Chapter 11 - Unraveling Truths

Nathan leaned against the school rooftop railing, staring at the city skyline as the afternoon breeze ruffled his hair. He exhaled slowly, feeling lighter than he had in years. Ever since his conversation with Joseph Carter, something inside him had shifted.

He wasn't just playing the role of Lilian's boyfriend anymore.

He wanted to be one.

For the first time, Nathan found himself enjoying Lilian's company without the usual walls he built around himself. He no longer saw their relationship as a game or a temporary arrangement. It felt… real.

And that terrified him.

---

Lilian had noticed it too.

She sat across from Nathan at their usual café, stirring her drink absentmindedly while sneaking glances at him. He was different lately. More patient, more thoughtful. He actually listened when she spoke, and he no longer teased her just to get a reaction.

"You're different," she finally said, tapping her fingers on the table.

Nathan smirked. "Different how?"

Lilian narrowed her eyes. "You're nicer. And I don't mean fake-nice like before. It's… weird."

Nathan chuckled. "Maybe I just decided to be a better person."

Lilian scoffed. "Yeah, right."

She wasn't convinced.

But before she could push further, a familiar voice interrupted.

---

"Are my eyes deceiving me?" James dramatically gasped as he slid into the seat next to Nathan. "Is this Nathan? The same guy who used to treat girls like they were nothing more than a passing amusement?"

Nathan groaned. "James, shut up."

Eva smirked as she sat beside Lilian. "I knew it. Lilian, you've changed him."

Lilian scoffed. "I didn't do anything."

Eva leaned closer. "Admit it. You like him."

Lilian's face turned slightly red. "I— That's not— Shut up, Eva."

James laughed. "Oh, this is golden."

Nathan simply smirked, enjoying how flustered Lilian was. Deep down, he knew it was true. He liked her.

Maybe even more than he was ready to admit.

---

Meanwhile, in a dark office filled with the scent of expensive cigars, Denis Cole leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the armrest.

"Is everything in place?" he asked without looking up.

"Yes, sir," a deep voice responded. "We've started monitoring Nathan. He's been spending a lot of time with the Carter girl."

Denis smirked. "Interesting. What else?"

"She's Joseph Carter's only daughter. The Carters are wealthy, but they stay out of corporate wars. However…"

Denis raised an eyebrow. "However?"

"There's something about Joseph Carter. He knows more than he lets on. Should we continue surveillance?"

Denis exhaled, his expression unreadable. "Yes. And don't let Nathan find out."

---

Days later, while hanging out with Nathan, Lilian noticed his phone screen light up from a message.

Unknown Number: "We need to talk. It's urgent."

Nathan quickly grabbed his phone and turned it off before she could see anything more.

But she had seen enough.

Something about his reaction felt off.

For the first time, she wondered… was Nathan hiding something from her?

---

Later that evening, Lilian stood outside Nathan's apartment, waiting for him. She wasn't sure why she was here, but something in her gut told her she needed answers.

When Nathan finally arrived, he looked surprised to see her.

"Lilian? What are you doing here?"

Lilian crossed her arms. "I need to ask you something."

Nathan tilted his head. "Go ahead."

She took a deep breath. "Who are you, really?"

Nathan froze.

The question hung in the air like a blade, sharp and demanding.

For the first time, he didn't know what to say.

Nathan's throat went dry as Lilian stared at him, her eyes filled with doubt.

"Who are you, Nathan?"

The question lingered in the air, heavy and suffocating. His heart pounded—not out of fear, but because he didn't know how to answer without ruining everything.

"I… I—"

Then—

BAM!

Nathan's eyes caught a blur of headlights rushing toward them.

Too fast.

Too close.

Without thinking, his body moved on instinct. He grabbed Lilian and shoved her away just in time—

But he wasn't fast enough to save himself.

Pain. A brutal, crushing impact slammed into him, sending him flying. His body twisted mid-air before crashing onto the cold asphalt.

A sharp, burning agony tore through his ribs as his vision spun. The world around him blurred, distant shouts and the sound of screeching tires barely registering in his mind.

Then—darkness.

A scream.

"NATHAN!"

Lilian's voice cracked as she sprinted toward him, her hands trembling as she reached out.

Nathan lay there, chest rising and falling unevenly. Blood trickled from the side of his head, staining the pavement beneath him.

His fingers twitched slightly.

Lilian's breath hitched.

TO BE CONTINUED.....

End of Chapter 11.