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.

the bar, Finnian knocking back one strong drink after another. Finally, Dorian covered his glass. "Cut it

happened with Liliana-the whole story, right down to her desperate attempt the night before. Dorian sighed. "You've got to figure out what you want to do. What are you really

away. His mind wandered back to the

Out of nowhere, something heavy came crashing down from above, right on course to hit him. Liliana had thrown herself in the way, saving his

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

to make things up to Liliana financially, but now, after what

rubbed his brow, muttering something under his breath. Dorian couldn't catch

straight to the hospital to check on Liliana. As he walked in, he caught her hurriedly stuffing a sheet of paper

approached. "What

Did you

to change the

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

a mental illness. What are

Don't

pale. "I'm not crazy. I just have a bit of depression, that's all. Depression isn't the same mentally ill