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.

after another. Finally, Dorian covered his glass. "Cut it out, man. Another

Dorian what 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

away. His mind wandered back to the

estate company, and back when he'd just taken over as CEO, he'd gone to inspect a construction site. Out of nowhere, something heavy came crashing down

with scars that never truly healed. He'd always

up to Liliana financially, but now, after what she'd done-slitting her wrists-he realized

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

a meeting, Finnian went straight to the hospital to check on Liliana. As he walked in, he caught her hurriedly

approached. "What

"Nothing. Did you just get off work? Have things been

attempt to change

She marched ever, snatched the paper out from under the pillow, and handed it to Finnian,

Liliana's been diagnosed with a mental illness. What are we

stop it! Don't say

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