Unknown location.
Lily always thought that she had experienced enough horror in her life. She had been to different situations, and somehow she managed to survive. However, for the first time in the past seven years, Lily was uncertain about the steps that she will take.
Not when Jack was keeping her in a place that she does not seem to recognize. Everything about the house screamed Europe, yet… something about the scene outside of the windows in her room was amiss.
She clenched her jaws; her face devoid of any expression as she sat on her bed. For a brief moment, she examined the burns in her arms. The doctor said that it will heal soon. However, her legs are still recovering. The doctor said something hit her spine and it will take her a few weeks to be able to walk properly.
Since waking up, Lily hasn’t really gotten out of bed. And if she does, Anna, the nurse would always help her through it. Her food was delivered to her on time and to her surprise, most of them were her favorites. At first, she thought it must have been Zhou Jingren. He should be the only one who knows all of her favorites.
For a few days, Lily continued to think that it was him. However, today was different. Anna brought some men to prepare a table for two in her room. It was a formal setting with candle lights and some red roses in a bespoke vase.
And today… well, she finally knew that she won’t be seeing Zhou Jingren anytime soon. Lily lifted her head, her eyes were glued to the flickering light of the candle.
\”Listen. I know… you are faking it.\” Jack’s lips curled into a smirk. \”It won’t work on me. So you better stop now.\”
For a few seconds, Lily stilled. She stared at Jack’s features and wondered what the hell happened to this man. Until now, she still could not figure out why this man would take her.
\”If you won’t cut it out… I will ask my people to kill your brother.\” Jack’s words were enough to get Lily’s full attention. Seeing Lily’s eyes widened, Jack nodded. Victory apparent in his eyes as he started slicing the steak on his plate. \”Eat up.\” He said. \”This is the first of our many dinners. In the future… I will take you to places and we can have a great dinner anywhere around the world.\”
\”Why?\” Lily asked.
\”What do you mean why?\” his brows knitted. \”I would love to take you to places. No explanations needed.\”
\”Why take me,\” Lily asked. This time, she dropped her pretense. His sick and disturbing stare focused on her. The corners of his lips turned up.
\”Simple.\” He patted the napkin on his lips. His actions precise, calculated. \”I deserve the best of everything. That includes the best woman, and that is you.\”
\”I am already married,\” Lily stated.
\”Doesn’t matter. Your husband already declared that Lily Zhuo is dead. From now on… I will call you Belle. My Belle.\” He took a sip of the red wine and started eating his steak again.
\”He thought that I died?\” Of course, Lily knew this was not possible. Zhou Jingren spent years looking for her body when she disappeared seven years ago. There is no way that he would just accept her death that easily.
\”I was there.\” He gave her a smug smile. \”I saw him cry and grieve with everyone else.\”
\”That is not possible.\” She shook her head.
\”Well… I made it possible. Now… start eating. Or I will personally feed you.\”
Lily swallowed her non-existent saliva and complied. She started slicing her steak, her senses on high alert.
\”You know what is more… funny?\” Jack said. \”That husband of yours… asked Cathy to become the CEO. Eventually, the Facci Group that you loved so much will become a part of the Zhou Capital!\”
\”What? Stop glaring at me like that and enjoy your food.\” Jack added before he gave a peal of elegant laughter. \”You see? I always knew that he was a gold digger. He wanted to access Europe, and marrying you is the best that he could do. When he…\”
\”You poisoned your own father.\” Lily interrupted her. \”When you saw me and told me that George was poisoned and that it was Qin Yuanfeng… it was all a scheme right?\”
Jack lifted an eyebrow.
\”You wanted me to come to Europe to see George so you will have the chance to stage an accident, yes? Were you planning to kill your father as well? Were you going to stage it as if… it was his enemy who killed him? Were you planning to include me in your plans about this death?\” Lily started spouting all the possibilities that she could think of. \”But… I didn’t. So you told me not to marry Zhou Jingren and attempted to drive a wedge between us. You did not expect that I would know his affiliations in the black market. So… so you orchestrated the accident.\”
*CLAP*
*CLAP*
*CLAP*
\”Did you heard that?\” Jack smiled and turned towards Anna and one of the guards in the corner. \”She is so smart, right?\” He shifted his gaze towards Lily, amusement apparent in his eyes. \”Ah… You are just too perfect. I always believed that you are the perfect woman for someone like me… and I guess I am right!\” He beamed.
\”You are crazy.\” Lily could not stop herself. The disgust in her eyes was so clear, that even Anna, who is a few feet away from her, could feel it.
\”Of course… I have been crazy for you.\” Jack cackled. \”Since that day… Since the day that you single-handedly put me into a pedestal. I, Jack Arison vowed that you will become my woman someday. Of course… I still needed to know more about the ins and outs of the business. So I waited and watched carefully as father trained me.\”
Slowly, Jack’s lips tugged downwards. \”However… who would have thought that when I was ready… you have moved on? I was not even aware that you actually married that man! I thought it was all a joke so you could get back to Liam!\” He widened his eyes at Lily before he smiled. \”Of course… I did not give up. I am smart. I am capable of big things… and I always win.\”
