Chapter 367 The Past
Lily's internal struggle hit its peak, but she decided to spill everything about her past.
"I grew up in an orphanage. It wasn't the warm, cozy place people think it is. I faced a lot of bullying and indifference. Eventually, I ran away, beaten and bruised. I ended up begging on the streets just to survive. That was the darkest time of my life, and it lasted until I was fourteen, the day I met Colin."
Her voice trembled slightly as she spoke, the night breeze carrying her words, the memories still raw.
"I remember that day so clearly. The sky was gray, like it was about to rain but never did. The cold wind cut through my thin, ragged clothes. I was filthy, my hair a mess, like a kid the world had forgotten."
A flicker of memory lit up her eyes. On that day, when she was about to lose all hope, Colin showed up.
"When he stood in front of me, I felt so small and yet, for the first time, I wanted to be close to someone. His eyes didn't judge me, didn't pity me. They just saw me. He said he liked the fire and toughness in my eyes, the only things I had left."
A determined light shone in Lily's eyes, pride and self-respect for her past. She knew it was that fire and toughness that got her through the orphanage and street life, giving her everything she had now.
"He took me in and sent me to the Rivera family's bodyguard academy. That was the turning point in my life, when I started learning to fight for others. To earn his praise, I worked harder than anyone else, because I knew it was the only way to prove myself."
Lily's voice wavered, her smile tinged with bitterness. She looked into the distance, as if those memories were still fresh.
"I thought he liked me, you know, in a romantic way. He was only five years older than me, not a big gap. I believed we could be together. I just wanted to be close to him, as close as possible. He often came to the academy to train, and I always tried to impress him, hoping he'd notice me. Besides him, I was the best student there, thinking it would bring me closer to him."
A trace of disappointment and helplessness crossed Lily's face, a deep regret for the shattered dream.
"I knew Colin had lots of women around him—some beautiful, some elegant, some smart, some gentle. I envied them, being so close to him. I fantasized about being one of those women by his side. So, I gathered my courage and told him how I felt."
Lily's tone carried a hint of self-mockery and helplessness. She realized how naive and impulsive her confession was. But when she eagerly awaited Colin's response, she got a heart-wrenching answer.
"He turned me down, and for the first time, he seriously warned me that I was different from those other women. He said he wouldn't treat me like them because he wanted me to have a good life, my own life, my own future. His words were gentle, but they felt like a knife, cutting off all my fantasies about him."
Lily's voice was low and filled with complex emotions, her eyes reflecting an indescribable sadness. "But I didn't listen to him. All I could think about was becoming one of his women. I know it was selfish and childish, but I couldn't control my feelings. When I turned eighteen, I asked him to spend my birthday with me, and he agreed. I felt like I had the world in my hands. So, I drugged his drink and made my move."
Her tone carried a hint of self-mockery and bitterness. She knew her actions were impulsive and reckless, but at that time, she was overwhelmed by emotions, unable to think clearly.
"I thought Colin would accept it, accept me. But the next morning, he was furious. His eyes were filled with disappointment and anger, something I had never seen before. He told me it was impossible between us and that he hoped I could let go of this feeling and find my own happiness. Then, he left, and I didn't see him for seven years."
Tears glistened in Lily's eyes. "When Colin found me again, it was to introduce me to Sterling, hiring me to protect you. Before that, I hadn't seen him for seven years. During those seven years, I replayed that night over and over, regretting my actions. I knew I no longer had the right to stand before him, nor the courage to face him."
Lily's voice was choked with emotion. She knew her actions had created an insurmountable rift between her and Colin.
Bella's feelings were indeed very complex. She never expected such a tangled past between Lily and Colin. Lily's deep affection for Colin was evident, and they had indeed crossed that line, having a sexual relationship.
This revelation was a huge shock to Bella. She always thought she knew Colin well enough, but now she realized she didn't understand everyone around him, especially Lily, who had slept with him.
Bella looked at Lily, her eyes devoid of sympathy. She couldn't understand why Lily chose to use drugs to achieve her goal.
Bella was worried. If Anna found out about this, even if it was an old story, it would undoubtedly stir up trouble.
Anna and Lily had become friends, frequently interacting and growing close. If Anna knew Lily had slept with Colin, she would feel betrayed and deceived, which would be a significant test for Colin and Anna's relationship.
"Lily, have you thought about what would happen if Anna found out about this? You two are friends now, she would be very hurt," Bella couldn't help but remind her.
Seeing her silence, a complex emotion flashed in Lily's eyes.
She gently asked, "Do you think I'm despicable? I did something unforgivable. He helped me out of my predicament, gave me a fresh start, and a chance to experience a different life."
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