Chapter 14

"If you didn't run away, why didn't you come home yesterday? Do you know I stayed up all night waiting for you?" Nathaniel paused. "I'm sure there's a misunderstanding. I don't blame you. Just come home, and we can talk it out, okay?"

After some thought, Lily smiled faintly. "Sure, I'll meet you at the office later." She hung up and walked back to the dining table. Alexander looked up. "You're leaving?" "Nah, I'm not in a hurry." Smiling, she sat down, adjusted her seat, and ate leisurely, her high spirits evident in her increased appetite. "I'm not the one in a hurry." She'd waited countless times for Nathaniel; was it finally his turn?

"He's not going to let yesterday go easily," she mused. Nathaniel was petty and calculating, even about small things. The humiliation he'd suffered, and the blow to his company from her departure, would be significant. "Me too," Lily said, smiling at Alexander.

Alexander smiled back.

Nathaniel waited all day, even skipping lunch. By 3 p.m., Lily was still nowhere to be seen. He called, but she didn't answer. Frustration mounted; he nearly smashed his phone.

"Nate, I told you we can't trust Lily! It was naive to believe her," Melanie said, leaning against the sofa and slicing an apple. "Last night was a trap. Remember, I said she seemed strange? You dismissed it, but look…"

"Shut up!" Nathaniel's frustration exploded. He considered calling Lily again but knew it was pointless, venting his anger on Melanie instead. Melanie, upset by his outburst, pursed her lips and lowered her gaze.

"Why are you mad at me? I didn't betray you or the company! I've been by your side, taking care of you! I'm the only one who cared!" She handed him the sliced apple. "Eat something. I'm worried about your health. What would I do if something happened to you?"

Tears welled in her eyes. Even in distress, she was beautiful. Nathaniel's heart softened; he sighed and took the plate.

He put an arm around her shoulders. "I'm not mad at you. I'm just in a terrible mood. I'm sorry. I know you only want the best for me. Don't cry, darling."

"You're just saying that, but you're still thinking about Lily," Melanie cried, struggling slightly in his embrace. Her words, however, touched Nathaniel. "Mr. Hall, I…" The door opened, revealing Lily. Seeing Nathaniel and Melanie's intimacy, she smiled. "Oops. Bad timing. I'll…"

"Lily!" Nathaniel instantly pulled away from Melanie.

He strode toward Lily, fearing she'd leave. "Come back here!" She was finally here, and he wouldn't let her go easily. "Where were you? Why didn't you answer my calls? Do you know how worried I was? What have you been doing?" He grabbed her wrist and pulled her into his office, closing the door. Lily's eyes widened at his anxious expression and genuine concern. But what had he been doing before she entered?

Lily glanced at Melanie, who looked sullen but quickly adopted a gentle smile.

"Nate's right. Lily, we were so worried. Where have you been? Why were you with those people from Rebirth? Did they say anything that you should be wary of? They might be deceiving you!"