CHAPTER TWELVE

Lilys head felt heavy as she awoke the next morning, her mind replaying Michaels chilling words over and over: Seduce him if you have to. The memory made her stomach twist. She didn't want to betray Aiden any more than she already had, but every time she thought about her fathers hospital bills, the reality of her situation came crashing back.

It was still early, barely dawn, and the mansion was blanketed in soft shadows. She dressed quietly, choosing a simple sweater and jeans, trying to feel like herself even in a world that felt foreign. As she padded down the hallway toward the kitchen, she paused, hearing faint voices drifting from Aidens home office.

Curiosity got the better of her, and she moved closer, recognizing Aidens low, steady tone. He was on the phone.

Yes, well arrange the contract… No, I don't care about their demands. My priority is sealing this deal.

There was a pause, and Lily felt a pang of guilt. This was his life—his empire—and she was just another piece caught between powerful men like Michael and Aiden.

After a few more minutes, she heard Aidens footsteps approaching. Quickly, she backed away, entering the kitchen just in time to look preoccupied with the coffee machine.

Aiden appeared in the doorway, his eyes narrowing as they fell on her. You're up early again.

Lily swallowed, willing herself to stay calm. I like the quiet mornings here, she said softly, glancing at him over her shoulder. They remind me of home.

For a moment, she thought she saw a flicker of understanding in his eyes. He stepped further into the room, pulling a mug from the cabinet and pouring himself a coffee, his gaze lingering on her as if studying every nuance.

Do you miss it? he asked, catching her off guard.

My old life? Lily hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. Sometimes. But it feels like a different world now.

Aiden took a long sip of coffee, his expression unreadable. You're right. Some things… once you've crossed certain lines, you cant go back.

The comment felt heavy, weighted with something unsaid. She looked up at him, sensing the layers beneath his carefully guarded exterior. But before she could respond, his phone buzzed, cutting through the quiet intimacy of the moment.

He looked down, his brows knitting together. Duty calls, he said, almost apologetically. Then, before leaving, he paused, his gaze fixed on her in a way that made her feel bare, exposed. Be careful with the things you're holding onto, Lily. They might just drag you down.

He left the kitchen, leaving her alone with his words echoing in her mind. She was starting to wonder how much Aiden knew—or suspected. Her carefully constructed walls felt like they were crumbling.

The day passed slowly. She went through the motions, meeting with the house staff, taking care of small tasks Aiden had assigned her, all while her thoughts were a tangled mess of doubt and fear. The meeting with Michael had stirred something dark, a reminder of the precarious balance she was barely maintaining.

That evening, Aiden summoned her to his office. She knocked lightly, waiting for his deep voice to call her in.

Inside, Aiden was seated at his desk, his gaze focused on a pile of documents. He looked up as she entered, gesturing for her to sit.

I need your opinion on something, he said, passing a file across the desk. Its a proposal from one of our partners. They want to merge assets but on very specific terms.

Lily scanned the pages, surprised that he would ask for her input on something so important. This… this could mean a lot of leverage for them, she said cautiously. Are you sure they're trustworthy?

Aidens mouth curved into a faint smile. You're learning. He watched her, his eyes gleaming with a mix of approval and curiosity. Not everyone in my world is what they seem.

Her heart skipped a beat. Did he mean her? Was this his way of warning her that he saw through the deception? The thought sent a wave of panic through her, but she forced herself to stay calm, nodding as if shed missed the underlying message.

He closed the file and leaned back, his gaze never leaving hers. Tell me, Lily. Why did you take this job?

The question was direct, cutting through the web of lies shed been weaving since her arrival. She hesitated, the truth clawing its way up her throat, but she swallowed it back, offering a carefully rehearsed version of her reality.

I needed the money, she admitted. My fathers… medical bills. And this job offered more than anything else.

He seemed to weigh her words, his eyes flickering with an emotion she couldn't place. Sympathy? Disbelief? It was hard to tell. But his voice softened, just a bit. Family can make us do things we wouldn't dream of otherwise.

The words struck her, resonating deeper than he might ever know. She was here, wrapped in lies and deception, for the sake of her father. But at what cost?

Later that night, she was lying in bed, staring at the ceiling, unable to shake the conversation. Aiden was sharper than shed given him credit for. Each time he looked at her, it was as if he could see beyond the surface, peeling back the layers to expose her true intentions.

As she drifted off to sleep, she wondered how much longer she could keep up the charade. How much longer she could lie to someone who, despite everything, had shown her kindness, respect—even a glimpse of trust.

For the first time, Lily found herself questioning not just her role in Michaels plan, but her own heart. She was starting to care for Aiden, and that terrified her more than anything Michael could ever do.