Chapter 63

Filip's expression softened when Lilian mentioned their unborn child. His eyes fell on her slightly bulging belly. "You fell twice today. Are you okay?"

Lilian, still lying on the ground, covered her belly. "Filip, my stomach hurts a little."

Filip hurriedly helped her up, and she got into the passenger seat of the car. He looked grim, suppressing his emotions. "For so many years, Lilian, I've always thought I knew you. But today, I realize you're a stranger. Did you pretend to be docile, kind, and innocent?" He paused. "You make me feel like I don't know you at all."

Lilian lowered her head and burst into tears. Filip offered her a tissue.

She took it, glanced at him gingerly, then quickly lowered her head. In a hoarse voice, she said, "Filip, I grew up in Misty Alley. If I were docile, kind, and innocent, I would have died a hundred times over."

Filip's eyes flickered. "Misty Alley" sounded pleasant, but it was a slum on the very edge of Roncrity, rife with violence, bloodshed, and shady dealings. He knew about Lilian's past but had never delved into the details.

Crying, Lilian continued, "My mother is insane, and my father is disabled. For as long as I can remember, she's tortured both of us. I never had my own room. My clothes, shoes, even my schoolbags came from the garbage dump."

She sniffed. "I felt nothing in this world belonged to me, and I didn't deserve anything beautiful." The despair in her voice was heartbreaking.

She went on, "When I was fourteen, I saved up for six months collecting scraps. I secretly bought a white dress with lace at the neckline and sleeves. I loved it. I hid it under my bed and wore it only when my parents were out."

"One time, my mother came home early and saw me. She accused me of stealing the money. I'll never forget that day…" Lilian lowered her head, her shoulders trembling violently. "She took the dress, ripped it to shreds in front of me, and set it on fire. Then she scolded and humiliated me."

She recalled, "It was afternoon. People gathered when they heard the commotion. I was fourteen… They watched me like a monkey in a zoo. They didn't stop her; they just watched and judged me with those disgusting eyes, laughing and clapping, encouraging her to belittle me. I could barely stand the shame."

Filip's heart ached. He knew Lilian had a terrible family, but he hadn't anticipated such cruelty. He unconsciously thought of Cynthia. What was she doing at fourteen?

He remembered Cynthia at fourteen: speaking at the Amalgamated Nations as a student representative of Clusia; performing the lead role in a ballet at the Pillere Opera House; being recruited by the Enmeria Royal Ballet (an invitation she declined due to a dislike of Emmerian cuisine); wearing beautiful dresses and expensive jewelry; universally adored.

Lilian's and Cynthia's lives were worlds apart. One lived without worry; the other struggled for survival.

Overcome with sympathy and anguish, Filip took Lilian in his arms. "Lilian, it's all in the past. Your future won't be worse than Cynthia's."

Lilian leaned on his shoulder. "Filip, I know I don't deserve you. Like that white dress, I'll pay a huge price to be with you. But you're the best thing in my life—a ray of light. No matter the cost, I won't let anyone take you away."

"I know you and Cynthia were childhood sweethearts. I'm afraid you'll rekindle your relationship, so I made a mistake."

Lilian looked into Filip's eyes. "Filip, I love you. No one loves you more."

Filip held her tightly. He loved Lilian because she worshipped him. Her admiration and fervent love made him feel extraordinary. With Cynthia, he felt inferior.

Seeing his distress, Lilian leaned against his chest, her voice soft. "Filip, divorce Cynthia. Let's have a good life together. I don't care what people call me; I only care that you love me."

"As long as you're married to Cynthia, I'll be terrified. What will happen to me and our baby if you reconcile?"

Filip's eyes darkened at the mention of Cynthia. Her name was a burden, weighing heavily on his heart. Their marriage wasn't registered, but in his heart, she was his wife. He couldn't marry Lilian. The thought of Cynthia and Jonathan weighed even heavier.