Marcus's POV
I returned to the A&M law firm and found Alice waiting for me in my office, arms crossed and eyebrows raised."Where have you been?" she asked, her tone demanding.I walked towards my desk and sat down, deciding to check my computer for the profiles of the candidates for judicial nomination."Lillian had an accident," I replied, my eyes fixed on the monitor.Alice gasped, and when I glanced at her, her eyes widened in shock."Is she okay?" she asked, worry evident in her voice.I nodded and focused my attention back on the monitor."It was just a minor accident. We had to pay for the damages," I said, scanning through the candidates' profiles."Thank God," Alice said, relief washing over her."The way you ran earlier, I thought someone had died. Your face showed genuine concern, even though you claim to hate Lillian. Your actions contradict your words, Marcus," she teased me once again.I furrowed my brow and scoffed at her comment."Shut up, Alice. Don't you have work to do?" I retorted, raising an eyebrow, waiting for her response.Alice flashed a mischievous smile and then walked towards the door. But before she stepped out, she turned her head to look at me."Sometimes things don't go as planned. Sometimes we fall for people we least expect," she said.I crumpled a piece of paper on the side table and threw it at her, but she quickly stepped out and shut the door, laughing from the other side.I let out a deep breath and decided to focus on my work.After a few hours of uninterrupted work, I was interrupted by a phone call. I checked my phone and saw that it was my mother calling."What is it, Mom?" I asked, a hint of annoyance in my voice."Join us for dinner. I cooked your favourite," she said.I let out a deep breath and leaned back in my swivel chair, massaging my temples, contemplating whether I should join them or not.I knew my mom was trying to rebuild our relationship, especially since she decided to be with Gabriel. Their relationship had created a rift between us."I'll think about it, Mom," I said.I could hear her heavy sigh on the other end, which made me feel a twinge of guilt."I just want us to be a happy family, Marcus," she said, her voice filled with sadness."That won't happen, Mom. You know how much I despise the Hawthornes, yet you chose to be connected to them," I stated firmly, expressing my strong objection to her relationship with Gabriel."Marcus, Gabriel is a good man. He's not what you think he is. Can't you give him a chance to prove himself to you?" she pleaded, her voice filled with hope."Mom, I don't care if you marry him, but please don't force me to be a part of that family. I can pretend for your sake that I accept them, but you can't stop me from doing what's right. I can't bear to see them enjoy their luxuries while innocent citizens suffer and are abused," I declared.I decided to become a lawyer when I witnessed my father brutally beating my mother. I was helpless then, but I made a vow to myself that I would gain power so that I never had to witness such injustice again."Marcus, have you thought about the consequences of going against the Hawthornes? What will happen to me?" she asked, her frustration evident."And aligning myself with them would be beneficial, Mom? I refuse to become like them. I won't allow it," I replied, unyielding in my principles."I'll join you and your newfound family for dinner, don't worry," I said, and with that, I ended the call.No matter how hard I tried, I knew my mother would never fully understand my point of view. Her love for Gabriel had blinded her. But I was determined to make her realize that she was marrying the wrong man.I would do everything in my power to free her from that hell, no matter the cost.After a while, there was a knock on my door, and when it swung open, Alice appeared."Aren't you going home?" she asked.Glancing at the clock, I realized it was already six in the evening. I turned off my computer, grabbed my briefcase and coat, and stepped out of my office."Dylan invited me for a drink. Do you want to come?" Alice asked as we walked down the hallway."I'll think about it," I replied.Alice nodded, and when we reached the parking lot, we went our separate ways.I drove to the White House and, after a few minutes, arrived at home.As soon as I stepped inside, a helper took my coat and briefcase, and I headed towards the kitchen. There, I found my mom busy preparing the table."You're here," she said, her voice weak.I knew she was still upset with me after our earlier conversation.I walked towards her and hugged her from behind, resting my chin on her shoulder, as I often did when I needed comfort."Are you mad at me, Mom?" I asked.There was a long silence, and then she removed my hands from her waist and faced me.Cupping my face, she smiled at me."I understand it's difficult for you to accept things, but I hope you can find it in your heart to give them a chance to prove they're not the people you believe them to be, especially Gabriel. He's a good man, Marcus," she said, looking straight into my eyes.I gazed at her intently, and after a while, I nodded, agreeing to her words, simply to end our argument."I'll try, Mom," I said, and a smile appeared on her lips. She hugged me tightly."Help me set the table," she said, and I nodded, assisting her in arranging everything she had cooked.When we were done, she called Gabriel, and we sat down to eat dinner."Have you reviewed the file I sent, Marcus?" Gabriel asked during the meal.I looked at him and nodded."I've finished reviewing everything. I'll bring the file to your office later," I replied.He smiled at me and nodded in acknowledgement."Martha!" he called out after a while.Martha appeared and stood beside Gabriel, waiting for his orders."What time will Lillian be coming home?" he asked."She didn't say, sir," Martha responded, causing Gabriel's eyebrows to furrow."Call her and tell her she'll be picked up at precisely 8:00 PM," Gabriel ordered, and Martha nodded before leaving the dining area."Marcus, could you pick up your sister? All my drivers are busy delivering goods for tomorrow's event," Gabriel asked.I looked at him and nodded."Sure," I replied.After finishing dinner, I decided to take a quick shower before heading out to pick up Lillian.Once I arrived at the restaurant, I parked my car and waited for her to come out.After a few minutes, Lillian emerged, accompanied by Alexander. They walked towards a dark corner where Alexander's car was parked, and before he got into his car, he kissed Lillian on the cheek.When Alexander drove away, I stepped out of my car and waited for Lillian.She was still standing in the dark corner, holding her cheek.I dialled her number, and she flinched when she heard her phone ring."Did you have a good time on your date?" I asked, and when she lifted her head, she finally noticed me."Why are you here?" she questioned, her forehead creased."I'm here to pick you up... little sis," I replied, emphasizing the last part, which annoyed her.Lillian's POVcould feel my hands growing cold as Marcus stared at me intently.With each step I took towards him, his gaze remained fixed on me.Leaning against his car, he played with his car keys in his right hand. When I finally stood just a few steps away from him, he stood straight and opened the car door for me."Where's Daddy's driver?" I asked before getting into the car."Busy," he replied curtly, and as I stepped inside, he closed the door and walked around to the other side.Sliding into the driver's seat, he started the engine."So, are you two together now?" he blurted out, causing my forehead to crease."It's none of your business, Marcus," I firmly replied, turning my head to look out the window.We settled into silence, but it was soon broken by the sound of his ringing phone.He answered the call, putting it on loudspeaker since he is driving.I don't want to eavesdrop but I can't help but listen to their conversation.I caught a glimpse of the caller's name, Alice,
Marcus's POVMy heart pounded loudly in my chest as I looked at Lillian.Taking the opportunity, I held her hand and led her out of the crowd, pulling her along with me.Once we were out of the crowd, we walked back to our table, and I guided her to sit on the couch.She appeared extremely intoxicated, and annoyance washed over me as I watched her.She closed her eyes, leaning back against the couch."Drunk?" Dylan asked, looking at Lillian.I nodded and let out a deep breath."Let's do body shots, guys!" Alice suddenly appeared, holding a cocktail as she walked toward our table."Enough, Alice, you're drunk too," I said firmly, but she just smiled at me and approached Lillian.Taking a seat beside Lillian, she started tapping her face."Hey, babe, let's do body shots," Alice said, attempting to wake Lillian.Lillian groaned, then after a while, she opened her eyes and upon seeing Alice, a wide smile spread across her lips."Alice," Lillian called, wrapping her arms around Alice's wai
Lillian's POVHis words echoed in my head like a broken record.I felt insulted.No one had ever turned me down before.It was the first time someone had rejected me.I was used to getting what I wanted, but when Marcus came into the picture, he became a constant reminder that I couldn't have it all.As we arrived at the White House, I stepped out of his car, prepared to walk towards the front door, but he pulled me towards the back of the house."Someone might see you if we use the front door," he said, guiding me towards the backdoor that led to the kitchen.As soon as we stepped inside, Martha appeared, her eyebrows furrowed as she looked at us."Why are you late?" she asked sternly, then turned her gaze to Marcus, who stood behind me."I'm sorry, Martha. A friend invited me to a party, so I decided to bring Lillian," he said, causing my eyebrows to furrow.He was giving a different reason, probably to cover for me, but I wouldn't let him take the blame."No. I insisted on coming w
Marcus's POVA smile tugged at my lips as I watched Lillian walk away, covering her ears like a child. Once she was out of sight, I turned my attention back to my laptop and resumed typing."You seem happy," my mom's voice broke through, and I quickly erased the smile, meeting her gaze with a straight face."Are you talking to Alice?" she inquired, trying to sneak a peek at my laptop, but I promptly closed it."No, Mom," I replied, but she gave me a mischievous look, a teasing smile playing on her lips.She walked over to me and planted a kiss on my cheek. "I have to go. Have you seen Lillian?" she asked."She's already outside," I informed her, and she nodded before walking away.Once Mom was gone, I opened my laptop again and continued my work. An hour later, just as I was about to leave, Alexander appeared."Vice President Montgomery," I greeted him, extending my hand, which he gladly took."You're too formal, Marcus. Just call me Alexander," he said, and I nodded."Alexander, y
Lillian's POVIt was late when we arrived home.Finding a sponsor for the charity auction isn't easy but thankfully Victoria is good at talking so she successfully convinced those elites to sponsor the event.I headed towards the kitchen to get some water and there I saw Martha preparing our dinner. She is busy mixing the sauce in the pan.I dipped my hands in the sauce so she slapped my hands."Did you even wash your hands?" she asked but I just laugh at her and stepped out of the kitchen and walked towards my room.I was about to step inside my room when I heard Victoria call my name."Lillian," Victoria said, her voice filled with sincerity.I looked at her, anticipating her next words."Thank you for helping me," she said, gratitude evident in her voice.A genuine smile graced my lips as I nodded."You're welcome, Victoria," I replied.I had to admit, spending time with Victoria today was enjoyable. She was fun to be with."I'll just wash up," I excused myself, heading towards my
Marcus's POVI felt a lump in my throat as I gazed at Lillian, who stared back at me with anticipation, waiting for my response.My hands grew cold, and my heart pounded loudly in my chest.As she took a step closer, I instinctively took a step back, afraid to get too close to her, as I no longer had control over myself."What are you doing?" I asked, trying to maintain a facade of indifference.This was the first time I felt intimidated by someone. The first time someone made me so nervous."I'm just asking you a question," she replied casually.I swallowed hard, lowering my head and meeting her gaze directly."I don't like you, Lillian," I mustered the courage to say, my voice trembling slightly.Her expression changed. The confident facade faded, and a small smile appeared on her lips as she nodded."I know," she whispered weakly, confusing me even further."What are you doing, Lillian?" I asked, perplexed by her actions and words.Why was she asking me such a question? Did she li
Lillian's POVMarcus stormed out of the room, leaving me dumbfounded.After a while, Martha stepped inside and immediately walked towards me.She cupped my face and made me look at her."What happened, Lillian?" she asked, worry evident in her tone."H-He just asked me something," I stammered.I could still feel my heart beating loudly against my chest."Did you have a fight?" she asked.I shook my head and smiled at Martha to assure her that I was okay."He just asked me something," I repeated, refusing to tell her what Marcus had said.Martha looked intently at my face, and I could tell she wanted to know more, but she stopped herself from asking. Instead, she nodded her head."You should sleep, it's already late," she said, so I nodded my head. After that, she stepped out of the room.When I was all alone, I remembered everything Marcus had said.I could also vividly recall how angry he looked at me.His eyes filled with anger and something I couldn't name.Was it my question earli
Marcus's POVLillian's eyes fixated on mine as I walked down the aisle.Her hands trembled slightly, but she quickly looked away, directing her attention to the painting displayed in front.All eyes were on her, and I watched as she clutched the microphone tightly, her hand shaking.I took my seat in front of the stage.I glanced at my mother, and she smiled when our gazes met.I simply nodded and then shifted my focus to Lillian and one of her paintings.I studied it intently.The artwork appeared to depict someone's face, but the splash of paint covered the identity. Only the blue eyes remained visible, bearing an uncanny resemblance to mine.Returning my gaze to Lillian, I noticed that she was still trembling.She cleared her throat and, after a moment, smiled at the crowd."That painting wasn't meant to be here..." she began, her nervousness disappeared from her voice."It's a mistake—a mere piece of trash that was mistakenly delivered," she said, glancing at me briefly before tur