PAST
Outside Lily's room, Lexis and Ethan felt their annoyance rise as they listened to Lily's conversation. Who was this person trying to poison her mind against them? Their protective instincts kicked in, and they silently vowed to confront this mysterious person if they ever crossed paths.
"Wow, Aiden, you're so smart. I didn't think of that. Don't worry, I won't trust them," Lily replied, her voice carrying a hint of innocence and trust.
It dawned on Lexis and Ethan that Lily was talking on the phone with Aiden, her brother, who seemed intent on turning her against their new family. Aiden's influence had taken root, and the brothers couldn't help but feel frustrated at the ongoing battle for Lily's trust.
"Good. I'm bored, so do you want to play a game with me?" Aiden suggested.
"Yes," Lily responded, seemingly unaware of the ongoing drama outside her door.
Feeling defeated, Lexis and Ethan moved away from the door, abandoning their mission to deliver ice cream to Lily. As they headed back downstairs, Richard noticed their return without Lily.
"What happened?" he inquired, sensing the tension.
"Aiden happened," Ethan replied bitterly, frustration evident in his voice. The battle to win Lily's trust had just become more complex, and Aiden's interference added an unexpected layer of difficulty to their mission of building a new family.
---
Months passed, and despite the initial challenges, Lexis and Ethan managed to inch closer to Lily, breaking through some of the barriers she had set up. Yet, the progress was slow, and Lily remained guarded.
One day, as Lily sat absorbed in a book in her room, a knock echoed through the door. "Enter," Lily said without looking up from her reading. Her mother, Erica, and stepdad, Richard, entered the room, their expressions carrying a weighty conversation.
Richard, sensing Erica's struggle, decided to take the lead. "Child, it's about your new school," he began, hoping to address the matter delicately.
Lily, still confused about what could be wrong, looked up from her book, her innocent brown eyes brimming with curiosity. Ever since Lily had moved in with her stepfamily, they had been searching for a suitable school for her.
"What's the problem?" Lily asked, her voice laced with innocence.
Richard hesitated before explaining, "You see, Elysian Fields Academy and Seraphim Elite School are currently full, so you won't be attending the same schedule as your brothers."
"So, which school am I going to?" Lily questioned.
"Haven Prep," Erica, Lily's mother, answered. Lily's confusion deepened. She didn't understand what was wrong with the school.
"It's a public school," Richard added, providing the missing piece of information.
Lily's eyes widened with understanding. She had never been in a public institution before, having been privileged since birth. Her father had instilled in her the belief that public facilities were filthy, so why were they insisting on sending her to a public school?
"And there was no other school to consider?" Lily questioned, her eyes narrowing in suspicion. Lily's adorable face, sporting such a serious expression, had a comical effect on them, making it hard to stay focused.
"There were, but they were more than two hours' drive from home," Richard explained.
"But you don't need to worry. Richard made a big donation, so the facilities will be top-notch, and the teachers are very good," Erica assured, trying to ease Lily's concerns.
"I see," Lily responded, her tone skeptical.
"The moment there is an open spot, I'll transfer you," Richard promised, attempting to offer some reassurance.
Lily remained silent, contemplating the sudden change in her educational plans. "Baby, are you okay with it?" Erica asked nervously.
"Why are you asking me when you've already decided?" Lily shot back.
Erica felt a pang of shame; she and Richard had indeed tried to secure admission to prestigious private schools in their neighborhood, but they were full. Not wanting to send Lily too far from home, they compromised with the local public school. However, they promised to transfer her as soon as a spot opened up.
---
The anticipation for Lily's first day of school buzzed through the mansion the week leading up to it. Excitement filled the air, and everyone eagerly awaited the morning.
The night before Lily's first day, a hushed atmosphere enveloped the dinner table. After finishing the meal in silence, Lily spoke up, breaking the quietude. "I'd like to go to school on my own for the first day," she announced.
Her request instantly dampened the spirits of everyone in the room. Ethan, feeling the need to reassure her, chimed in, "Why is it because you think we'll do something bad? 'Cause we won't."
Lily shook her head, revealing her true intentions. "No, you're all too noticeable. I want to blend in," she explained.
Her words left the family surprised. Lily, with her distinct features — black hair, big brown eyes, and an extremely innocent and cute face — stood out among them. Lily, however, interpreted their expressions as understanding. "I'll see you tomorrow then," she said before leaving the room.
As Lily departed, a sense of disheartenment settled over the family. The prospect of her wanting to blend in, rather than stand out as a part of their family, left them feeling a tinge of sadness. The unspoken desire to be recognized and accepted by Lily lingered in the air, creating an unexpected shift in dynamics.
---
The next morning, Lily descended the staircase wearing a white dress, her hair styled in delicate curls. She looked stunning, and everyone in the room was mesmerized by her appearance. Lily noticed their intense stares and couldn't help but feel confused.
"Is there something wrong with my outfit?" she inquired.
"No, you look beautiful," Ethan complimented.
"Baby, if you want to blend in, that's not the way," Erica advised.
"This is my most simple dress. I'm sure I'll fit in just fine," Lily responded confidently.
They all sat down to have breakfast together before the children had to leave for school. Lily's biological father had sent her a car for her personal use, and since she was too young to drive, Richard, her stepdad, had hired a driver for her. Lily headed to the Rolls Royce Phantom that her father had bought for her, took a seat in the back, and fastened her seatbelt. The car gracefully drove off, taking Lily towards the new chapter of her life.
The family watched the car depart, a mix of emotions lingering in the air. Lily's determination to blend in and her departure in a luxurious car highlighted the contrast between her old life and the new one she was trying to navigate. As the car disappeared down the road, the mansion felt emptier, and the family silently hoped that Lily's first day at Haven Prep would be a positive step towards integration.
---
The journey to school unfolded in silence, the rhythmic hum of the car engine providing a backdrop to Lily's thoughts. The luxurious ride seemed to envelop her in a bubble of anticipation until, abruptly, the car screeched to a halt. Confused by the unexpected stop, Lily questioned, "What's wrong?"
"Sorry, miss. Some idiot suddenly rushed in front of the car," her driver apologized.
Intrigued, Lily decided to investigate. She undid her seatbelt and stepped out of the car, only to be met with a surprising sight. There, sitting on the road, was a boy about her age, with blonde hair and piercing blue eyes. The sudden encounter seemed to have left him stunned, having fallen over in the commotion.
Lily's eyes widened as she took in the scene. Despite the close call, the boy's features captivated her. He was undeniably good-looking, and a soft curiosity flickered in Lily's eyes.
"Hi. Are you okay?" she inquired, her voice gentle and concerned. The unexpected meeting sparked a connection, and for a moment, the world seemed to pause around them, as if fate had orchestrated this encounter to set the stage for something unexpected.