98
Xavier wasn’t heartless; he wouldn’t use this moment to pick a fight with Lily. She’d come back willingly, and if everything could return to normal, he’d let it go without a word. SheChapter stiffly lay down with her head on his lap, eyes closed, allowing him to place the cooling patches over them. The chill soothed her swollen eyes.
Her lips were softly colored, and a few stray strands of hair framed her slender neck. He brushed a finger across her cheek, smoothing her hair, and closed his eyes, resting beside her. His silence surprised her. She’d braced herself for his cold remarks and had been prepared to beg him to let her stay. But he hadn’t said a word; he was calm as if nothing had happened. And yet, so much had.
All the way home, she thought over everything. They needed to talk if they were going to live in peace.
After Timothy finally dropped them off at the house, he drove away. Lily felt more grounded and awake after using the cooling patches. Her eyes were no longer as swollen, and her mind felt clearer.
They walked into the villa together. It had been a while since she’d been home, and as they stood there, both felt a bit awkward and distant.
Xavier, who’d never been one for small talk, usually relied on her to keep the conversation going. Turning to look at her, he noticed she was standing there quietly.
“We should hire a housekeeper,” she said, breaking the silence and offering her reasoning. “I may need to be at the hospital for Hayden, and I’ve found a job. I don’t want to be a full–time housewife anymore. I want to work.”
For the past two years, she’d dedicated herself to Xavier, ensuring everything met his standards, which had made working impossible.
“Alright,” he agreed without resistance. He sat down on the couch and crossed his legs, as if waiting for her to say more–maybe about her family’s business or Hayden’s medical bills.
But she didn’t say anything else. She was already grateful he’d agreed to hiring a housekeeper. As for her family’s business, she was determined not to involve him any further. After all… she was only here temporarily.
Once Hayden recovered, or when she’d earned enough money, she could….
“I’ll make some pasta,” he said, noticing the sadness in her expression and feeling a pang of empathy.
He figured she might not want to bring up her family’s issues just yet. They could discuss it when she was ready. He headed for the kitchen.
Astonished, she watched as he walked off.
Could he even cook?
She followed him to the doorway, watching as he took off his checked suit jacket, rolled up his white shirt sleeves, and began moving around the kitchen. He rarely cooked, so his movements were hesitant. After boiling the water, he searched the cabinets and finally found a packet of pasta.
As the water came to a boil, he added the pasta and seasoning, only remembering to grab some mushrooms from the fridge at the last moment.
But by the time he added the mushrooms, the pasta had already overcooked, breaking apart as he stirred them.
Standing in the dining room, Lily was lost in thought as she watched him bustling around. For a moment, it felt like they were a real couple–her husband was trying to comfort her on a bad day by cooking her a meal.
In that instant, she almost wanted to tell him the things she hadn’t been able to say to Terence. She walked over, gently tugging on his sleeve.
“About Hayden…” she began. But just as she’d uttered those words, his phone rang.
He reached for it, and her hand slipped from his sleeve.
“Sarah?” he answered, his tone shifting instantly as he heard the woman on the other end crying.
His expression hardened. “I’ll be right there.”
