Chapter 6: Sealed in Silence

Inside the villa, Liliana busied herself with small tasks, after ensuring her mother was comfortable. 

Liliana went to fetch a shawl. As she passed by another room, a weak cough echoed from within.

She paused and, as if offhandedly, stopped a passing maid. "How's the second sister-in-law's health?"

The maid hesitated briefly before answering, "It's the usual, Miss. Her medicine is a necessity now."

Liliana hummed in acknowledgment and let the subject drop.

A pawn sacrificed in the family's relentless pursuit of power and prestige. Liliana's heart clenched with a familiar ache.

She knew her fate might not be so different.

Liliana sat beside her mother. Her mother's face, etched with marks of time and suffering, held a gentle warmth as she held up her phone.

"Look at this, Lily," her mother said, brimming with pride. "Azalea sent me a video of her ballet performance at school."

Liliana leaned closer, her heart warming at the sight of her younger sister, Azalea, gracefully moving across the stage, her movements were light and fluid. 

"She's talented," Liliana praised. "Her form is getting better."

She glanced at her mother and mentioned casually, "She should be coming home for the weekend. I'll bring her to see you then."

Her mother's face lit up. "Oh, that would be wonderful!", she exclaimed.

But then, a shadow of doubt crossed her features. "Will your grandfather... allow it?" 

Liliana reached over, gently covering her mother's hand with her own. "Don't worry, Mom," She reassured smoothly. "Grandfather is kind to us. He understands."

It was a white lie, spoken effortlessly. 

Her grandfather, the patriarch of the Hill family, was anything but kind. But she knew her mother needed this reassurance, this illusion of normalcy.

Her mother, confined to the villa, accepted it without a doubt. To her, the family's treatment of her daughters had always seemed kind.

As the evening deepened, Liliana's mother reached for her hand, reluctant to let her go. "Stay for dinner tonight," she coaxed gently. "It's been a while since we've eaten together."

Liliana smiled, squeezing her mother's fingers lightly. "I'd love to, Mom, but I still have assignments to finish. Next time, okay?"

"Alright, then," Her mother sighed, but she nodded in understanding. "Make sure you eat properly."

"I will," Liliana reassured. She knelt slightly to adjust the shawl on her mother's shoulders—light and careful.

"I'll come again soon." she smiled faintly and added.

"Goodnight, Mom."

With that, she bid her farewell stepping into the night air before heading towards the main house.

The moment she stepped inside, the usual tranquility of the Hill mansion was replaced with a lively buzz. In the living room, Seraphina, Evelyn, and several cousins were gathered. Lavish gifts were piled across the space. Luxury handbags, jewelry, and branded boxes, each more extravagant than the last.

Evelyn, surrounded by admiring cousin was the center of attention as always.

Hearing footsteps, Evelyn lazily lifted her gaze. "Oh, look who finally decided to grace us with her presence."

"Did you enjoy your little pity party with the invalid?" she added sarcastically.

Liliana arched a brow, ignoring the barb. Her gaze swept over the gifts, recognizing the distinctive extravagance of Hillary Hill, her eldest uncle's son.

And, right on cue–

A confident voice rang out as he approached. "What do you think, my dear sisters? Do you like my gifts?"

Hillary Hill strode in, his presence as boastful as ever. "Just wait till I win the west side project. Then I'll treat you all to an even bigger celebration."

Liliana found an unoccupied corner and settled down, crossing her legs as she listened to him talk.

Seraphina, smooth as ever, stood beside her brother. "If you're feeling so generous, you can get me that bag I've been eyeing."

Hillary grinned. "Just one? I'll buy you ten."

His loud confidence filled the room, but for once, no one found it grating. Because, truth be told, Hillary had some ability.

At dinner, the mood remained high. Even the old man looked to be in good spirits, his usual strict demeanor relaxed.

The West Side project was a lucrative deal, tied to the wealthiest families in the country. Promising to elevate the Hillbourne Group's status and wealth considerably.

Its success would solidify their position among the elite families in the country.

"Hillary," their grandfather finally spoke, setting down his cutlery. "Negotiations with the Aurelian Imperium won't be easy. Be careful. There is no room for mistakes."

The table quieted down slightly at the mention.

The Aurelian Imperium, the largest conglomerate in the country, was the driving force behind the West Side project. And behind the Aurelian Imperium stood the Alchys Family.

Alchys, a name that commands power, is a dominant force holding the country's economic lifeline in a chokehold. Even Hillary, for all his bravado, nodded seriously.

"Don't worry, Grandfather. I know what I'm doing."

After dinner, as the family dispersed, Seraphina wasted no time catching up to Hillary, grabbing his arm and dragging him toward the secluded back garden.

He clicked his tongue. "What now?"

She pinched his arm, forcing him to face her. "Is there really no way out of this?"

Hillary let out a short laugh. Amused. "Think about it–how do you think this piece of pie landed in our laps?" he countered, gesturing towards the mansion with a dismissive wave. "The West Side project, it's not a gift, it's a deal."

Seraphina's expression darkened.

He patted her shoulder, almost like comforting a child. "Be obedient. We need the Sterling Family influence."

"So you're just going to let it be?" She bit out. "What's the point of having you if you can't change a damn thing?"

"This is a done deal." Hillary sighed, already done with the conversation. "Tomorrow, we finalize the contract. All you need to do is just stay at home and prepare to be a bride." Checking his watch, "I've got things to do."

He turned and walked away.

Seraphina scoffed. "What work? Isn't it just chasing after women?" Her voice dripped with disdain. "All of them are useless." She turned on her heel and stormed off.

Meanwhile, in the shadows of the corridor, Liliana leaned against the wall as she tilted her head back slightly. Smoke curled from her lips before she crushed the cigarette between her fingers. Her eyes remained dull as she listened to the fading footsteps.

She had only been looking for a quiet corner to sneak a smoke–didn't expect to run into this little drama.

How fitting. Looks like the proud Second Lady is just as trapped as the rest of us.