Chapter 3
1003 Words
"Lily!" Joel exclaimed, hurrying towards her with a concerned expression.
Lily turned around, her eyes narrowing slightly. The warm sunlight danced across her features, highlighting the subtle tension in her jaw.
"What is it?" she asked, her tone guarded, her voice laced with a hint of frustration.
Joel's eyes locked onto hers, his apologetic gaze seeking forgiveness. "Hey, I'm really sorry about what happened inside. I apologize on behalf of my friend, Logan."
Lily's eyebrows rose, skepticism etched on her face. "Sorry? You think a simple apology will fix everything?"
Joel took a step closer, his hands spread in a placating gesture. "No, I know it's not that easy. But I assure you, Logan's just joking around. He loves to push people's buttons."
Lily's lips curled into a wry smile. "Expensive jokes, huh? I'm not buying it."
Joel chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Yeah, that one was a pricey mistake. Look, I know Logan can be overwhelming, but he's harmless."
Lily's gaze lingered on Joel's face, searching for reassurance. "You're sure he's just joking?"
Joel nodded emphatically. "Positive. I've known him since we were kids. He's all bark, no bite."
The tension in Lily's shoulders began to ease, replaced by curiosity. "What's his problem, anyway?"
Joel shrugged. "He's just trying to prove a point. You caught him off guard, that's all."
Lily's eyes sparkled with amusement. "I'll bet."
Joel smiled, relieved. "Come on, let's go back inside. I promise there's nothing to worry about."
Lily hesitated, weighing her options. "Even if I don't want to," she said finally, "I'll go back because of you. But let me make one thing clear: if Logan tries anything funny, I'm leaving this house instantly."
Joel's grin widened. "I assure you, he won't. I promise. And if he does, I'll make sure he regrets it."
As they walked back into the mansion together, the warm sunlight gave way to the cool, marble-lined interior. Joel glanced at Lily.
"You're not going to stay mad at him, are you?" he asked, his voice low and teasing.
Lily's smile was enigmatic. "We'll see."
Lily and Joel re-entered the mansion, the grand foyer's elegance enveloping them. Logan sat on the plush couch, engrossed in his phone ca, his fingers flying across the screen.
Joel approached Logan, clearing his throat to announce their presence. "Logan, we're back."
Logan didn't look up, his focus fixed on the phone.
"Lily's settled," Joel continued. "Where will she be staying?"
Logan's gaze remained on his phone, his voice distracted. "Third room on your left."
Joel nodded and turned to Lily. "Third room on your left. Go make yourself comfortable."
Lily nodded, grasping her luggage handle, and began ascending the staircase.
Logan continued his call, oblivious to the exchange.
As Lily climbed the stairs, the soft carpet muffling her footsteps, she glanced around at the elegant decor.
Reaching the landing, she spotted the third door on her left and entered her assigned room.She lay down on the bed, intending to rest for a moment, but soon drifted off to sleep.
Unaware of the passing time, Lily was startled awake by a knock on the door. Groggily, she got out of bed and made her way to the entrance. She opened the door to find Logan standing in the hallway.
"Can you really work for me with what you're doing?" Logan asked, his tone laced with surprise and a hint of disapproval. "I'm sure you're not hired to sleep on the job."
Lily's eyes widened, embarrassment washing over her. "I...I'm sorry. I didn't mean to fall asleep."
Logan's expression remained stern. "Get me some food; I'm hungry."
Lily hastily nodded, still trying to shake off the sleep. "Yes, sir. Right away."
As she turned to fulfill his request, Logan walked away, only to turn back after a few steps. "And remember, next time you're caught sleeping on the job, you'll be fired."
With that, he turned and disappeared down the hallway, leaving Lily feeling shaken and more alert than ever.
Lily woke up very early the next day. She began preparing breakfast for Logan - scrambled eggs with smoked salmon, crispy bacon, and whole wheat toast.
As she placed the breakfast tray in front of him, Lily said, "Good morning, sir."
Logan only nodded .
Lily poured his coffee and handed him a newspaper. "Your breakfast, sir."
Logan grunted acknowledgment and began eating.
After finishing his breakfast, he left for work without a word.
Lily started cleaning the kitchen, scrubbing the countertops and loading the dishwasher.
Just as she was wiping down the sink, her phone rang . Lily answered, and Jessica's tearful voice pierced through the line.
Here's the
"Lily, it's mom..... again", Jessica sobbed. "She had another attack. I'm so scared ".
"What happened?" Lily asked, alarmed.
"Separation anxiety, I think", Jessica replied ."Mom was fine until you left yesterday. She's been worrying nonstop since then. This morning, she woke up with chest pains and shortness of breath.I took her to the hospital."
"Oh God!" Lily gasped.
Their mother's condition was fragile and any emotional stress could trigger an episode.
"I took her to St. Michael's Hospital," Jessica continued. "We're here now. You need to come as soon as possible."
"I'll be on my way!" Lily declared.
"Please hurry," Jessica urged. "The doctors are checking her, but I'm scared."
"I'll be there soon," Lily reassured.
Logan walked into the house after a long day at work, dropping his keys on the counter. "Lily?" he called out.
No response.
Logan headed to the kitchen, opened the fridge, and grabbed the orange juice carton. He poured himself a glass and sat down at the table.
As he sipped his juice, Logan thought, "Where could she be?.........Is it that she intentionally refused to reply?"
"Lily........ Lily......." He called out again.
Logan took another sip, lost in thought.
"Unlikely she'd make friends so quickly," he mused.
He stood up to check her in her room. Just then, the silence was broken by the sound of the door opening.
- Writer
