CHAPTER 9
256 Words
Ethan leaned back in his chair, studying her again, this time longer. “Control is how things don’t fall apart,” he said finally. Lily nodded, but she didn’t fully agree. She had seen life fall apart even when people tried their best to control it. Still, she didn’t argue. She was learning when to speak and when not to.
Later that evening, Lily stood alone in her room again, staring out at the darkening sky. The house lights turned on slowly around her, glowing softly like everything had a place except her. She thought about Ethan’s words, Claire’s instructions, and the contract sitting somewhere downstairs. It all felt too structured for something that involved human hearts.
A soft knock broke her thoughts, and Maria stepped in with a small tray. “Dinner is optional tonight,” she said gently. “Mr. Blake is working late.” Lily nodded, sitting down slowly as Maria placed the tray near her. “Does he always work like this?” she asked without thinking too much.
Maria paused for a second before answering carefully. “Yes,” she said. “He always has.” Lily looked down at her food, suddenly understanding a little more without needing full explanation. A man who never stopped working, never relaxed, never opened space for anything personal. It made sense why he spoke like emotion didn’t matter.
But as she sat there alone, Lily couldn’t stop one thought from forming quietly in her mind,
How does someone like that ever learn to love?
- Writer
