Chapter 8
1063 Words
Lily's expression turned firm, and she shook her head. "Ah, no, Joel. You are very sincere with me, but it actually can't work. Pretending to be his girlfriend while being his maid is something that can never work."
Joel's face fell, but he didn't give up. "Just try, Lily. Just try to fake dating him, and then you'll see everything will just be okay. Just try it."
Lily's voice was firm. "Ah, no, Joel. That's the least thing I can ever do. My life, I think, is even more complicated than his. Having to cover up for him is not something I can do. I'm sorry."
Joel's face fell, and he nodded slowly. "I understand. I apologize for putting you in this position."
Lily stood up, her movements swift and decisive. "I will also take my leave now. We can talk some other time."
Joel nodded, standing up as well. "Yes, of course. Take care, Lily."
Lily turned and walked away, her footsteps echoing through the hallway. She pushed open the front door and stepped out into the bright sunlight, feeling a sense of relief wash over her.
Lily took a cab and she soon arrived at her mom's place, a small, cozy house on the outskirts of town.
As she entered the house, Lily's mom smiled weakly from the couch. "Lily, my dear, I'm so glad you're here. I was feeling a bit better today."
Lily rushed to her mom's side, concern etched on her face. "Mom, I'm so glad to hear that." She smiled reassuringly. "You're doing great, Mom. I'll make sure to take good care of you."
Her mom's eyes sparkled with gratitude. "I miss you so much, Lily. You're always trying to take care of me, even when things are tough for you."
Lily's eyes welled up with tears. "Mom, you know I'm trying hard. Don't worry, once I get my pay for this month, I'll make sure to pay some of your hospital bills and use the rest for food and other expenses."
Her mom nodded weakly. "I know, dear. But food is a problem for us right now. I didn't eat anything this morning."
Lily's face fell, but she quickly rummaged through her bag. "Mom, I have some leftovers from breakfast. I bought some extra food this morning, just in case."
She pulled out a container filled with steaming hot food and handed it to her mom. "Here, Mom, eat this. I'll sit with you and make sure you're okay."
Her mom's eyes filled with tears as she took a bite of the food. "Thank you, Lily."
As Lily's mom ate the food, Jessica sat beside her, smiling warmly. "Thank God you came here, Lily. Thank God you came here," she said, her eyes shining with gratitude.
Lily smiled back, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. The three of them ate the food together, enjoying each other's company.
After spending some time together, Lily's mom began to feel tired. She leaned back against the couch, her eyes drooping.
Lily gently took her hand, smiling softly. "Mom, why don't you take a nap? You need to rest."
Her mom nodded, her eyes closing as she drifted off to sleep.
Jessica turned to Lily, her expression serious. "Thank you for coming, Lily. I didn't want to scare you over the phone, but feeding is really hard for me and Mom nowadays. The hospital bills keep piling up, and Mom can't even take her medication without food."
Lily's eyes widened in concern. "I had no idea, Jessica. I'm so sorry."
Jessica shook her head. "It's not your fault, Lily. We're just going through a tough time. But I'm really working hard to get more money, and I'm hoping things will get better soon."
Lily nodded, feeling a sense of determination. "I'm working hard too, Jessica. And I'm hoping that my job will help us get back on our feet."
Jessica smiled, her eyes shining with gratitude. "I hope so too, Lily. I really do. And I hope you and your boss...I hope the two of you are compatible. Is he a nice person?"
Lily sighed, her shoulders sagging in resignation. "You know I have no choice, even if he's not nice. I just need to make sure Mom is okay, and that's all that matters. I have to endure, no matter what."
Jessica's eyes narrowed, her expression skeptical. "Did something happen?"
Lily explained all that happened to Jessica.
Jessica's expression turned incredulous. "And then he told you to pretend to be his girlfriend? What does that even mean? Does he think you're some kind of..."
Lily interrupted, her voice firm. "Don't bother, JessicaI told him I wasn't interested. Even his friend tried talking to me about it, but I told them I wouldn't be a part of it."
Jessica's eyes narrowed. "You have to be careful, Lily. You have to be very watchful. Please, just take care of yourself."
Jessica''s voice was filled with emotion. "I really feel...if it wasn't for the problems we're facing now, you wouldn't have to go through all this."
"But please, don't cry. It's not your fault. It's not my fault. That's how life is sometimes."
Jessica's eyes welled up with tears, and she looked like she was about to break down.
Lily quickly got up and hugged her. "No, Jessica, don't cry. It's going to be okay. Everything will turn out well. You don't have to cry."
Jessica hugged her back, tears streaming down her face.
Lily was walking back to the mansion when she saw Logan and a lady coming out of the gate. They met at the entrance, and Lily couldn't help but stare.
The lady was different from the one who came the other day. She was dressed in a sleek, blue dress that hugged her curves in all the right places. Her shoes were high-end designer stilettos, and her handbag was a luxurious, diamond-encrusted Chanel. Her glasses were designer as well, with intricate details that sparkled in the sunlight.
Lily felt a pang of jealousy as she took in the lady's outfit. She couldn't help but compare herself to this glamorous stranger.
Logan smiled at the lady, and they exchanged a few words. Then, he turned to Lily and said, "I'll be back."
Without another word, Logan got into his car with the lady, and they drove off.
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