Agreement Behind Her Marriage

Months before Lily and Drew’s wedding,

With Kael’s assistance, Lily and Drew moved to a new home near Burnham’s villa. It was more spacious than their previous residence, but Lily had already embraced the idea of living in a larger home than her husband desired.

She began the process of registering her business with Danica’s help, while her sister had decided to focus on their newly opened resort on the island.

Drew was reluctant to utilize Kael’s services, but Lily had no one else she trusted more than him, despite his issues with her sister.

“I’ve accepted your dad’s offer to lead the engineering team for his project in Melbourne, Australia,” Kael informed Lily as they toured their completed new home.

“I didn’t inquire about what transpired between you and Danica because I’m also concerned about Carmela and Kenneth’s situation. What happened, Kael?”

“Lily, I didn’t betray your sister,” Kael retorted.

“But that doesn’t mean you didn’t hurt her,” she casually observed.

He lapsed into silence at her words.

“Kael, I placed my trust in you because we used to work in the same team. It’s not out of obligation that I selected your services. I’m also confident that Dad would raise questions if we didn’t choose you to construct this house. Your relationship with me differs from your relationship with Danica, just as it does with my dad.”

“I love Danica,” he replied simply, leaving Lily surprised.

“If that’s the case, why did you hurt her?”

“Lily, Faye and I shared a deeper connection,” Kael began, elaborating on his relationship with Finn’s sister. “To this day, I’m tormented by my conscience regarding what happened to her. When she invited me to visit her in Hong Kong, she couldn’t open up to anyone or seek emotional support. Her ex-fiancé hurt her after discovering the truth about us.

“We both acknowledge Faye’s strength in confronting anyone in court, but at that moment, she needed my emotional support. My mistake was not being honest with Danica.”

Lily felt nothing for Kael except sympathy.

“The issue, Kael, is that you also failed to communicate the depth of your relationship to Danica.”

He addressed that concern, saying, “I couldn’t disclose my feelings for her to your dad, because how would Mr. Arvesso react if he found out I was sleeping with his princess? I was afraid. Your Dad is the one who deposits millions into my bank account, and I committed a serious offense, touching Danica. I recognize that I acted foolishly.”

“Give Danica some time to heal. Brian has passed away, and what you did to her was deeply painful. Considering going abroad for a while to give her space was the best option. Take the time to figure out what you truly want, whether it’s Faye or Danica.”

“I understand,” Kael replied with a heavy sigh. “How about you? Last week, Kenneth and Keith received life sentences, and Jericho got twenty years in prison. How are you feeling now?” Kael inquired.

“I can’t say that I’m happy. There’s probably no victim who would smile or laugh after receiving justice. What I feel right now is relief. Mrs. Martin called me yesterday, asking me to speak with her son, but I declined.”

“You declined?” Kael repeated.

“I have no interest in hearing what Kenneth has to say to me. What drives people to commit such heinous acts against others? Was he planning to apologize to me, which is why he wanted to talk to me? Would he clarify why he did what he did? Did he expect me to forgive him? None of that adds up to me, and I have no desire to converse with him. I’d rather seek the peace I deserve after enduring all the pain he caused me.”

“I admire you, Lily! This isn’t goodbye.” They shared a hug before Kael left their home.

Lily noticed the colorful couch placed in the middle of their spacious living area.

Her hands gently touched it before two strong arms were wrapped around her waist.

She glanced up at Drew and then giggled.

“Why are you eyeing the couch?” he teased. “Do you have any naughty thoughts, perhaps?”

Lily laughed. “Clearly, you’re the one with those thoughts, babe.”

She giggled when he pulled her closer and playfully threw her onto the couch.

***

A year later…

Drew was presently in the conference hall. The American investor had arrived to launch a major project that day. Several reporters and business partners were in attendance in an opulent hall, ready to pose their inquiries.

He was aware that his wife was nearing her delivery, but he needed to fulfill his professional duties. Lily had insisted that he attend because he couldn’t delegate it to someone else to prevent any complications.

He had just concluded his presentation on the large screen. “Now, we can begin taking your questions and addressing your concerns.”

He spotted Sarah, who appeared visibly perturbed in the crowd, raising her hand. He was currently on the stage, and it was unlikely that anyone would approach him to disrupt the presentation and make a scene.

“Yes? It appears that even my assistant has her own questions about this?”

The audience laughed at his comment.

Sarah took hold of the microphone and stated, “Um, it’s regarding your most ‘special project,’ boss; it’s now in the process of being ‘delivered.'”

The people couldn’t quite grasp Sarah’s comment. They assumed it was still related to the project, but Drew began to quiver. He pressed his lips together, attempting to compose himself.

“Thank you for that information, Ms. Sarah. Um, I’m sorry; she mentioned that my wife is currently at the hospital, giving birth to our first baby daughter.”

The audience gasped.

“Um, I suppose we can now move on to the next question,” Drew said, composing himself.

“Mr. Walton, aren’t you going to your wife?” the man next to Sarah inquired.

“I’ll be heading to the hospital after this event, so we can proceed for now.”

“Mr. Walton, congratulations! Um, we do comprehend all the information and the presentation you’ve provided, but I believe you should go to your wife,” suggested his primary investor.

This is a significant project; he has already invested millions. Taking a couple of minutes for questioning wouldn’t be a problem, and then he would rush to the hospital.

Mr. Andrew Walton, his father, couldn’t bear it any longer. He stood beside Drew.

“Son, congratulations! I think it’s best for you to hurry to your wife. I’ll handle their inquiries.”All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.

Drew trembled. He tried to conceal in his voice that he wanted to cry. His dad hugged him.

“I’ll be there after this event,” Mr. Walton Sr. said.

“Alright!” He yielded the microphone to his father.

Afterward, he hastened to the side and nearly ran to his car to visit Lily.

While in the car, he immediately called Orion and Mr. Arvesso, unable to sit still.

After a brief wait, he stood outside the delivery room, his body trembling and restless. Orion and their fathers had arrived, while Danica, who was on the island, hurried to get a ticket to join them.

They waited until midnight before the door finally opened, and the sound of the baby’s cry filled the air.

“Mr. Drew Walton, you should now go inside to see your wife,” the nurse said.

He entered and found Lily, drenched in sweat, cradling their baby. Tears welled up in his eyes as the joy enveloped him.

“Drew, she’s beautiful…” Lily whispered.

He had never imagined that he and Lily would create such a beautiful family. Years ago, he had done nothing but engage in frivolous activities, sleeping around, and partying, with no intention of starting a family, let alone having a baby.

Now, it was the most profound and beautiful feeling he had ever experienced. He gently kissed Lily’s forehead and held the baby’s delicate hand.

“Thank you so much, babe!” he said, gazing at his mother and daughter. “What shall we name her?”

“Novella,” Lily replied.

“Our life has been like a novel, hasn’t it? She’s a living dream. So, Novella.”

“Indeed. Novella, I promise my love to you and your mother.”

Shortly after, they introduced the baby to the family.

-End-