Chapter 256

Lily's POV

"Just because I didn't take his side, he's this mad?" I muttered to myself, watching Nathan's car disappear down the road. He'd left me behind like unwanted baggage, all because I couldn't stand by and watch him murder Jake.

The weight of his anger pressed against my chest. I'd known Nathan long enough to recognize when he was truly furious versus when he was just putting on a show. This was genuine rage.

Derek placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. "Don't take it to heart, Lily. Nathan's always been like a child when he doesn't get his way."

"He'll get over it," he continued with casual confidence. "You know what it means that he wanted you to come with him today? He trusts you. That's big for him."

I wasn't convinced. The look in Nathan's eyes when I stood between him and Jake had been cold enough to freeze blood.

Alex stepped closer, his expression surprisingly gentle considering he'd been holding a bloody knife just minutes ago. "It's not about you not taking his side. It's the way you looked at him."

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"You gave him that pitiful look—like he was some kind of monster." Alex shrugged. "Just give him some time to cool off."

I nodded, grateful for their attempts to console me. It was strange having this conversation with Alex. I didn't love him, but it felt good talking to someone who understood certain aspects of my life. He seemed different now—more at peace. I hoped he'd find happiness eventually. He deserved that much.

"So what happens to Zane now?" Derek asked, his curiosity evident.

Alex's face transformed, all warmth vanishing as he answered, "After you all leave, I'm going to burn him alive." His tone was so casual he might have been discussing the weather. "I'll give Nathan his head to look at."

I felt my stomach turn. The way they discussed murder so nonchalantly made me sick. This wasn't my world. It would never be my world, no matter how long I stayed with Nathan.

"Lily," Michael called, nudging Jake forward. "Jake has something to say to you."

Jake looked terrified as he glanced at me, his voice barely audible. "I know you probably don't care about my apology... but I'm sorry for everything—"

"I understand," I interrupted, not wanting to prolong this uncomfortable moment. "Don't make it harder than it already is."

Michael gave me a grateful nod. "Thank you, Lily."

Derek turned to Michael. "Take Jake to my place. And don't do anything stupid."

"I'll keep an eye on him," Michael promised.

I was relieved we were finally leaving this horrible place. "Good luck, Alex," I said, meaning it despite everything.

"Same to you," he replied with a hint of a smile. "You've got the baby who throws tantrums at home."

---

Hours after returning home, Nathan was still avoiding me, holed up in his office. He'd come downstairs a few times to check on Eleanor but acted as if I were invisible.

I paced our bedroom, replaying the day's events. Maybe I shouldn't have interfered. But I'd saved a life, hadn't I? If I could go back, I'd make the same choice. I just wished Nathan could understand that.

He probably thought I was using his feelings for me against him. The truth was, even if he had killed Jake, I would have respected his decision. This was his world, not mine. But I couldn't stand by and watch it happen.

After three hours of this silent treatment, I decided enough was enough. I made him coffee and headed to his office.

I knocked on the door. No answer. Sighing, I pushed it open anyway.

"I was hoping you'd respond like a normal person," I said, setting the mug on his desk. "I made you coffee."

Nathan barely looked up from his paperwork. "Is it poisoned?"

"Seriously?" I glared at him. "No, it's not poisoned."

To prove my point, I took a sip from his mug. The coffee was so bitter I nearly choked, but I managed to swallow it.

Nathan watched me, then took the mug and drank it all in one go. His face contorted slightly, but he forced a smile. "No, no—delicious! Best coffee I've ever had! Very sweet and... sugary."

I knew he was lying. "Thank you. I try my best," I said sarcastically.

"I don't want to see you right now," he said, returning to his paperwork.

"Fine. I'll take Eleanor and go back to my father's."

Nathan's head snapped up. "No! You're already here, so you might as well stay."

I couldn't help but smile. For all his anger, he still wanted me around. Teasing him was sometimes too easy.

Taking a deep breath, I decided honesty was the only way forward. "Nathan, I'm really sorry. I felt bad for Jake, but I didn't try to talk you out of it a different way. I just called your brother, and then all of us ganged up on you."

"Go on," he said, his expression unreadable.

"I should have discussed it with you first, tried to understand your perspective. I'm sorry for that. But I'm not sorry for my decision." I met his gaze directly. "Next time, I promise I'll talk to you first. I won't go behind your back." I hesitated, then added quietly, "I don't want you to ignore me... I love you."

Nathan's face softened. He stood up, concern replacing anger. "Have you eaten a proper meal today?"

I shook my head.

"I'll make you something," he said, moving toward the door.

I followed him, feeling a strange mixture of relief and amusement. Nathan might treat me like a doll sometimes, but at least we weren't ignoring each other anymore.

In the hallway, I gathered my courage and asked, "Do you know what happened to Zane?"

"Alex handled him," Nathan confirmed. "Do you want to see pictures? Though you might not sleep afterward."

"No, that's disgusting!" I exclaimed, horrified. "I'll take your word for it."

"Are you still mad at me?" I asked cautiously.

Nathan sighed, kissing my forehead. "I wasn't mad, just disappointed. But I can't stay upset with you for long. You know that."

I threw my arms around him dramatically. "You didn't say it back when I told you I love you."

"I love you too," he replied immediately.

I hugged him tighter. "I love you more."

Nathan laughed, the sound warming my heart. "You're like a child. Speaking of children, weren't you promising me fifteen of them earlier today?"

I pulled back, eyes wide with horror. "No, not unless I'm dead." Then, considering his disappointed expression, I added, "But never say never. Who knows what the future holds?"

His smile returned, and as he led me toward the kitchen.