Chapter 31

I was shaking as I walked out of the living room, Marco's words echoing in my mind. "I'll reveal your secret, Lilith. I'll tell Xavier everything." My heart was racing, my thoughts were jumbled, and I felt like I was going to collapse.

What am I going to do? I can't let Marco ruin everything I've worked for. But how can I stop him? He has always been ruthless, but this time, he's got me cornered.

I tried to think clearly, but my mind was a mess. I've always been so careful, so meticulous. And what does he want from me?

I quickened my pace, my eyes scanning the hallway as if Marco might pop out at any moment. I needed to get out of here, get some fresh air, and clear my head.

But where can I go?

I felt like I was trapped in a nightmare, and I couldn't wake up. Marco's threats were suffocating me, crushing me.

What have I done to deserve this? I've always been so loyal, so dedicated. But I guess that doesn't matter now.

I pushed open the door to my room, locking it behind me. I needed a plan, and I needed it fast. But for now, I just collapsed onto the chair beside the bed.

I took a deep breath and tried to calm myself down. I needed to focus on the present moment and make sure Xavier is okay.

I took a deep breath and asked Xavier, "Hey, how are you feeling? Really feeling?"

Xavier looked at me with a hint of surprise, then nodded thoughtfully. "Honestly, babe, I'm feeling a bit...off. Like something's not quite right, but I can't put my finger on it."

My heart skipped a beat. Could he be sensing something? Does he know more than he's letting on?

"What do you mean?" I pressed, trying to keep my tone light.

Xavier's eyes narrowed slightly. "I don't know...it's just a feeling. I'm so tired."

I felt a shiver run down my spine. That's exactly what Marco's threats feel like - a constant, looming presence, waiting to strike.

"I know what you mean," I said softly, trying to reassure him. "Sometimes I feel like that too."

Xavier's eyes locked onto mine, and for a moment, we just stared at each other, the tension between us palpable.

Then, he nodded, and the moment breaks. "Yeah. Well, let's just keep an eye on things, okay?"

I nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over me.

"Babe. What's up? I've been stressing you a lot lately." Xavier asked, his eyes sparkling with warmth.

I took another deep breath, trying to shake off the fear. "I'm fine my love and no, you haven't been stressing me Xavier. I just want you to be okay."

Xavier's expression turned concerned. "Babe, Are you sure? I don't want you to see me as a burden."

I forced a smile, trying to reassure him. "I'm fine babe. You're not a burden and you'll never be."

Xavier nodded, his eyes never leaving mine. "Well, if you're sure...Thanks for always being me for me, babe. Always."

I nodded, feeling a lump form in my throat. Xavier has no idea what's going on, and I can't burden him with it now. Not with Marco's threats hanging over my head.

"Thanks, Xavier. That means a lot to me."

We chatted for a bit longer, and I tried to focus on the conversation, but my mind kept wandering back to Marco and what he might do next.

I took a deep breath and asked Xavier, my voice barely above a whisper, "Xavier, will you love me no matter what?"

Xavier's expression softened, and he leaned forward, his eyes filled with warmth. "Lilith, I love you now, and I'll love you forever. No matter what happens, I'll always love you."

I felt a lump form in my throat as I searched his eyes, desperate for reassurance. "Promise?"

Xavier nodded, his voice filled with conviction. "I promise. Babe, I love you for who you are, not for what you do or what you've done. You're the love of my life, and I'll stand by you no matter what."

Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes as I felt a wave of relief wash over me. Maybe, just maybe, everything would be fine. Maybe if I don't get out of this mess Xavier would still love me as Avery and not Lilith.

"Thank you, Xavier," I whispered, my voice cracking.

Xavier gets up from his bed and walked towards me. He pulled me into his arms, holding me close. "You don't have to thank me, babe. I love you. That's all there is to it."

I let myself sink into his embrace, feeling a sense of safety and security that I haven't felt in a long time. Maybe, just maybe, everything will be okay.

I was happy and sad at the same time. I was happy because I was in love with Xavier, and being around him made me feel alive. I loved the way he made me laugh, the way he always knew how to make me feel better, and the way he looked at me with such adoration.

But I was also sad because Xavier loved Lilith, and now, I felt like I was just a substitute for the woman he truly loved. I felt like I was living in Lilith's shadow, and no matter how hard I tried, I could never be good enough.

I remembered the day I realized I was in love with him. I was sitting in his office, watching him work. His eyes had a far-off look, and his expression was wistful. I felt a pang in my heart, knowing that I was in love with him and he doesn't even know I wasn't his Lilith.

I felt like I was torn between my love for Xavier and my own self-worth. I knew I deserved better than to be second best, but I couldn't help the way I felt. I was trapped in this cycle of happiness and sadness, and I didn't know how to escape.

As I looked at Xavier, I felt my heart ache. I knew he loved Lilith . And that realization was a constant reminder that I would never be enough for him but I was going to risk it all. I was going to do whatever a wife does for her husband. I am going to protect him and start doing my wife duties as from now which includes, I took off my shirt and Xavier gasped.

"I want you." I said.

"I want you too babe." He smiled mischievously as our lips met.

___________

The next morning

I woke up beside Xavier, feeling a sense of happiness and contentment wash over me. We had made love the night before, and it was like our hearts had become one. I couldn't help but smile as I looked at him, his eyes still closed in sleep.

I reached out and gently brushed a strand of hair out of his face, my touch causing him to stir. He opened his eyes, and our gazes met, the connection between us palpable.

"Good morning," he whispered, his voice husky with sleep.

"Good morning," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.

Xavier pulled me close, his arms wrapping around me like a warm embrace. We laid there for a moment, just holding each other, the silence between us comfortable.

As we laid there, I couldn't help but think about how much I loved him. How much I wanted to be with him, to explore this connection we shared.

"Xavier," I whispered, my voice filled with emotion.

"Yes, babe?" he replied, his eyes locked on mine.

"I love you," I said, my heart pounding in my chest.

Xavier's expression softened, and he pulled me closer. "I love you too, babe. More than anything."

We laid there for a moment, just holding each other, the love between us palpable. I knew in that moment that I was exactly where I was meant to be.

After a blissful morning in bed, Xavier and I decided to start the day with a relaxing bath together. We soaked in the warm water, our hands entwined, and our eyes locked on each other. It was a peaceful moment, just the two of us, lost in our own little world.

Once we were done, we got dressed and headed downstairs to the kitchen for breakfast. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling bacon filled the air, making my stomach growl with anticipation.

As we entered the dinning room, Marco was already seated at the table, sipping on a cup of coffee. He looked up and caught Xavier's eye, nodding for him to come over.

"Xavier, can I have a word with you?" Marco asked, his tone serious.

Xavier nodded and got up from his seat, following Marco to the corner of the kitchen. I sensed something was off and decided to follow them, curious about what was going on. I knew Marci was taunting me with this and I had to act fast before he made Xavier get his attacks again.

"Marco, what's up?" Xavier asked, his voice low.

"I need to talk to you about something," Marco replied, his eyes darting around the kitchen, making sure no one was listening. "It's about your Lilith."

My heart skipped a beat as I hovered nearby, trying not to draw attention to myself. What did Marco want to say about me? What if he tells Xavier everything?

I cleared my throat to announce my presence, and Marco and Xavier turned to look at me. "Hey, guys, what's going on?" I asked, trying to sound nonchalant.

Marco's expression turned serious, and he opened his mouth to say something, but I cut him off. "Xavier, it's time for your medication, isn't it?" I asked, trying to sound helpful.

Xavier nodded, looking at me with a hint of gratitude. "Yeah, I think it is."

I smiled and took his hand, pulling him away from Marco. "Let's go get your meds, then."

Marco looked like he wanted to say something more, but I quickly intervened. "You guys can catch up later, Marco. I'm sure whatever it is can wait."

As we walked away, I could feel Marco's eyes on us, but I didn't look back. I knew I had successfully distracted him and Xavier from whatever serious conversation they were about to have.

Once we were out of earshot, Xavier turned to me and whispered, "What's wrong with him?"

I smiled and whispered back, "I don't know, my love."

As we sat down at the table to eat, Marco reappeared in the dining area, a sly grin spreading across his face. He caught my eye and winked at me, making my heart race.

Xavier, oblivious to the exchange, continued eating his breakfast, but I couldn't focus on my food. Marco's winked had left me feeling uneasy, and I couldn't shake the feeling that he was up to something.

I tried to brush it off as mere paranoia, but the tension between us was palpable. I knew Marco was up to something, and I was determined to find out what.

As the meal came to a close, Xavier pushed his chair back and stood up. "I've got some work to do in my office," he said, leaning over to kiss me on the cheek. "See you later, babe."

I watched as he walked away, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. But as I turned back to the table, Marco was still there, his eyes fixed on me with an unnerving intensity.

"Looks like it's just us now," he said, his voice low and husky.

I felt a shiver run down my spine as he leaned in closer, his face inches from mine. "What do you want, Marco?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

He just smiled and whispered, "You know exactly what I want, Lilith."

"I want us back." Marco leaned forward.