Under the Veil I Rule

Chapter 361

He patted Liliana's shoulder, his voice gentle. "Don't be upset."

Comforting others was never his strong suit, so even these simple words came with some effort.

Wiping away her tears, Liliana looked up at him and asked, "Finn, will you stay with me? I know you don't want to get married-that's fine, we don't have to. I'm not asking you to be my boyfriend or to promise me anything. I just... I just want you by my side. However you want, in whatever way you can."

She knew she was being humble, maybe even a little desperate, and Finnian could sense it too. His expression darkened.

He stood and walked over to the window, staring out into the pitch-black night. Silence stretched between them. After what felt like forever, he returned to her bedside and said quietly, "Get some rest tonight. We can talk about this another time."

He hadn't agreed, but unlike before, he didn't refuse her outright. It was progress, at least.

Liliana nodded, forcing a brave smile. "Okay. I'll try to sleep. Don't worry about me, Finn. Go take care of your things."

Finnian left the hospital. Instead of heading home, he called Dorian out for a drink.

back one strong drink after another. Finally, Dorian covered

what happened with Liliana-the whole story, right down to her desperate attempt the night before. Dorian sighed. "You've got to figure

answer right away. His mind wandered back to

he'd gone to inspect a construction site. Out

been left with scars that never truly healed. He'd always carried a sense of

up to Liliana financially, but now, after what she'd done-slitting

under his breath. Dorian couldn't catch the

Liliana. As

"What

him, forcing a smile. "Nothing. Did you just get off work? Have things been

attempt to change the

take it anymore. She marched ever, snatched the paper out from under the pillow, and handed it to Finnian, her eyes

been diagnosed with a mental illness. What are we supposed to

stop it! Don't say

her face pale. "I'm not crazy. I just have a bit