Chapter 31: Settle for permission

Steve walked back and forth in Sandy's yard, muttering to himself. His brow was furrowed, and his forehead was similarly scarred as he thought about something. The events of this morning made him realize that Lily was in danger.

"No way; she needs to move out of here immediately. Tonight." Steve went back into the house to look for Lily. "Where's Lily?"

Steve looked around the house and found no one there. "Where is she?" Steve searched the back of the house again. He breathed a sigh of relief when he saw Lily holding her son. "Lily..."

Hearing Steve's call, Lily turned around. Steve immediately ran to her. He bent down in front of Lily while holding both of her hands. Lily, who was holding her baby, gasped in surprise at Steve's sudden behavior.

"What's wrong?"

"Move into my house for a while. "Not yet finished speaking, Lily interrupted Steve's sentence with a shake of her head. "-why?"

"I can handle it. You don't have to worry too much, Steve." Lily slowly stood up with one hand holding a tiny baby. Steve quickly grabbed her and carried her into the house. He did not let Lily struggle to carry the two red babies.

As she entered the house, Lily bumped into Sandy, who had just come out of her room. Her best friend frowned at Lily, who was walking like a confused person.

"Where's Steve?" he asked. Lily pointed towards the room. "Did you guys have a fight?" Lily shook her head.

"Just different opinions."

"Steve asked you to move out." Lily stopped in her tracks. Sandy could read the look on her face. "Why wouldn't you? You'll be safe there. Let me deal with that crazy woman and her husband."

"The more we avoid them, the more they will look for us. Whether we want to or not, we have to face them."

Sandy held Lily's arm, preventing her from entering the room. Lily turned to look at her best friend, who seemed to be holding back her emotions.

"I know you are furious. But can you not be selfish for the sake of your two children? Steve and I will stand up for you. Please, do what we want." Sandy's face looked pitiable at the moment. She hoped that a miracle would come from Lily.

"Okay. I will follow Steve."

***

The luxury car was parked neatly in front of a simple house with a large yard spread out in front of it. The brown wooden fence was still neatly unopened by the owner. Ryan, who was sitting behind the wheel, could only chuckle in annoyance as he kept glancing at his watch.

Beside him, Sarah kept watching from behind the binoculars she was wearing. Making sure there were no other occupants inside other than Lily and the baby.

"How long are we going to be like this? I'm late for work."

Sarah turned around with a cynical face. Throwing a sadistic look at Ryan, who looked impatient.

"Wait a minute. She's still inside." Sarah looked back at Sandy's residence. Confirming once again if Lily was alone.

It wasn't long before the car that Sandy usually drove came out of the yard. Sarah confirmed that Sandy had already left for her cafe. This was a golden opportunity to meet Lily, who was at home.

"That's Sandy leaving." Ryan unbuckled his seat belt and got out of the car without Sarah's order. He entered the modest house, followed by Sarah behind him.

"Patience. Lily must be nursing her child." Ryan blushed furiously. He was still upset that Lily had hidden her child.

"Lily, open the door! I know you're inside. I just want to talk to you." Ryan banged on the front door quite hard. Sarah also helped him.

"Lily, open the door! Ryan wants to talk," Sarah shouted.

There was no answer. They were curious and walked to the side of the house, looking for a way in. As they were sneaking around, someone tapped them on the shoulder, and they both jumped in surprise.

"Looking for who?"

Both of them stood still. Their faces were expressionless, and they slowly turned their bodies to see who was behind them.

"Ah, Steve. I was actually Ryan stuttered in response to Steve's question. He felt like a robber about to break into someone's house.

"There's no one in this house. Do you want to see Sandy? It's in the café if you're looking for her." Steve crossed his arms over his chest. His eyes looked sardonic as he watched the couple look down in shame.

"Steve, can I talk to you one-on-one?" asked Ryan, who seemed to be negotiating with Steve. He glanced at Sarah, who made a curious face, and then turned to Ryan's pleading eyes.

"Okay, just Ryan. Tell that one to wait in the car."

Sarah pointed to herself. Ryan gave the code with his head, telling Sarah to leave Sandy's house.

After Sarah left, Ryan and Steve chose to sit in the garden with a small chair to talk one-on-one. Ryan opened the conversation first. He wanted to make peace with Steve and, of course, Lily.

"I want to meet Lily." Ryan began. "I want to make peace with her."

"Lily, she is busy. She is organizing her heart to accept someone else. Please don't ask me to help you at this time," Steve said.

"Why?"

"Lily and I are getting married in a few days. I beg you not to see her. She needs protection from people who have hurt her in the past. Either you or your father, Stewart."

Ryan's heart ached at the news of Lily and Steve's wedding. Jealousy suddenly burst into the corner of his heart. He did not love Lily, but this news was enough to make him hurt.

"Really? Congratulations to both of you. But the news about my son and Lily"

"You don't need to know about that. Lily will tell you later."

Steve stood up. He intended to go back to his office, but Ryan's hand stopped him.

"Will I be able to see my son in the future?"

"Let Lily answer that. Go home. There's only Sandy in the house; Lily has gone to Greenville to get herself together."

Steve left Ryan with his heart still aching.

"It's like being stabbed by a knife."