Chapter 17: Where Are My Allies?!
[Aunt Vivian,, why did you leave?!]
Amy texted Vivian, receiving no reply. Checking older messages, she saw that Bella hadn’t replied. either. They’d said they’d arrived twenty minutes ago!
Amy didn’t know that her reinforcements had vanished–one frightened away, the other paralyzed with fear!
Bella planned to meet Amy first, then approach John to smooth things over. Her only goal that night was to resolve the misunderstanding.
Approaching the designated area, Bella froze. Seeing Lily chatting amicably with the other
her limbs stiffened, and cold
broke sweat
out on her forehead.
women,
Lily… Lily Lynch?!
“Did you hear John brought his beloved? Who is she?”
“There,
she’s
with Mrs. Wilson! She’s being showered with
attention.”
Two women in fishtail gowns passed Bella, their conversation reaching her ears. A deafening roar filled Bella’s head, like a thunderous storm, causing dizziness.
Lily was back! No wonder John had blocked her! Her actions were pathetic if Lily were here! Having prepared numerous explanations and justifications, Bella hadn’t anticipated Lily’s return. She stared at Lily, trembling. Why? Why hadn’t she died?.
She bit her lip, her eyes cold and calculating. Sensing Lily’s gaze turning towards her, she quickly hid behind a pillar, unable to face her.
Amy stamped her foot, furious at her unreliable allies. Fine, she’d do it herself! She nodded to Linda, who gave an OK signal.
Five minutes later, a waiter carrying a tray walked toward Lily, stumbling and spilling champagne, on her dress.
Hidden in the corner, Amy smirked, pleased with her success. But her smile faded. Lily remained. calm; no screams, no reprimands. She simply gasped, helped the waiter up, and checked if he was alright, ignoring the stain. The onlookers were impressed. John’s beloved was composed and. level–headed, no wonder John liked her.
Amy felt frustrated; she’d just boosted Lily’s image!
“Mom, let Aunt Lynch go upstairs. It’ll only take fifteen minutes to clean and dry the dress.”
Linda, noticing the fabric, suggested a solution. Mrs. Wilson found her mature, approving the plan and taking Lily upstairs. The upper floors were for guests.
Mom, Mrs. Hawk is looking for you, and she seems urgent. I’ll take Aunt Lynch upstairs.” Mrs. Hawk was nowhere near as important as John’s beloved. Mrs. Wilson was about to object when Lily said, “Your daughter is
is adorable. I’d love for her to take me.”
Mrs. Wilson agreed, instructing Linda before leaving.
Aunt Lynch, I’ll help you.” Linda offered her arm.
45%
Chapter 17: Where Are My Alles?
ll
you Lala?”
Lily accepted, “Thank you, can I call
Sure!
A few steps later, Lily gasped. “Is this…”
Linda saw the small tattoo on her wrist, normally hidden by jewelry; helping Lily had revealed it. She quickly covered it.
She braced herself for a lecture. Her parents always scolded her about it. But she liked it.
“That’s… Dandelion?”
Linda’s eyes widened.“Aunt Lynch, you know Dandelion?”
Lily smiled. She not only knew it; she’d created it! It was a supporting character, a dandelion fairy, from her old comic.
Hearing Lily’s detailed explanation and genuine appreciation for her tattoo, Linda was delighted. Linda blushed, a mixture of excitement and shyness. Lily had such beautiful, sparkling eyes, a gentle tone, and a lovely voice. And she knew Dandelion!
Linda felt a sudden urge to defect. Then she remembered Amy’s warning: “Don’t trust anything she says!”
She decided to continue the plan; if Lily was genuine, there would be no harm. “Aunt Lynch, I’ll find someone to clean the dress. Wait here Linda left, leaving Lily alone, her gaze falling upon a display of glittering jewelry. A glint appeared in her eyes. While changing, Linda had mentioned that her mother had brought the jewelry, complaining about her mother’s carelessness. She’d grabbed a handful in a hurry, losing a few pieces along the
way…
tempt
her
Lily chuckled; a childish scheme. Amy assumed she was materialistic and set this trap, hoping to
intos
stealing jewelry,
jewelry, thereby proving her unworthy of John. Ben minutes later, Linda returned with the cleaned dress. Lily didn’t rush off; she beckoned. Linda.
“Call Amy over.”
Linda blinked, “Huh?”
“John, are you finished?” Cody offered a napkin to Andy.
“Yes.”
“Can I ask…” Cody still wasn’t convinced. He’d confirmed that Andy had indeed called Lily “Mom.” He couldn’t understand Andy’s change of heart; just last month, the mention of his mother would enrage him. Now he calls his stepmother “Mom“?
His question was interrupted. Andy stood up, frowning.“Where did they go?“. Cody, Andy’s longtime companion, knew who he meant.“Lily’s dress got stained, so she went upstairs. Amy went up too,” he said, having overheard the conversation. Andy panicked and rushed upstairs.
