Chapter 148 Five Years Later
Initially, Lilian was angry, but after being ignored by Darwin for so long, her feelings waned. Fiona was deceased; how could she lose to someone who was no longer there? Over time, Lilian began altering her appearance to resemble Fiona's—year after year, until five years had elapsed.
She remained employed at Solomon. Initially desiring a secretarial role, she was rebuffed by Darwin. Her significant involvement in the Anniston incident led to Darwin assigning her to the sales department, located a considerable distance from the president's office on the 6th floor. Lilian worked tirelessly, making her presence known to Darwin at every opportunity.
On business trips, she risked her self-respect by appearing at Darwin's door in a nightgown. Despite this, he never reciprocated her advances, offering only occasional, vacant stares.
Outside of work, Lilian saw little of Darwin. He spent much of the year in Serene City or alone in Bay City, in the apartment he once shared with Fiona. Lilian's one attempt to visit there resulted in Darwin's sole outburst, forbidding her from coming near again. She couldn't understand his change of heart—hadn't he chosen Fiona as her substitute because he loved her? Why didn't he love her now?
"Why would I be angry?" Darwin's cold response puzzled Lilian.
"Because of the online rumors," Lilian said, her eyes reddening. "Do you think I'm behind them?"
Darwin indicated the rumors were connected to her circle, notably Mia. After a controversial interview post-Fiona's death, Darwin had Mia imprisoned for her indiscretions, easily substantiated with evidence.
Lilian's recent prison visit to Mia was futile; with Darwin's involvement, Mia's release was impossible.
"I'll release a statement confirming my single status tomorrow, ending the rumors," Darwin declared, suggesting Lilian consider her numerous admirers and move on.
When Lilian implored Darwin about his own ability to move forward, he remained stoic.
"Miss Woods passed away five years ago. You need to let go," Lilian urged, sorrow etched on her face.
"It's not possible," Darwin replied, stating Fiona had become an integral part of his soul, and he couldn't release her even in death.
"What about me?" Lilian asked, tears welling up. "You promised to take care of me!"
"That promise is void," Darwin stated firmly. "I cannot love one and care for another. Fiona was faithful; she wouldn't have approved."
Darwin then walked past a stunned Lilian, heading for the elevator.
This rejection felt particularly harsh as Darwin invoked Fiona's memory, declaring his undying loyalty and nullifying his promise to Lilian.
Bitterly, Lilian thought, "Am I really going to lose to someone who's passed away?" Her expression turned defiant. She was determined to win Darwin over, no matter what it took.
On a sunny spring day, Darwin, indifferent to the pleasant weather, was tending to the plants Fiona had once cared for. As he walked, a flower-patterned ball struck his calf. He turned to see a small girl in pigtails, looking up at him in surprise. Darwin's demeanor softened as he returned the ball and complimented her. Learning she was five, he wondered if his and Fiona's children would have been the same age.
Just then, the girl's nanny rushed over, apologizing for the lapse in attention. The girl defended her, showing a fierce little spirit that amused Darwin.
As the nanny and child left, the girl boasted about her toughness, and the nanny lamented the girl's assertive nature. Lilian observed Darwin's interaction, taken aback by his uncharacteristic warmth toward the child.
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