The dark storm came crashing hard and breaked the thick walls that Lilian built around herself for this marriage. She was so shocked and marvelled as everything began to make sense. From the animosity to the discretion, the private dealings and the cold stare of pity from everyone. She knew that her life was indeed going to be a roller coaster and this time, it wasn't going to be about the money anymore.
Lilian heard her deep voice urging her to come further to meet her new husband, Lucas King.
"Urm… Hi…"Lilian managed to say as soon as she walked in.Her voice failed but tried to be as cheerful as possible.
"You pity me…" A hoarse voice said to her. He was looking so pale. Lucas king was just a mirage to the whole world. His family did a good job to hide his true identity and exclude him because of his medical challenges.
"Huh… no… … I was just surprised…" Lilian stuttered. There was no pity because it's never occurred to her that this was the reason behind his disappearance.
Mrs Landon took it as a cue to leave the room and give them time to talk. Lilian felt uncomfortable and didn't even know where to start.
Lucas tried to laugh when he sensed how awkward it looked between the both of them. He couldn't laugh properly and it came out with a wheezing sound.
"Take it easy…" Lilian approached him, seeing the severity of the hard cough. She strode to his bed side and from there, she was able to see him properly. He was looking so lean and emaciated from the illness. His sullen eyes and dry lips made it so obvious that he had been sick for a long time. Lilian could perceive a strong mint mixed with a flowery fragrance around him. Lucas noticed her discomfort, tried to give out a warm smile in return but in all, his features still showed that he was a still handsome man that was just subjected to his illness. His sleek black hair and grey eyes were his charm.
Lilian could see how he struggled to sit up properly. He huffed and groaned each time he moved his body. Lilian wanted to assist him but he boldly refused her help.
"I can do this.. myself.." he kindly said.
"but… but… you need help…it seems you are in pain." Lilian panicked. She felt pity for him a bit and wondered what her mission was in this house.
"I know this is not how you planned your honeymoon right?" He asked suddenly and distracted her deep thoughts.
"I wasn't expecting any honeymoon after the whole charade… I am here based on the contract" Lilian admitted and sat beside him. He rested his head on the headboard and looked at her closely. The silence was so sharp that she could feel the sting in her throat. Lilian had questions and she needed answers. No one was bold enough to even listen to her. She battled with the longing urge to spill but what can you get from a sick person.
"I can understand that my family can be bothersome and mischievous.. They like doing their stuff diligently and professionally … but if I may ask… why?" He asked her keenly. It was obvious that he was interested in her. There was something intriguing about her.
"Well… I came for one thing… the money.. I don't have any motives other than this…" Lilian admitted with a straight face. His sharp gaze from his sullen eyes pierced through her. It felt like he was trying so hard to read her emotions.
"… so blunt and honest. You are different, Lilian." He commented with a weak smile. He tried to reach out for the remote beside him and Lilian, with reflex, grabbed it and gave it to him. This brought their hands together for a split second. Lilian could feel how warm his hand was. She was expecting it to be cold and this made her chuckle lightly.
The tension in the room grew and lilian apologised all over again and this made her cringed. She wasn't used to submission and her life was now at a new turning point. Her actions made him laugh deeply, not minding the cough in between.
Lucas opened the curtains with the remote to reveal the cold air trying to make its way through the window. The window pane made vibrations due to the intensity of the wind.The light illuminated the room and they were both visible to each other.
Lilian saw that there was something warm about him even though he was in a feeble state. She promised to take everything slow and figured her purpose in the house. Lilian was able to distract herself by surveying the bedroom. The outdoor might looked old and deserted but the inside made up for it. The bedroom was simple and beautifully constructed. She also saw that recent adjustments were added to the interior of the room.
"… lilian." Lucas called. He was hesitating and his grey eyes showed that he wanted to tell her something. Something she needs to know before she settles inside the house. Lucas needed to know if he could trust her.
"Yeah…" she replied absentmindedly as she noticed the wheelchair by the other side of the bed. Her expression showed that she was wondering about the purpose of it.
"I can walk… I need it sometimes…" Lucas invaded her deep thoughts and she nodded in response. She felt embarrassed and readjusted herself properly.
She looked at him still trying to figure out his back story. There was more to him than meets the eyes. Lilian was a good judge of character, this was one of her secret charms that she had overlooked for years.
"Lilian, can I trust you?" He asked suddenly. His grey eyes shine brightly and this puts her on edge. The sudden question, the uneasy feeling attached to it, the way he approached her with the question made her suspicious and curious.
"Why did you ask?... is anything the problem?" Lilian asked in a worried tone. She saw how he kept looking at the door nervously and back at her. Lucas gestured for her to come close to him, she stood up and walked up to him. Lilian leaned her head to him and when he was about to whisper to her. The door opened abruptly and Mrs Landon walked in immediately. This made them flinched by the sudden outburst. She cleared her throat and spoke in a rather bold voice.
"Mr Lucas, it's time to take your medications… please Mrs king… can you give us the room." She mentioned with a deep grin. There was something odd about this woman. Lilian looked at him waiting for a confirmation and he nodded politely.
"Okay… I will be in my room.. if you need me.. you can send for me…" lilian said to him and left reluctantly taking a glance at the both of them before heading out.
Mrs Landon walked up to the door and locked it with a straight, demeaning expression. Lilian felt the chills when she stood by the door. The uneasiness increased as she walked back to her room. So many thoughts ran through her mind.
Why was he scared?, is he in danger or am I in danger?, what is the secret behind his illness?.. is he going to die or am I going to be a widow?.
The truth hurts more than the lies and this scared her greatly. She slumped hard into her bed, staring at the ceiling. She was apprehensive and confused. Her deep sighs of regret could be heard within her room. Lilian tossed around the bed due to her restlessness when she remembered something. She rose up and hurried to her suitcase.
They might think that she was now vulnerable due to the contract but Lilian was one step ahead of them. She opened a small pouch inside the suitcase and took the content from inside. Lilian sneaked into the bathroom and hid the content lest they find out.
She remembered when she was going through the rules and regulations of the house. The first one caught her attention and she protested angrily.
"No phone for three months?" she yelled angrily.
"Yes!... it is stated there. You can't use any phone or any social devices until we can trust you that everything that happens in his house is kept confidential. We don't want any information leaking out." Gladys explained.
"… No going out unless authorised…. wait… is this a joke?... is this a prison?" Lilian asked, scoffing in the process. She couldn't believe the outrageous demands from the contract.
"You will have to brace yourself for what is to come." Gladys advised. Lilian sighed deeply and continued reading. The third rule made her laugh out loud to the point of falling to the ground.
"You are kidding right?" Lilian asked in disbelief.
"No foul play dear." Gladys commented.
"Sex is allowed every first and last week of every month." Lilian said with gritted teeth . The rage fumed within her when she noticed her seriousness.
"Yes and this was based on your medical records. You are healthy and fit enough to carry his child." She replied with a broad smile. Lilian felt cringed and stood up. This was too much for her to handle. She needed her friend, Bianca who would help her lashed hard at them for their blackmailing and lies.
"I am not doing this… I have my dignity to keep… you all are insane!" Lilian yelled and tried to walk her when Gladys reminded her of her contract with the King's group.
"Don't forget the contract… you know what is at stake… remember it's just for two years. Get married to him, have his child and you are free to go. You will have legal rights and responsibility to your child and an account filled with millions of dollars. It's a win-win situation." Gladys tried to convince her. Lilian knew that she was telling the truth but everything was so strange. Deep down, she wasn't cool with the whole process but she needed the money. Her business was her first priority and even if she had to be selfish to get what she wants, Lilian must give in to the demands and follow them religiously.
A knock jolted her up from her deep thoughts. Lilian opened her eyes, raised her head and looked at the door to see if she would hear the knock again. The knock came again and she rushed to the door and opened to see a young man standing patiently with a big smile on his face.
"Good afternoon Mrs King.." he said with a smile.
"Please call me Lilian, I prefer it that way." She mentioned it politely.
"No Mrs King… we have been authorised to call you by that title. This is our own way of showing our respect and loyalty." He replied with a slight bow. Lilian chuckled deeply when she heard him mention 'loyalty.' she knew that deep down,they wanted her to be loyal to them.
"So… if I may ask, why are you here?" She asked him.
"I am here to give you a tour around the king's mansion as requested by Mr Lucas King. He said proudly and his gesture made Lilian soften and agreed. She had wanted to get away from her room.
"Okay….give me some minutes."
"Yes..sure.."
"By the way, I can't recall your name. Who are you?" Lilian asked immediately.
"Oh… forgive my manners, I am Timothy, the errand guy. I oversee all the household's work and all the errands needed to be accomplished. So I am Timothy the hand boy." He mentioned it with all enthusiasm.
"Okay.. cool… I will be right back." Lilian replied sharply and locked her door. Timothy waited for her as she stepped out with her coat. There might be a tendency for them to step out. The harsh weather intensified every second.