Chapter 64

Morning sunshine streamed through the bedroom window, illuminating Lilian, who lay nestled against Gilmore’s shoulder. Her skin was as smooth as an eggshell, and after a night of intimacy, she looked delicate and alluring, like a dew-kissed flower. She gazed at the slumbering Gilmore, who snored softly. "You're a cute pig," she whispered, a smile playing on her lips. An indescribable sweetness filled her; she had given herself to him, deeming him the only man in her life.

Gilmore mumbled, "Who are you calling a pig? I'm your future husband. Show some respect." He rubbed her long, silky hair, his eyes fluttering open. "I didn't know you were awake," he said, as she playfully punched his arm.

"I heard someone call me a pig," he replied, his tone teasingly affectionate.

They rose, dressed, and freshened up in the bathroom. As Lilian emerged, her phone rang.

"Ring!"

"Who's calling?" Gilmore asked casually, wiping his face with a towel.

"A cutie, of course," Lilian said with a sly smile.

Gilmore, having finished washing, approached her. "Don't answer it then."

She rolled her eyes and answered. "Hello, Celia, what's wrong?"

Only then did Gilmore realize she was teasing him.

"Oh my, haven't you gotten up yet?" Celia exclaimed incredulously.

"I'm up. Come to my house," Lilian replied.

"I've been waiting downstairs for over an hour! If you don't get up, I'm calling the hospital," Celia complained playfully.

"Call the hospital?" Lilian asked, confused.

"I figured you might be hurt from last night's passionate encounter, so I was going to call emergency services," Celia smirked.

"How can you make fun of me? I… I'll go downstairs right now. Wait for me!"

Lilian slipped on her slippers and hurried downstairs. A moment later, a commotion erupted.

Later that day:

"How could you tease me like that? You're dead meat!"

"Sorry, Lilian. I know you slept with him. I was just joking. Don't take it to heart."

"Stop saying it! Stand still!"

"I will, if you don't chase me."

Their playful banter continued until Gilmore arrived.

"Brother?" Everly called out, having stood silently observing. Gilmore realized, with a pang of guilt, that he'd forgotten about Everly in his enjoyment with Lilian.

"Everly, where where did you sleep last night?" he asked, his voice laced with guilt.

"Look who's asking. You didn't even give Everly the room key, and I called both of you, but your phones were off, so I had to book another room for Everly," Celia huffed.

Gilmore felt embarrassed and guilty. He'd driven Lilian home and, to avoid disturbances, had turned off his phone, forgetting to give Everly her key.

"Celia, thank you so much," Gilmore said, forcing a smile. "How about I treat you to lunch at the Milky Way Hotel?"

Celia's face softened at the thought of the delicious meal Gilmore had treated her to the previous night. "Never mind. It's no big deal. You don't have to. It'll be expensive."

"Are you afraid of spending my money?" Gilmore teased.

"Of course not. I'm just afraid Lilian will blame me for spending your money," Celia said.

"Celia, what nonsense are you talking about?" Lilian interjected, reaching out to tickle her friend.

Celia giggled, ticklish. A faint smile played on Gilmore's lips. Were you born yesterday? he thought.

"Ring!" Gilmore's phone rang. It was Robin Dunne.

Gilmore answered. "Robin, what's wrong?"

"Gilmore, there was a car accident in the suburbs around midnight. My father's men and the police are investigating. A BMW went off a cliff. It was caused by a drunk driver. The driver survived, but suffered a fractured bone, a serious concussion, and severe nerve damage."

Robin summarized the accident. "Do you know who the driver is?"

"Who?" Gilmore asked.

"It was Ian, one of Lilian's admirers," Robin smirked.

Later:

"What? Ian had a serious accident?" Gilmore feigned surprise, though he'd suspected it was Ian from the start. He hadn't expected Dave to be so ruthless.

Ian suffered a serious fracture, concussion, and severe nerve damage, potentially leaving him crippled. He had only himself to blame for trying to harm Gilmore.

Lilian and Celia, having ceased their playful fight, looked at Gilmore.

"He's badly injured. The doctor said he might become intellectually disabled, even if he wakes up. He might lose his memory and ability to walk, becoming wheelchair-bound."

"What a pity! Drinking and driving is the worst thing you can do! I can't believe a good young man ruined his own future," Gilmore said, feigning concern.

After a short conversation, Gilmore hung up. Lilian and Celia eagerly asked for details. Gilmore recounted Ian's accident, leaving them both shocked.

"Gilmore, shouldn't we visit him in the hospital? He's our classmate after all," Lilian said with concern.

Gilmore nodded. "Okay, we should."

He'd already obtained Ian's hospital and ward information from Robin. They got in the car, purchased some fruit, and headed to the hospital. They found Ian heavily bandaged, hooked up to various medical machines and receiving an intravenous drip. They comforted his parents and expressed their concern before being asked to leave by the doctor to avoid disturbing other patients. They then departed from the hospital.