Chapter 22 Lily Is a Big Shot
Lily lay in Dennis's arms, looking dazed and a bit silly.
Dennis glanced down, seeing only her smooth forehead.
Her wet hair fell between them, spreading water stains that even made their clothes a bit see-through.
He swallowed slightly and let her go. "Hey, these clothes are brand new. You'll have to make do with the shoes for a day."
Lily blushed as she saw the clothes he'd left by the entrance. "Thanks."
Seeing her unguarded expression, Dennis couldn't help but nag. "Next time, don't just open the door at night like that."
"Because I knew it had to be you knocking," She replied, her gaze steady and calm.
Dennis met her eyes and quickly looked away, awkwardly saying, "Just remember to lock the door."
Standing at the door, Lily's lips curved up slightly.
She looked back at the unfamiliar room, ready to start a new chapter in her life.
While lying on the bed charging her phone, she noticed dozens of missed calls, mostly from Michael.
There was also one from Austin, but it only rang three times before hanging up.
She opened her social media to find messages from Michael: [Lily, where are you? Stop being stubborn. Come back, and I'll make Austin apologize to you!]
[Lily, you know you can't hide for long in the city. If David finds out, the consequences will be unimaginable.]
[Lily, we're family. Can't you forgive a little misunderstanding?]
Reading these, Lily's eyes turned colder.
No, she couldn't forgive even a little.
The next day at school.
Lily and Dennis took a cab to school together.
She glanced back at him. "I'll head to class now."
Dennis watched her safely enter the school before looking away.
A luxury car pulled up next to him. Eric stuck his head out. "The Roberts family was going crazy looking for her last night. Too bad they ran into us, or Lily would've never escaped."
The Roberts family wasn't to be trifled with either.
Dennis's lips tightened as if deep in thought.
Meanwhile, Lily headed straight to the classroom.
As soon as she reached the door, people started screaming, "Lily's here! She's the one who scored twelve consecutive hits in the competition yesterday!"
"Oh my god, what's her relationship with the legendary King? I'm so curious!"
"Can we take a picture with you, idol?"
Lily was a bit flustered by the crowd but nodded. "Sure."
People swarmed around her, some even asking for autographs.
The classroom entrance was bustling, surrounded by layers of people.
Sophie arrived outside the classroom, envious of Lily's attention.
She had over ten thousand followers online, way more famous than Lily, yet these ignorant fools didn't care!
Unable to stand it, Sophie walked over.
Feigning concern, Sophie said, "Lily, you didn't come back last night. Michael was worried sick. Even if you're mad, you shouldn't joke about your safety."
Lily knew Sophie would stir up trouble.
Seraphine quickly chimed in, "Sophie, Lily's just an ungrateful brat. She thinks she's hot stuff after winning the competition and running away from home."
Calista rolled her eyes. "I think Lily's dating the school doctor and living with him. So young and already knows how to seduce men."
Lily raised an eyebrow. "No wonder people say you two have foul mouths. I see it now."
Sophie noticed something out of the corner of her eye and said, "Lily, I envy you for having a family who cares so much. Yet you act so willfully. It's not right."
"Are we close? Stop pretending. No one's watching your act here." Lily retorted.
"Lily, how can you talk like that? Sophie worried about you all night. Even if you were wrong, can't others say so?" Austin walked over, looking conflicted.
He didn't have to bring Sophie to school today, but he couldn't help himself, knowing Lily would be here.
He hadn't slept all night, feeling isolated by her. What was this?
Lily wasn't surprised to see Austin. "Doesn't Sophie often stay out all night with you?"
Sophie's eyes turned red with tears. "Lily, how can you say that?"
"Lily, stop spouting nonsense. Sophie's my sister! Apologize to her!" Austin's temper flared.
Lily's expression was cold. "She started it. I'm just learning from her."
Sophie whimpered, "I didn't mean it like that. You misunderstood."
Austin's temper flared. "Lily, look at yourself. Didn't you spend last night with the school doctor? It's a fact!"
Lily looked at him calmly, her gaze unchanging.
Austin regretted his words but didn't explain, with everyone watching.
Lily found it laughable. "That has nothing to do with you."
She turned and walked into the classroom.
"Stop. What's 'nothing to do with us'? You won one match and got cocky!"
Lily sneered and didn't look back.
She sat at her desk, ignoring the commotion outside.
Austin watched her distant demeanor, feeling a fire in his chest. But he didn't dare overstep, knowing he shouldn't be at school during his isolation period.
Sophie, seeing her chance, said, "Austin, it's my fault for asking Lily. I upset her, but I was worried she'd do something rash."
Austin was frustrated. "I know you care for her, but she doesn't appreciate it. Her temper is out of control. She doesn't respect anyone. What does she want from us?"
Sophie felt triumphant.
Lily distancing herself was good news for her.
Changing the subject, she asked, "What about the school doctor?"
"The man will pay!" Austin headed to the principal's office, needing to resolve the issue.
Satisfied, Sophie returned to class.
Passing Lily, she whispered, "Austin's talking to the principal."
Lily's face changed, realizing she'd caused Dennis trouble.
She stood up, but the teacher walked in. "Class is starting."
Lily sat back down, distracted throughout the lesson.
Finally, class ended. Lily stepped out to call Dennis, worried.
Dennis answered quickly, his voice calm. "What's up?"
"Austin went to the principal. You might be in trouble, but I'll explain everything."
"Lily, this is an adult matter. Don't worry about it."
Dennis's tone was confident, almost arrogant.
Lily nearly thought she had misheard. He was usually so reserved and cool.
But she trusted his words.
After hanging up, she returned to her seat, focusing on her studies.
With the SATs in a little over a month, freedom was near.
After school, Lily packed her bag to head to the infirmary.
But at the classroom door, she saw Michael holding a huge teddy bear.
She stopped.
Michael approached. "Lily, you were amazing in the competition. I got you a gift. Congrats, and I look forward to your performance in the finals."
Finals?