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Chapter 8

Flashback at the Hospital…

The sterile office was eerily silent, the tension stretching like a taut wire. Alexander Kane leaned back in his chair, his piercing gaze locked on Dr. Desmond. "Isn't there a faster way to determine if she can conceive?" he asked, his voice cold and deliberate.

Dr. Desmond sighed. "The only way to know is to proceed with IVF. Medical advancements haven’t yet reached the point where we can predict outcomes without taking preliminary steps."

Alexander's jaw tightened, his frustration barely contained. "What about the normal method?" Dr. Desmond ventured cautiously, eyeing Alexander. "It’s faster, more reliable, and considering your timeline, more logical."

Alexander’s expression darkened, his eyes glinting like shards of ice. "You know as well as I do, Desmond, that I didn’t marry her by choice. This isn’t a matter of desire—it’s business. Do the tests and proceed with IVF. No further discussion."

Dr. Desmond raised his hands in a gesture of surrender. "As you wish," he muttered, his tone laced with resignation.

The door to the office opened, and Alexander stepped out, his presence commanding the space. Lily quickly stood, catching his steely gaze before he turned away.

"It was nice meeting you, Lily," Dr. Desmond said, trailing after him. "Shame we can’t have that lunch date, but I hope we can still be friends." His warm smile momentarily eased the tension.

Lily managed a polite smile. "Nice meeting you too, Dr. Desmond."

Alexander’s pace quickened, his impatience evident. Lily hesitated before following, her heels clicking against the pristine floor as she tried to keep up.

By the time she reached the parking garage, Alexander was already seated in the car, his posture rigid. He glanced up as she approached, his expression unreadable. "What are you waiting for? Get in. I don’t have all day."

Lily’s brows furrowed. "I’ll get to work from here. You don’t need to drop me off."

Alexander’s gaze sharpened his tone like a whip crack. "I don’t recall asking for your opinion. Get in."

Reluctantly, Lily slid into the car, her frustration mounting. The vehicle pulled away, the silence inside suffocating. She stared out the window, determined to ignore him.

Halfway through the drive, his voice broke the silence, low and cutting. "So, you were eager for that date?"

Lily blinked, confused. "What?"

Alexander’s gaze burned into her. "Miss Evans, don’t feign ignorance. I saw how easily you smiled at his cheap flattery. Or are you like every other woman, swayed by hollow compliments?"

Her hands balled into fists. "I don’t—"

"Save it," he snapped, his words slicing through her like a blade.

Lily clenched her jaw, swallowing her retort. The weight of his accusations settled on her like a suffocating blanket. She pieced together his insinuation—he was referring to Dr. Desmond’s lighthearted remark. The realization stung more than she cared to admit.

The car slowed in front of her coffee shop. Before it had fully stopped, Lily stepped out, her movements brisk and deliberate. She didn’t look back as she strode toward the entrance, her spine rigid with anger.

Inside, Sarah, her trusted confidante, greeted her with wide eyes. "Who was that?" she asked, her tone dripping with curiosity.

Lily exhaled slowly, forcing a smile. "Guess."

Sarah’s brows furrowed. "I can’t. You’ve been keeping a low profile ever since… well, you know. So, who is it?"

Lily hesitated before answering. "Alexander Kane."

Sarah’s jaw dropped. "You’re joking, right? The Alexander Kane? Cold-hearted billionaire? What’s he doing here?"

Lily leaned against the counter, her resolve wavering. "It’s… complicated."

Sarah narrowed her eyes. "Start talking."

Over the next several minutes, Lily recounted the events of the past few days, her voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions coursing through her. Sarah listened intently, her disbelief growing with each word.

When Lily finished, Sarah shook her head. "This is insane. You’re telling me you married him under a contract to have his child? What if he never cares for you? What about your plan to seek justice for your sisters?"

Lily’s expression hardened. "I haven’t forgotten my purpose. This marriage is just a detour. I’ll find the evidence I need and ensure those responsible pay."

Sarah’s gaze softened. "Just… don’t lose yourself in this, Lily. Promise me."

"I won’t," Lily said firmly, though a flicker of doubt tugged at her.

That evening, she returned to the mansion, exhaustion settling over her like a heavy cloak. As she stepped inside, Clara greeted her with an unusually formal tone.

"Welcome back, ma’am."

Lily blinked. Ma’am? Yesterday, everyone had called her Miss Evans. What had changed?

"Thank you, Clara," she said cautiously.

"Would you like dinner, ma’am?"

"I’ve already eaten. I’ll head upstairs now."

Clara nodded but hesitated. "Before you go, ma’am, there’s something you should know."

"What is it?"

"Mr. Kane instructed us to move your belongings into his bedroom today."

Lily froze, her heart pounding. "His bedroom?"

"Yes, ma’am. It was his direct order," Clara said, her tone neutral.

Lily stood rooted to the spot, her mind racing. Alexander Kane’s motives were a labyrinth she couldn’t begin to decipher. And now, as the realization sank in, she felt the weight of the next movement pressing down on her like a dark cloud.

What was he planning?

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