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.

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

years, she'd dedicated herself to Xavier, ensuring everything met his

agreed without resistance. He sat down on the couch and crossed his legs, as if waiting for her to say more-maybe about

was already grateful he'd agreed to hiring a housekeeper. As for her family's business, she was determined not to involve him any further. After all...

when she'd

sadness in her expression and feeling a pang

her family's issues just yet. They could discuss it when she was ready. He headed for

watched as he

Could he even cook?

checked suit jacket, rolled up his white shirt sleeves, and began moving around the kitchen. He rarely cooked, so his movements were hesitant. After boiling the water, he searched the

pasta and seasoning, only

added the mushrooms, the pasta had already overcooked, breaking apart as