Her Heart Her Terms (Lily and Xavier)

Chapter

40

As soon as Xavier dialed the number, his expression turned dark.

He hardly ever called Lily, but she hung up on him this time.

Last night's missed call was an accident, but her hanging up... That was intentional.

How ungrateful.

He showed his phone back into his pocket. Then, he got into his car and drove away from the hospital.

Sensing the shift in his mood, Sarah wisely chose to keep quiet.

She discreetly tossed her lipstick onto the floor beside the passenger seat.

BLD

As soon as Lily and Maryanne stepped out of the elevator, Xavier's call came through.

She looked at it briefly before hanging up without hesitation.

Late sympathy was worthless, and she didn't need his concern.

Besides, knowing Xavier, it probably wasn't genuine concern. It was more like an obligation.

He was just checking how she ended up in this state.

Her heart ached, with each beat sharper than the last.

Nearby, a street lined with breakfast stalls bustling with Jadeford's local flavors came into view. Maryanne silently cursed Xavier the whole way but kept up a light-hearted chatter to distract Lily. "It's a treat coming with you. I never have time to stop by here for breakfast. The food here is amazing!" Lily played along while steering clear of the subject. "The last time I was here, I was still in college."

"Same here! The last time was with you during college," Maryanne exclaimed. She inhaled deeply with a look of bliss. "Today, we're going to try everything!" The alley was crowded and noisy. It gradually pushed away Lily's sadness.

She let Maryanne lead her, and they wove through the stalls. Before they knew it, their hands were full of food.

They found a stall that sold calzone. They ordered a piece and sat down to eat.

"Maryanne, after this, could you drop me back at the hospital? If you have things to do, feel free to go."

Lily knew how busy Maryanne was as the Devereux family restaurants were thriving.

Maryanne unwrapped the snacks she had bought and set them on the table.

"When Terence comes back, I'll be free. I have no interest in managing those restaurants."

"Why is Terence suddenly coming back?" Lily asked curiously. She thought about what he had said.

The Devereux family mainly ran restaurants and hotels, but Terence had chosen to major in interior design at college.

Refusing to join the family business had caused a huge fight, even sending Maryanne's father to the hospital.

Maryanne had shared these details with her before.

Maryanne sighed. "I have no idea what's on his mind. He started his own design firm abroad and even won some awards, and because of that, my dad was very happy.

"Things were finally calming down between them, and then suddenly, Terence pulled out his investments and returned. My dad was furious and made him handle all the family businesses. Not wanting to push him over the edge, Terence took it on." The Devereux family had quite a few businesses, plus the responsibility of managing Lupier.

Lily thought that calling it a challenge for Terence was an understatement.

Since it was the Devereux family's matter, she let Maryanne vent without interrupting.

An hour later, they returned to the hospital ward.noveldrama

The neighboring room was empty now.

Maryanne fidgeted. She switched between the couch and Lily's bed while locking eyes with her over and over.

"Just say what's on your mind."

Although Lily didn't want to bring up Xavier, she knew Maryanne couldn't keep it bottled up.

"Any updates on your brother's case? When are you divorcing?"

Maryanne refrained from mentioning Xavier and Sarah as she was afraid that it might upset her.

Lily shook her head and said, "If there were any updates, Timothy or the lawyer team would have contacted me."

"Since Xavier's involved now,

it should be settled soon. Have you thought about not returning to Lupier and leaving Jadeford?" Maryanne asked out of the blue.