Broken promises: When the smile fades

Chapter 2

The breathing on the other end gradually faded until it lapsed into silence. William “Will” Anderson keenly discerned this change, realizing that the person on the other end of the line had shifted. A smile slowly crept across his face, growing more radiant with each passing moment. Yet beneath that smile lurked a chilling coldness, akin to the biting winter wind.

Each word he uttered seemed to drip with venom, quietly corroding the listener's psyche.

He spoke coldly and resolutely, "Furthermore, Lily Thompson, I will not concern myself with whatever you do to her. Even if she departs this world, I will not grace her funeral with my presence. So, I implore you, cease your incessant pestering. Your persistence only fills me with revulsion. I once professed love for her, but if you continue to push me, I will admit that I regret ever loving her."

On the other end of the phone, Lily Thompson's heart was pierced by the words "Regret ... having loved her?" Those two words struck with a force that left her breathless. It felt as though her heart was being squeezed by an invisible hand, then released with violent force, the sensation of loss nearly suffocating her.

"Regret..." She echoed the word weakly, as if struggling to comprehend the harsh reality.

Those two words landed like a heavy hammer, shattering Lily Thompson's already fragile resolve and hope. In that moment, she felt her life turn bleak and colorless, as if all joy and meaning had been drained away.

She couldn't help but ponder when William “Will” Anderson had ascended to such a paramount position in her heart, eventually becoming the sole raison d'être of her existence. She had once possessed so much: a loving family, steadfast friends, lofty aspirations, remarkable talents, and a future teeming with possibilities. But at what point had she forsaken all of this for the sake of William “Will” Anderson?

This reality was unfathomable; it bordered on the absurd. To have relinquished her family, friends, dreams, and future for one man—how tragic was that?

"Hahaha..." The eerie laughter reverberated through the air, and suddenly, the phone was abruptly snatched back by Xavier Chen, his voice seething with anger, evidently venting his frustrations at William “Will” Anderson.

However, amidst Xavier's furious tirade, William “Will” Anderson's attention was entirely ensnared by that eerie laughter. He felt an inexplicable sense of familiarity wash over him. He recognized the laughter—it was melodious, and though the sound quality seemed altered, he could still identify it.

As Xavier's curses drowned out the fading laughter, a terrifying and jolting roar echoed, as if rending the fabric of space itself. In that moment, the world seemed to freeze, and William “Will” Anderson's breathing and heartbeat halted.

Only after what felt like an eternity did William “Will” Anderson snap back to reality, surrounded by chaotic footsteps and bestial cries of men. Still, he didn't disconnect the call. Uncertain of what he was waiting for, his palms were slick with cold sweat.

Time seemed to stretch out unnaturally, each passing second feeling like an ordeal. William “Will” Anderson felt as though an eternity had passed, yet he remained steadfast in his wait. The steady rhythm of his heartbeat echoed in his ears, the only sound in the otherwise silent void.

Xavier Chen's laughter filled the empty room with an eerie quality as he spoke. The nasal tone was thick, reminiscent of a crow's cawing in the night, its pitch rising and falling like a flickering candle in the wind. Each syllable seemed to be extracted with effort from the depths of his throat, carrying a twisted sense of smoothness and despair.

"William “Will” Anderson... Your fate will mirror mine, consumed by endless regret. We are both sinners, unforgivable and unable to escape the shackles of guilt. Hahaha..." Before his words could fully land, he abruptly hung up, leaving William “Will” Anderson on the other end, listening to the incessant busy tone in silence.

A wave of unease surged through William “Will” Anderson's mind, his heart sinking to the depths. He gripped the phone tightly, as if willing it to provide answers.

At that moment, a slender figure approached silently—Sarah Johnson.

She gently rested her head against William “Will” Anderson's chest, her voice soft and concerned, "William, are you truly not going to save Sister Lily Thompson? I'm genuinely worried about her... She might have misunderstood, considering our engagement is merely a temporary measure. You don't truly love me; it's to save me. Sister Lily Thompson should understand your pain."

Yet, William “Will” Anderson had no time to address Sarah Johnson's concerns. His brows furrowed tightly, a determined gleam in his eyes. He grasped Sarah Johnson's shoulders, gently pulling her away. Sarah Johnson winced at his sudden movement, her complexion paling, "William, what's wrong?"

William “Will” Anderson took a deep breath, attempting to steady his inner turmoil. He tenderly stroked Sarah Johnson's hair, his voice as soothing as possible, "Sarah, I'm fine. Lily Thompson has resorted to such tactics before. I know how to handle it; don't worry." Despite his reassurances, worry and unease flickered in William “Will” Anderson's eyes.

Five years ago, Lily Thompson's sudden disappearance shattered William “Will” Anderson's previously tranquil life like a lightning strike. The distress call he received unleashed a flood of panic in his heart.

William “Will” Anderson plunged into deep regret, pondering why he had invested so much in a woman who was already six months pregnant. In hindsight, those seemingly trivial matters appeared inconsequential. He regretted his impulsive actions and indifference, burdened by self-blame and remorse.

Over the following three days, William “Will” Anderson struggled to sleep or eat, feeling as though his very soul had been drained. He anxiously awaited news of Lily Thompson, even missing his brother's surgery. His family's fury was palpable; his grandfather's excessive concern landed him in the hospital, while his parents severed ties with him in disappointment.

Just as William “Will” Anderson despaired, Xavier Chen unexpectedly returned Lily Thompson. However, her return did not bring solace to William “Will” Anderson; instead, it stoked his anger. Lily Thompson downplayed her ordeal, revealing she had not been kidnapped but had conspired with Xavier Chen to stage her disappearance, solely to incite worry in him.

William “Will” Anderson's face flushed with rage, but upon seeing Lily Thompson's pale, exhausted countenance, his anger dissipated. He gently caressed her cheeks, escorting her to the hospital despite his fury. However, the test results shocked him—Lily Thompson had aborted their child within those three days!

In that moment, William “Will” Anderson felt as though his world had crumbled. He couldn't comprehend this cruel reality, tears clouding his vision. Tearfully, he pressed Lily Thompson for an explanation, but she remained silent. Eventually, beneath William “Will” Anderson's relentless interrogation, Lily Thompson erupted angrily, "Who gave you the right to anger me?"

Anger ......

These words pierced William “Will” Anderson's heart like a sharp knife, leaving him feeling helpless and pained. To think, their child was sacrificed for such a trivial reason.

In that moment, William “Will” Anderson realized he barely recognized the woman before him, feeling the urge to strangle Lily Thompson and then end his own life to fill the void she had created. He had treated her as his everything, cherishing her like a precious gem, but what had she done for him? In Lily Thompson's heart, he was nothing but a fool.

Yet, despite everything, William “Will” Anderson couldn't bring himself to do it. He couldn't let go.

From then on, William “Will” Anderson resolved to no longer concern himself with Lily Thompson's self-destruction. Though he once loved her, that love had withered away.

Sarah Johnson's eyes reflected her lingering anxiety. "I'm still worried. Xavier Chen's irrationality knows no bounds. He might falsely accuse me of killing her sister, and he has repeatedly attempted my life. I'm truly terrified. It was all an accident, but someone as deranged as him will surely target Lily Thompson. Even if he once held affection for her."

Xavier Chen's profound affection for Lily Thompson drove him to protect her at any cost. Thus, he wouldn't bring harm to her.

As William “Will” Anderson gazed at the young girl before him, his heart softened. Xavier Chen had mentioned that this girl bore a striking resemblance to a young Lily Thompson, not just in appearance but also in her demeanor—carefree, talented, kind, and lovely. Whenever she looked up at him with those pitiful eyes, it was as if he had been transported back in time, reliving his past with Lily Thompson.

Gently patting Sarah Johnson's head, William “Will” Anderson comforted her, "Don't worry, Xavier Chen won't harm her. Go rest now."

"But..." Sarah Johnson hesitated.

"Be good, listen to me." William “Will” Anderson's voice was gentle yet firm, leaving Sarah Johnson with no choice but to comply. She gave him a sweet smile before departing.

Alone by the window, William “Will” Anderson watched as the lights dimmed with the deepening night. Despite his efforts to quell it, unease welled up within him once more. Lily Thompson didn't trust him; she feared Sarah would steal him away. Yet, she shouldn't have resorted to lies and manipulation, attempting to coerce him with Xavier Chen. Wasn't that too selfish and despicable? Lily Thompson must know how much Xavier Chen despised Sarah Johnson. If Sarah Johnson fell into Xavier Chen's clutches, her life would surely be forfeit.

So... when had Lily Thompson become so cold and callous?

He repeated to himself, "Stay calm, stay calm..."

Xavier Chen wouldn't harm Lily Thompson; this must be her ploy. She, with nothing left to lose, was trying to manipulate him into submission!

No need to panic, he assured himself. It's just Lily Thompson; he could break free from her. He had to...

As the day wore on, William “Will” Anderson's unease only grew. He sat in his study, eyes fixed on the starry night sky outside, but found no solace. His fingers drummed nervously on the desk, a rhythmic beat waging war against his inner turmoil. Unable to endure any longer, he resolved to act.

Taking a deep breath, he grabbed his phone and dialed his special assistant's number. The assistant, thick with sleepiness, knew better than to be negligent with William “Will” Anderson. He struggled to sound alert as he answered.

"Good evening, Mr. Anderson. How can I assist you?" he inquired respectfully.

William “Will” Anderson's voice, laced with unwavering determination, came through the line. "Find Lily Thompson," he ordered.

The assistant's heart skipped a beat; he understood the urgency in William “Will” Anderson's tone. Without hesitation, he responded, "Yes, sir. Shall I proceed with the same protocol as before?"

William “Will” Anderson affirmed, though the assistant couldn't see it. "Yes, that's right. Find her as quickly as possible. I have something important to discuss with her."

With that, the call ended, and the assistant sprang into action. Dressing swiftly, he grabbed his keys, ready to embark on his mission.