Chapter 5: Fractured Bonds

Lately, there was an unusual undercurrent in the Hill mansion. The masters seemed to be in good spirits as if something was brewing beneath the surface.

A restless thirst stirred Liliana from her sleep. The water jug on her bedside table was empty.

She sighed softly and slipped out of bed, the hem of her nightgown brushing against the cold floor as she made her way down the dimly lit hallway. 

The hallway stretched before her, a dim expanse of shadows and hushed silence. The mansion at this hour was quiet, save for the occasional rustling of trees outside.

As she walked, a faint murmur of voices drifted from one of the study rooms.

Her steps slowed, and the tone caught her attention.

A silver-white light spilled into the dark corridor through the gap. She hesitated before drawing closer.

The sound grows clearer with each step.

"Enough. Stop making trouble this late," Albert's cold and indifferent voice cut through the air.

Seated behind the grand desk, his fingers idly flipping through a document while his other hand rested against the armrest. The dim glow of the desk lamp cast sharp shadows over his sharp features, reflecting off the polished wood.

Though he was the second son of the first house, his standing in the Hill family ranked him as the third grandson–preceded by his elder brother, Hillary Hill, and his cousin, Theodore Hill. Yet among them, Albert was their grandfather's favorite. Detached, decisive, and unbothered.

Liliana's fingers curled slightly against the doorframe.

"I'm making trouble!?" Seraphina retorted, laced with frustration. "Do you want me to really marry that trust fund baby?"

"You can bring that up with Father," Albert replied flatly, the weight of the matter sliding right past him.

A scoff. "Right. And what? You think he'll actually listen?"

"Mom! Look at him..." Seraphina's voice rose in exasperation. "I don't care. I don't want to be married off to some faraway city, Do you have any idea how the circle views him?"

"A joke. A walking scandal. They say he's no different from–" 

"Seraphina," their mother's voice cut in, smooth yet firm. The soft clink of porcelain met the air as their mother, the First Madam, placed her teacup down.

Liliana could picture the First Madam perfectly–composed, smiling faintly, playing the mediator between her children.

"My dear, aren't you afraid of others joking when you speak like this?" 

Seraphina let out a sharp breath, sinking into the sofa, clearly displeased.

The First Madam continued, reassuring. "Your brother is not the one making the decisions. Let me try to speak to your father about this. Don't worry."

She gently patted Seraphina's arm, attempting to calm her.

"If you're done," Albert interrupted, devoid of emotion. "I still have work to finish."

"You–are you even my brother?" Seraphina snapped, her temper flaring again.

"Enough," their mother's voice came in time to restrain her, rising to her feet. "Your brother is busy. Let's go."

Liliana caught the shift in their footsteps and quietly stepped back, pressing herself into the shadows beside a tall pillar, her heart pounding against her ribs.

The dim hallway concealed her presence, and when their figures passed, she remained unnoticed.

Only after the corridor fell silent again did she move.

Her gaze lingered on the study door for a moment, then she turned away, intrigued flash in her eyes.

Liliana refilled her water jug and returned to her room.

The water, cool and clear, filled up the glass, the sound a gentle counterpoint to the racing thoughts in Liliana's mind. She couldn't escape the truth, her time was approaching...

The Hill family's intricate web of alliances and obligations would soon demand her participation.

She was, after all, a pawn in their game, a piece to be moved strategically across the board.

The sky outside her window lightened, the first rays of dawn painting the room in soft hues.

Downstairs, the light filtered through the dining hall, casting long shadows across the polished table, as the family gathered for breakfast.

Liliana sat quietly after her meal. Around her, the conversation flowed as usual, voices mingling with a polite discussion about business, connection, and prospects.

As her grandfather prepared to leave, she set down the napkin and stood up.

"Grandfather."

The room fell silent, all eyes turning towards her.

The old man paused, turning his gaze toward her. Though his expression remained amicable, a flicker of interest crossed his eyes.

"I'd like to visit my mother today."

The hum of conversation dimmed. It was only a moment, an unspoken pause that came whenever someone like her mother was mentioned.

Her grandfather considered for a beat before nodding. "Of course," As if granting a minor request, he glanced toward the head butler. "Go, tell the guards."

Liliana lowered her eyes and offered a smile full of gratitude. "Thank you, Grandfather," she murmured.

As her grandfather walked away, the room buzzed back to life, conversations resuming as if nothing had happened.

Liliana stood for a moment before she turned to leave.

Evelyn, watching her go, couldn't help but sneer.

"As expected, always going to that unlucky woman," Evelyn muttered under her breath with a tinge of disdain. "I suppose misery loves company."

Liliana didn't slow her steps, nor did she acknowledge the remark. But the faint curve of her lips, neither a smile nor a frown suggested she had heard it.

She arrived at the guarded villa. It was here that her mother resided.

The guards at the villa stood at attention as she approached, the maids and the guards greeted her with respectful nods. "Fourth lady," one of them intoned softly as she passed.

 Liliana gave a slight nod before stepping inside.

Outside in the garden, her mother sat in her wheelchair, carefully tending to a row of delicate orchids.

The cool breeze rustles the leaves, carrying the faint scent of soil and fresh greenery. The sight softened Liliana's heart.

"Mom," Liliana called out as she stepped closer.

Her mother looked up, her facial softening into warmth the instant she saw her. "Lily."

Liliana's brow furrowed as she reached out, touching her mother's cold fingers. "Why don't you take a rest? Your health is worrying."

Her mother chuckled lightly. "Oh, you sound like an old woman, nagging me." she replied, a playful edge in her tone. "This is my little hobby. Much better than just lying about all day."

Liliana sighed, taking her mother's hand more firmly. "At least sit inside for a while." she said, her voice tender.

The maids, familiar with the routine, quietly moved to push the wheelchair from behind as they made their way toward the house.