Chapter 2 Confrontation

Unable to hold back, Lily began to cry uncontrollably. It was as if she was venting all the pent-up feelings of repression, indignation, and humiliation she had been harboring for so long. The bitter tears made her beautiful eyes appear even more pitiful.

With a smile, Julian remarked, "My dear Lily, why the tears? Aren't you afraid I might be heartbroken?" 

Gasping for breath, her voice shaky, Lily pleaded, "Mr. Sterling, I beg you..."

His playful demeanor vanished instantly. It was as if the gentleness from a moment ago was merely an illusion. He coldly stared at her, "Beg me for what? Haven't I let you have your fun? Is it that you're unwilling to give up, or did you think that by finding wings you could fly? Did I give you permission?" He scoffed and sauntered over to a genuine leather sofa, casually leaning back. "What are you still doing standing there? Come here!"

Lily's face turned as pale as paper. She took a few difficult steps forward, forced to approach the devil himself, a thick layer of despair constricting her heart.

"Afraid of me?" Julian Sterling chuckled. The entire VIP room echoed with his derisive laughter. He looked at Lily Parker, who stood shakily amidst her personal tempest. "What are you afraid of? If you know you've made a mistake, just correct it. Apologize to me. I've been so good to you, how could I not forgive you?"

Lily's eyes, filled with tears, widened in disbelief as they met Julian's. How could he be so brazen to twist the narrative? Suddenly, from somewhere deep within, she found the courage to shout at him. "Julian Sterling! Who do you think you are? On what grounds do you restrict my freedom? Is there no justice left in this world?"

Hearing this, Julian coldly smirked. He carelessly threw to the ground a diamond bracelet he had intended to give her as a birthday gift. With ease, he pulled her into his embrace on the sofa. His towering presence, as domineering as ever, reminded her of countless other nights of humiliation. He didn't allow any refusal.

One of his hands gripped her chin tightly, while the other gently wiped the tears from her face. A charming yet mocking smile graced his lips. "Justice? Of course, it exists. I'm quite familiar with it. Would you like an introduction?" It was truly laughable. This young woman dared to speak of justice to him? There was nothing Julian Sterling couldn't obtain, and if he couldn't get something, he would destroy it.

Lily tried to resist, but she felt trapped, like a butterfly ensnared in a web, unable to move. Her face reddened with desperation. "You promised! You said once you grew tired, you'd let me go! You promised!"

"To think you'd believe what a man says in bed," Julian responded coldly, a light smirk playing on his lips. His interest only grew as she struggled beneath him. His voice, husky with desire, lowered slightly, "If your memory is that good, then remember this: Lily Parker, in this life, you can only be my woman."

Whether she wanted it or not, she had no choice; whether he desired it or not depended entirely on his mood.

She was forced to lose herself in the most primal of entanglements.

After what felt like an eternity, Julian Sterling finally appeared satisfied, leaving Lily Parker utterly drained and pale.

Gracefully, he stood up, adjusting his slightly disheveled clothing. He gently pulled her into his embrace, and with lingering affection, kissed her swollen eyes, softly inquiring, "Did that feel good, my dear Lily? Tell me, did you enjoy it?"

A surge of anger made Lily tremble uncontrollably. How could he be so audacious, so unabashed, to speak such vulgar words after everything? Was there anyone in this world more shameless than him?

Julian's expression turned stern, clearly displeased with her silence. He wickedly pinched her soft, fair cheek and, with a mischievous grin, teased, "What's the matter? Were you rendered speechless from pleasure? Want to go another round?" Was she so averse to his touch? If she couldn't appreciate his kindness, he'd ensure she felt discomfort.

Lily, startled, hastily shook her head, clutching onto the front of his shirt, feebly murmuring, "No...". Didn't he realize where they were? What if someone were to walk in?

With a smirk, Julian, gently caressing her delicate earlobe, pressed, "'No' means you didn't enjoy it?"

Tears formed in Lily's eyes once more. Having been with him for some time, she recognized the limits of his patience. To get him off her back, she could only muster, "I... I did enjoy it." Then, unable to utter another word, her cheeks flushed a mixture of red and pale, looking irresistibly pitiable.

Only then did Julian nod in approval, leaning down to murmur seductively into her ear, "That's a good girl. Pack away those little schemes of yours and just follow me obediently. You know I have a short fuse. If you provoke me, there'll be consequences. Understand?"

Avoiding his affectionate touches, she whispered, "I understand." After all, she had no choice but to understand, right?

He observed her intently for a moment before asking maliciously, "You're aware that Ethan Hart is being discharged from the hospital tomorrow, right? Do you want me to take you to see him?"

She stiffened, her mind going blank.