Chapter 65

After leaving the hospital in Gilmore's car, Celia and Lilian were still shaken. Lan's condition in the ward had traumatized them. He was heavily bandaged, like a mummy, and wired up to IV drips.

"Gilmore," Lilian said, puzzled, "I heard Lan was drunk. Do you know why he had a car accident in the suburbs?"

Celia, in the back seat, spoke meaningfully. "Isn't it obvious? He was probably emotionally hurt, got drunk after being rejected, and then drove to the suburbs, resulting in the accident."

Lilian looked at Celia. "Are you saying Lan had the accident because I like Gilmore?"

Celia nodded. "Yes, I'm more than 90% sure."

Lilian sighed. "I told him long ago we're only classmates!"

Celia said, "Lilian, it's not your fault. He's just too persistent. Sometimes, that's harmful to both yourself and others."

Gilmore patted Lilian's head. "Thank God you didn't choose him. Otherwise, wouldn't you have cried every day if he suffered setbacks and risked his safety by drunk driving?"

Celia agreed. "Gilmore's right. If you'd chosen Lan, you'd be heartbroken now."

Lilian thought, "Thank God my feelings for Gilmore haven't changed. Otherwise, I'd be the one regretting it now."

Gilmore visibly relaxed, relieved that Lilian seemed no longer worried about Lan. In fact, he had witnessed the entire accident—Lan driving off a cliff—from a distance. It wasn't a simple accident.

It began after Dave and the others left Lilian's villa. Lan, following Dave's car in a BMW, went with them to a bar. Dave lied, telling Lan he'd broken Gilmore's limbs. Lan believed him and celebrated with Dave and his group, drinking heavily.

After Lan was drunk, Dave told him he had permanently injured Gilmore and needed to lay low in the suburbs for a few days to avoid being implicated. Lan, fearing involvement, agreed.

In the suburbs, the drunk Lan drove too fast on a cliff road, failing to stop in time due to his impaired reaction. He and his BMW plunged off the cliff. Dave and the others left the scene. Dave orchestrated the accident, leaving no evidence. His tactics were brilliant.

Gilmore, witnessing the whole thing, couldn't help but admire Dave's cunning, but Lan's situation was no longer his concern.

"Let's go home," Gilmore told Lilian.

She nodded. He drove them back to Lilian's villa, then announced he was moving to Oakhaven that day. Knowing about his lottery win, Lilian and Celia weren't surprised.

"Gilmore, did you buy a house in Oakhaven?" Lilian asked.

He nodded. "Yes."

"Okay, I'll visit your parents and Everly when I have time," Lilian said, looking at Gilmore and Everly. Everly, having learned from Celia that Lilian and Lan had liked each other since high school, liked Lilian very much.

Everly said, "Lilian, you're welcome anytime!"

Gilmore added, "Everly's right. My house is yours anyway."

Lilian blushed. "Gilmore, you're being cheeky again!"

Celia smiled. "Lilian, someone's eager to marry you! Haha."

Lilian playfully scolded her. "Stop teasing me!"

Celia covered her mouth. "I know I was wrong. I'll be quiet."

Everly smiled at their playful banter. Gilmore shook his head, thinking, "When will these two mature?"

He then asked Lilian, "When are you planning to return to Oakhaven?"

Lilian frowned. "My grandmother just recovered. She wants me to stay for two more days. I can't go back today."

Gilmore nodded. "Then stay with your grandmother."

"Okay. I'll call you when I get back to Oakhaven," Lilian said.

Gilmore stayed a while longer before leaving with Everly for Springvale.

At Evermore Diner in Springvale, Sophia and Harlan were packing for Oakhaven. Gerald received a call from Gilmore: "Mr. and Mrs. Reed, Gilmore says they'll arrive soon. Please wait at the town entrance."

Sophia, overwhelmed by the packing, asked Gerald what to take.

Gerald interrupted. "Mrs. Reed, Gilmore said you don't need to bring anything. You can buy it in Oakhaven."

"Buy?!" Sophia exclaimed. Harlan was equally shocked. Gerald, knowing Gilmore's lottery win, simply said, "You can ask Gilmore later!" He rushed them out, locking the door behind them.

Sophia and Harlan were astonished by the prospect of moving empty-handed, but they followed Gerald. They saw a luxurious Mercedes at the town entrance.

Sophia exclaimed, "That car is beautiful! Even more so than the one Lilian drove! Whose is it?"

Gilmore and Everly emerged, waving. "Mom, Dad! Here!"

The stunned parents were informed by Gerald that the car belonged to Gilmore.