to keep him away from people. He listened intently, his expression growing more and more serious.

Marco and my mother-in-law came downstairs.

When I finished, he nodded thoughtfully. "I see. Well, we need to make sure Xavier is taken care of. I'll help you with that. Please nobody should quarrel with Avery anymore in this house. I don't want Xavier getting more attacks."

Then, he turned to the rest of the family, who have been watching the scene unfold in silence. "Everyone, let's gather around. Avery has something important to tell us."

The family members exchange curious glances, but they all nod and gather around us.

"Avery, go ahead," he said, his eyes encouraging.

I took another deep breath and explain everything again, this time to the entire family. I tell them about Xavier's PTSD, his attacks, and the need to keep him away from people. I explain how important it is for him to feel safe and supported.

As I spoke, I could see the understanding and concern in their eyes. They asked questions and offer words of encouragement.

When I finished, he puts a hand on my shoulder. "Thank you, Avery. We're all in this together now. We'll help you take care of Xavier and make sure he gets the support he needs."

The rest of the family nodded in agreement, and for the first time in a long time, I felt like I'm not alone in this. We're all in this together, and together, we can help Xavier heal even though I knew they were all fake. At least they should be able to do this for Xavier.

As they left, Marco lingered behind, his eyes fixed on me with an unsettling intensity. I could sense a malicious intent emanating from him, and my instincts screamed at me to be cautious.

"Lilith, we need to talk," Marco said, his voice dripping with malice.

I nodded warily, unsure of what he wanted. "What is it, Marco?"

Marco smirked, his eyes glinting with triumph. "This is the best time to strike, Lilith."

My heart raced as I realized the danger I was in. "What do you want, Marco?"

Marco leaned in, his voice dropping to a menacing whisper. "I want you to do exactly as I say, or else I'll tell Xavier the truth. You're not who you claim to be, and I'll make sure he knows it. Since you're claiming not to be Lilith, I can help you fake it then make Xavier end up in the hospital for life."

I felt a chill run down my spine as I realized the extent of Marco's blackmail. He has me right where he wanted me, and I'm not sure how to escape his clutches.

"Then I'll take over the company."

"You don't have the right to this company, Marco," I said, trying to sound confident. "Xavier is the rightful heir. You're just a manipulative, power-hungry individual who will stop at nothing to get what you want."

Marco sneered at me. "We'll see about that, Lilith or should I start calling you Avery now. You see, I have something on you. Something that will destroy your little charade and expose you for the imposter you are."

I felt a surge of fear at his words. What does he know? "What are you talking about, Marco?"

Marco leaned in closer, a sly grin spreading across his face. "I can tell Xavier you aren't Lilith and I don't have to stress myself. All I have to do is to steal one of your fake documents and show him boom, I'll be the next CEO and Xavier would be chilling in a psychiatric home."

My heart raced as I realized the extent of Marco's blackmail.

"What do you want?"

"I want you to change all of Xavier's property to me," Marco demanded. "Everything. The company, the assets, the estate. I want it all in my name."

I was horrified. "You can't be serious, Marco. That's not right."

Marco shrugged. "I'm dead serious, Lilith. Do it, or else I'll ruin Xavier."