Chapter 20
When Lilly awoke the next morning, she found herself face-to-face with an irate man in a suit glaring down at her. His intense stare made it clear he was furious.
"Good mor—"
"Save it," he interrupted sharply. "Let last night be the first and last time you change my clothes. Understand?" He was livid to have woken up in different attire and cuddling her.
Lilly bit her bottom lip, baffled by his anger. It wasn’t her fault. "It wouldn't have happened if you hadn’t come home drunk, Mr. Kane."
"You’ve been warned," Alexander said, turning to leave when Lilly stood up and grabbed his hand.
He stopped and glanced at her hand. "What is it?"
"Alexander, I…" she hesitated.
Alexander furrowed his brow. "Don’t waste my time."
"I just want to say I’m here for you, even if our marriage is temporary. If you need to talk, I’m here to listen. You don’t have to bottle it all up and resort to drinking."
Alexander stared at her with an unreadable expression, his gaze shifting to her hand holding his. Lilly released him, and he gave her one last warning look before leaving without a word. She sat back on the bed and sighed, realizing he had drowned his sorrows in alcohol as a way of mourning his father.
Later that morning, Lilly arrived at her coffee shop, greeted by Sarah and the new employees serving customers.
"Good morning."
"Look who’s here!" Sarah hurried over, leaving the others to manage the customers. She followed Lilly into the storeroom where she was about to change.
"You didn’t call yesterday," Sarah frowned.
"I’m sorry. I had to go to the Kane family residence."
"Really? I thought he said you’d never go there. What changed?"
"It was his father’s death anniversary. He sent me to be with his mother, and I found out something." Lilly's mind drifted back to what his grandmother had told her.
"What did you find out?" Sarah asked, noticing the look on Lilly's face.
After Lilly explained everything, Sarah’s mouth dropped open in shock.
"Oh my god. My view of him has completely changed. With a mother like that, no wonder he’s wary of women."
Lilly nodded. "I hope he changes," she sighed.
After changing, Lilly started serving customers, but the smell of coffee made her nauseous. She rushed to the restroom and threw up everything she had eaten that morning. Staring at her pale reflection, she realized she might be pregnant.
She calculated her period and realized it was late. "What’s wrong?" Sarah asked from the doorway.
"I think I’m pregnant," Lilly replied through the mirror.
"Are you sure?"
"I was supposed to get my period yesterday, and now I’m throwing up."
"Hold on, I’ll get a test strip."
Sarah returned with the test strip, and Lilly used it. Two lines appeared.
"So?" Sarah asked.
"I’m pregnant," Lilly confirmed, showing her the strip.
"Congratulations!" Sarah hugged her.
"Thank you."
Lilly felt a pang of sadness at the thought of Alexander possibly sending her away now that she was pregnant. She didn't want to lose the closeness they had shared, despite its complications.
Lilly then made her way to the Kane family residence, having informed Grandma Helen about her visit.
"Welcome, ma'am," Camila greeted her warmly.
"Thank you, Camila. Where is Grandma?"
"I'll lead you to her," Camila said, guiding Lilly to the upstairs living room where Grandma Helen sat with a photo album.
"Grandma," Lilly greeted, bowing her head in respect.
Grandma Helen smiled and motioned for her to sit. "I'm looking at our family photo album. Would you like to see pictures of Alexander when he was younger?"
Lilly's eyes lit up. "Yes, Grandma, I would love to."
Grandma Helen chuckled at her enthusiasm and started showing her photos from Alexander's childhood. Lilly laughed and smiled at the pictures, noticing the change in his demeanor at age fourteen—the age he had lost his father.
Lilly was careful not to comment, but she understood the pain in his eyes. She was grateful to see Grandma Helen laughing and smiling after the somber memorial.
"Really, you’re pregnant?" Grandma Helen's eyes filled with joy when Lilly shared her news.
"Yes, Grandma, but I still need to go to the hospital to confirm everything."
"Of course. I’m so happy and can’t wait to be a great-grandmother," Grandma Helen said, hugging her.
"He knows?"
"I’ll tell him when I get home."
Grandma Helen nodded. "Don’t worry. I won’t let this child grow up without you."
Lilly didn’t know what to say. Only Alexander could decide if she would stay in their child's life after their contract ended. After spending more time with Grandma Helen, she reluctantly left, accepting the offer of a chauffeur for her and the baby’s safety.
Upon arriving home, she was greeted by Clara and another maid.
"Thank you, Clara."
"Would you like anything to eat, ma'am?"
"No, I’ve already eaten. I’ll retire for the night."
"Good night, ma'am."
Lilly used the elevator to avoid risking the stairs. She opened the bedroom door to find Alexander seated on the bed, his cold gaze fixed on her. She swallowed hard, not expecting him to be home so early.
"Why did you go to the family house?" Alexander asked, walking towards her.
"To visit Grandma and see how she’s doing."
"I don’t recall giving you permission."
"Didn’t know I needed to ask."
Alexander’s face darkened. Lilly’s heart raced, but she kept her composure.
"Just because I sent you there yesterday doesn’t mean you can go whenever you want. You are not to develop any relationship with my family. When our one year and six months are up, you’re out. Understand?"
Lilly’s heart ached, but she stayed calm. "You’ve made that clear. But my relationship with your grandmother has nothing to do with our arrangement. I care for her."
Lilly walked past him into the closet, packing some of her things into a suitcase. When she tried to leave, Alexander blocked her way.
"Where do you think you’re going?"
"To my former room."
"No, you’re not. Not until you’re pregnant."
Lilly frowned. "I am pregnant."
"Why didn’t you tell me?"
"I just found out today."
"Can I go now?"
Alexander looked at the suitcase in her hand. Lilly took his silence as consent and started to walk past him, but he grabbed her hand.
"What are you doing?" she asked.
"Don’t leave."
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