Her Heart Her Terms (Lily and Xavier)

Chapter 9

Lily sat across from Hazel, who usually spoke to her with a reprimanding tone and a sharp look.

She asked, "What if this has something to do with Xavier?"

"Don't be childish." Hazel stood up, speaking authoritatively.

"I've told you countless times, men have it hard out there. You need to be understanding and considerate. Stop throwing temper tantrums every time."

For two years, Lily had silently endured Xavier's indifference and coldness. She'd complained before, but each time, Hazel would shut her down with words like these. What had kept her going for these two years was her first love for Xavier-an emotion that had only deepened with time.

Lily found herself wondering if Xavier hadn't cheated on her, would she have fallen into the same mindset as Hazel, becoming a submissive wife in an unequal marriage? Hazel, nearing 50 but looking like she was in her 30s, was the epitome of elegance. Many high-society women envied her youthful appearance and perfect figure. But that was how things looked from the outside.

Back in the Joyner residence, Lily saw a different side to Hazel-one where she was the most powerless, having to tiptoe around the rules in her own house. Lily never envied Hazel's public glamor, knowing that Hazel struggled to stand tall behind closed doors.

"Go back home and apologize to Xavier. Don't let him stay angry," Hazel said, sitting back down. She looked at Lily with a mixture of frustration and concern. After all, Lily was her daughter. She softened her tone, "A woman's life depends on her man. Haven't you been living well because of Xavier?"

Her words reminded Lily of Xavier's disdainful eyes.

"I'm giving you 500 thousand dollars a month as your pocket money, and all you have to do is water the plants and sleep with me. Are you not happy with that?" Every time she remembered this, it felt like a sharp pang in her heart.

She didn't mind being Xavier's housewife and tolerating his superior attitude, but she would never stay with him if she knew he didn't love her.

Lily bit her lip, clenching the hem of her shirt, her eyes hardening with resolve.

"Mom, do you really think so little of women?"

Hayden's voice rang down from the stairs. He rolled up his sleeves and casually strolled down. "Doesn't everyone talk about equality between men and women now?"

Hazel's tone softened when speaking to him, with a hint of affection. "Hayden, this doesn't concern you."

Lily's brother, Hayden Joyner, was two years younger than her. He was the apple of the family's eye.

had heard Hazel say many times that the whole family was disappointed

didn't even breastfeed her, and only one month after delivering Lily, she

to Hayden, and that was when

sting in her heart, but she could see no trace of regret in Hazel's words or expressions. Instead, there was pride-pride that Hayden was a son who could carry on

if Lily revealed Xavier's infidelity right

Lily stood up,

longer, she'd be forced to tell them all that she was going to divorce

You're heading back to the Fulton Manor today, right? Take them with you for your

"You've been married for two years, and there's

Lily's father, Bobby Joyner, saw the news that Xavier was throwing a big birthday bash for Sarah. He had grown concerned that Lily's position in the marriage might be

feel like a part of her soul was being torn

had given her birth control pills and watched her take them every time after they had sex, saying he

at least there would be no children

later," Lily said, standing and urging Hazel

her endless chatter as she

you'd secure your position and make him publicly acknowledge your marriage. It would stop other women from trying to get in the way!" Lily remained silent, but Hazel, seeing no response, pulled the gifts back. "I'll find a reliable doctor and have you checked out. You

have time," Lily

refused to hand her the items if she didn't

"Okay, once you've made the appointment, let's talk.

the opportunist, grabbed his jacket and followed her

today, Lily?" Hayden asked as he climbed into his black

residence, Lily parked her car next to Hayden's. But today, not only was the usual spot where she parked

opened the door. "I'm

at her out

car rolled out of the driveway and into the traffic flow, he asked, "Lily, did something

would you ask that?" Lily responded, trying

her. Today, you're avoiding everything.

she sat there in the confined space with her brother. A sense of being unable to hide anything settled over

through her, Hayden didn't press the

when you graduated from college and landed a job at a top design firm? I was so happy for you. But then you chose marriage and became a stay-at-home wife. Even though you didn't say it, I could tell you weren't happy." Hayden scratched his head, trying to be subtle. "I don't know what's going on, and I'm not trying to make you talk about