Her Heart Her Terms (Lily and Xavier)

Chapter 98

98

Xavier wasn't heartless; he wouldn't use this moment to pick a fight with Lily. She'd come back willingly, and if everything could return to normal, he'd let it go without a word. SheChapter stiffly lay down with her head on his lap, eyes closed, allowing him to place the cooling patches over them. The chill soothed her swollen eyes.

Her lips were softly colored, and a few stray strands of hair framed her slender neck. He brushed a finger across her cheek, smoothing her hair, and closed his eyes, resting beside her. His silence surprised her. She'd braced herself for his cold remarks and had been prepared to beg him to let her stay. But he hadn't said a word; he was calm as if nothing had happened. And yet, so much had.

All the way home, she thought over everything. They needed to talk if they were going to live in peace.

After Timothy finally dropped them off at the house, he drove away. Lily felt more grounded and awake after using the cooling patches. Her eyes were no longer as swollen, and her mind felt clearer.

They walked into the villa together. It had been a while since she'd been home, and as they stood there, both felt a bit awkward and distant.

Xavier, who'd never been one for small talk, usually relied on her to keep the conversation going. Turning to look at her, he noticed she was standing there quietly.

and offering her reasoning. "I may need to be at the hospital for Hayden, and I've found a job. I don't want to be

years, she'd dedicated herself to Xavier, ensuring everything met his standards, which had made working

crossed his legs, as if waiting for her to say more-maybe

say anything else. She was already grateful he'd agreed to hiring a housekeeper. As for her family's business, she was

or when she'd

pasta," he said, noticing the sadness in her expression

to bring up her family's issues just yet. They could discuss it when she was ready.

she watched as he walked

Could he even cook?

off his checked suit jacket, rolled up his white shirt sleeves, and began moving around the

to a boil, he added the pasta and seasoning, only remembering to grab some mushrooms

by the time he added the mushrooms, the pasta had already overcooked, breaking apart