I still choose you

Lily stumbled onto the rain-soaked pavement as her aunt shoved her through the doorway. The cold droplets mingled with her tears, plastering her thin cotton dress against her trembling body. "Please don't leave me here," Lily cried, her voice breaking with desperation. "Please, I beg you!" Her aunt's face contorted with rage. Without warning, she struck Lily across the cheek, the sharp crack of the slap momentarily drowning out the patter of rainfall. Lily staggered backward, her hand flying to her stinging face. "Get further away from my house," her aunt hissed, advancing toward her with clenched fists. She kicked at Lily, forcing her deeper into the downpour. "If you dare come back here again, I would kill you myself. Don't come back!" The door slammed shut, leaving Lily alone in the darkness as thunder rumbled ominously overhead. She wrapped her arms around herself, shivering not just from the cold, but from the crushing weight of abandonment. "But you took me in. I thought you loved me," Lily said, her voice trembling with the betrayal she felt cutting through her heart. Her aunty came out again and scoffed, her face hardening into cruel lines that Lily had never noticed before. "Loved you? I never loved you," she spat, waving her hand dismissively. "My affection extends only to my own children—the ones I have now." The words hung in the air between them, sharp and final, leaving Lily to grasp the painful truth that had been disguised as family for all these years. "Since you can't perform your duties as a maiden properly, I don't want your wretched, plump self in my house again," she hissed, her words sharp as daggers. "With your size, did you really think I would continue caring for you?" She spat the final insult before turning on her heel and disappearing into her house, the door slamming with finality behind her. Lily remained seated on the wet pavement, rain cascading down her face, mingling with the hot tears that streamed from her reddened eyes. Her clothes clung to her trembling body, completely soaked through, while puddles formed around her. The downpour intensified her humiliation, each droplet a reminder of her newfound abandonment. A car approached, its headlights cutting through the gray curtain of rain, and slowed to a stop as the driver noticed the forlorn figure crying by the roadside. An elegant, handsome gentleman emerged from the car, unfurling an umbrella against the downpour. His refined features softened with concern as he approached the distressed figure on the roadside. "Hello, my lady," he called, his voice barely audible above the storm. "What's wrong? Why are you out in this dreadful weather?" The thunderous roar of rain drowned his words before they could reach Lily. She remained hunched over, her shoulders trembling with each sob, eyes tightly shut against both the physical storm and the emotional tempest within her. Teardrops mingled with raindrops on her flushed cheeks as she remained oblivious to her potential rescuer, lost in the depths of her own despair she couldn't hear his voice. He tapped her shoulder gently. As she opened her eyes, a handsome face came into focus before her. "What's wrong?" he asked again, his voice soft with concern. She shook her head and cried harder, tears streaming down her flushed cheeks. He stretched out his hand—a gesture of kindness in her moment of distress—which she accepted after a moment's hesitation. As she stood up, her legs trembled slightly. "Do you mind coming to my car?" he asked, his eyes reflecting genuine worry. "I promise I don't have any ulterior motives. I'm just trying to help."." Seated in the luxury vehicle, her dress soaked through and creating a small puddle on the leather upholstery, she brushed a strand of wet hair from her face. "I'm so sorry I'm ruining your car," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly as she wrapped her arms around herself. "It's perfectly fine," he replied, his tone gentle and reassuring. He caught the chauffeur's eye in the rearview mirror and nodded, signaling him to proceed. As the car pulled away from the curb, he turned toward her, concern etched across his features. "What happened to you? Why were you standing alone on the road, crying in the rain?" "I-I was..." she answered, shivering uncontrollably, her teeth chattering in the biting cold. "Wait, please," he said, noticing her trembling form. "Pardon me." He removed his jacket with swift care and draped it gently around her shoulders, his fingers lingering momentarily. "You must be freezing." His voice softened with concern as he met her eyes. "Forgive my oblivious nature. I should have noticed sooner." She muttered "thank you" through clenched teeth. "Don't say anything until we get home, alright? Just rest," he replied, carefully adjusting the seat to accommodate her comfort. "Thank you so much," she whispered, her voice barely audible. In her mind, she marveled at his kindness. This stranger had shown her more compassion than most people she knew. His humble demeanor touched something deep within her—the way he'd helped someone he knew nothing about and still apologized for not offering his jacket sooner. There was something remarkably genuine about him that put her at ease despite the circumstances. He seemed not only amazing but trustworthy, a rare quality she hadn't encountered in quite some time. The gentle way he handled the situation made her tense muscles relax slightly, though her guard remained cautiously up. The chauffeur pulled up to an exquisite mansion, its grandeur immediately captivating. The sprawling estate boasted meticulously maintained gardens with vibrant roses and an array of colorful flowers dancing in the gentle breeze. Lily gazed in awe at the magnificent structure, its imposing façade both intimidating and alluring. The gentleman beside her cleared his throat, drawing her attention away from the breathtaking scenery. "Forgive my earlier oversight," he said with a warm smile that reached his eyes. "I haven't properly introduced myself. My name is Jared Wilson." He extended his hand toward her, his expression genuinely welcoming. "It's a pleasure to meet you." Emma hesitated briefly before accepting his handshake, noticing how his touch lingered slightly longer than customary. "Would you mind if I held your hand to guide you into the house?" Jared asked, his voice soft and considerate. A moment of uncertainty flashed across Emma's face as she weighed her options. Something about his demeanor put her at ease despite her natural caution. After a brief pause, she placed her hand in his, feeling an unexpected flutter in her chest as their fingers intertwined. "I know it's not easy to enter a stranger's home," Jared said with a gentle smile that softened his weathered face, "but for your sake, please feel welcome here." He gestured toward the big mansion , his eyes reflecting sincerity. "I promise I mean you no harm." It was still raining as he held a butler ran out with an umbrella . Lily nodded as she stepped into the mansion alongside Jared, a sudden realization dawning on her. The name finally connected in her mind—he wasn't just any Jared, but Jared Wilson of the prestigious Wilson family, renowned for their strict moral code and ironclad rules. Earlier, she had barely glanced at him, too preoccupied with her own thoughts, but now his identity struck her with unexpected force. The subtle confidence in his posture, the refined way he carried himself—it all made perfect sense. A flutter of nervousness rippled through her stomach as she contemplated the implications of being in the company of someone from such influential circles. A grand "W" monogram adorned the entrance gate, proudly announcing the Wilson estate. The ornate initial, crafted in wrought iron and gleaming with gold leaf, caught the light and commanded attention from passersby. Eliza Wilson Jared's mother had insisted on this touch of elegance, believing that first impressions mattered deeply, while her husband William had initially protested the ostentation but eventually surrendered to his wife's refined taste. Visitors often paused to admire the craftsmanship before proceeding up the winding driveway toward the imposing mansion that stood as a testament to the family's generations of prosperity.