Lilia's P.O.V.
"Young Miss… Sniff… Young Miss… I'm sorry. Please wake up."
My eyes fluttered open, the soft glow of the room and the worried face of Marie coming into focus. My head was throbbing, and I tried to sit up, but my body felt unresponsive.
Augustus stood nearby, his face flushed red with concern, though there was a simmering anger in his eyes.
"Young Miss! You are awake!" Marie's voice was filled with relief as she clasped my hand tightly.
I tried to speak, but my throat was dry and sore. "Marie... what happened?"
Before she could respond, Augustus's voice cut through the room, sharp and intense. "If she wouldn't have opened her eyes, I would have killed you."
I glanced at Augustus, my heart pounding. The doctor stumbled back, clearly shaken. "Sorry, Mr. Reynolds. I—"
Augustus ignored the doctor's apology, his focus entirely on me. "Lilia, you fainted because you're pregnant."
My eyes widened in shock, my breath catching in my throat. "Pregnant?" I could barely whisper the word, my mind shocked from his words. How could it be? I didn't even touch his body…
How… Could it be old Lilia!? Ugh! What should I do now? I am going to be a mother!?
Augustus's gaze was steady as he continued, "Yes. The doctor confirmed it. The stress and exhaustion must have caused you to faint. I told you not to leave the house yet still you escaped? What if something happened to our child?"
I struggled to process his words, feeling dread creep up my skin. I wasn't scared of the fact I was pregnant. I was scared for the fate this child holds for being born out of my womb in Reynolds Family."I... I didn't know. How could I be— Did you know about it before?"
A sudden surge of anger coursed in my veins. Did he let his mother abuse me after knowing I am pregnant? Did Augustus raise his hand at me after knowing I was pregnant!?
He placed a hand on Marie's shoulder, his expression a mix of concern and frustration as he exchanged seats with Maria. "Obviously not. If I knew the security wouldn't be so lax that you could sneak out." Augustus shrugged as my anger shimmered down.
But, even if he didn't know… Was it any valid reason to let his wife be abused as well as abuse her?
"I see." I replied back dryly as I twisted my head in the direction of the window to stare at the world outside. What do I do now?
The old Lilia would have definitely wanted this baby. But, me? Am I even capable of being a mother? Will I be able to protect this little life?
My hand unconsciously rested on my stomach. "Lilia, I know you don't remember a lot of things. But, please listen to me. I swear on my life, I might have been indifferent to you but I've never raised my hand… ever at you. That day was an exception. And, I'm glad you held my hand and didn't let me hit you. I wouldn't have been able to forgive myself if my hand landed on your cheek that day."
"What's the garantee?" Tears welled up in my eyes as I looked at him. My heart in knots.
"I'm sorry?"
"What's the garantee it won't happen again? What's the garantee your mom won't try to harm me and my baby? What's the garantee you won't abandon a substitute like me and go back to the love of your life when she returns?"
Augustus's face tightened as he listened to my questions, the intensity of his gaze never wavering. He took a deep breath, his anger morphing into something more akin to desperation.
I've never seen that look ever on that face. Now. Or, back then.
"I can't give you guarantees," he said finally, his voice rough but sounding earnest. "I can only promise that I'll trying to make things right. I've made mistakes, and I know that. But I'm committed to trying to change things—for you and… our child."
Try? I'm pregnant with his child. And, all he can do is try? Try to fullfill the bare minimum that husbands vow to do for their wives at weddings?
I shook my head, the tears slipping freely down my cheeks. "Words are easy, Augustus. I need actions. I need to know that you're not just saying what I want to hear to appease me. That you won't go back to your past lover and leave me behind. Can you do that?"
He stepped closer, his face inches from mine, and I could see the sincerity in his eyes. "I've been a fool, and I know it. I'm not asking you to forget the past, but I'm asking you to trust me, just a little. I'm here now, trying to do better. I want to be a father to this child. I want to be a better husband to you."
The weight of his words pressed down on me, and for a moment, I felt a flicker of hope. But, it was quickly overshadowed by the lingering doubts and fears that clouded my mind. Better husband? Was it even possible? "And what about your mother? She—"
"Mother will be dealt with," Augustus cut in firmly. "She won't have any influence over you or our child. I won't let her. I'll make sure you're safe. I'll make sure you have everything you need."
I looked at him, trying to gauge the truth in his words. "How can I trust that things will change? That you won't fall back into old patterns?"
He knelt beside me, taking my hand gently in his. "I know it won't be easy to trust me again. But I'm asking you to give me a chance. I'm asking you to let me prove that I can be the man you and our child would need."
I stared at him, feeling the tumult of emotions inside me. "It's not just about me, Augustus. It's about the life growing inside me. I need to protect this child, and I need to know you're committed to doing the same."
He nodded solemnly. "I am committed. I will do everything in my power to protect you both. I swear it."
I took a deep breath, the anger in me slowly ebbing away, replaced by a cautious hope. "Alright. I'll try to trust you. But if you fail—if you let anything harm us—I won't forgive you. No… I swear on my life. I'll divorce you."
Augustus nodded, his expression resolute. "I understand. And I won't let you down."
Marie, who had been quietly observing, now stepped forward. "Young Miss, perhaps you should rest for a while. You need to regain your strength."
I nodded, feeling the exhaustion catch up to me. "Yes, Marie. I think I need to rest."
As I settled back onto the pillows, Augustus moved to the door, his eyes lingering on me with a mixture of guilt. "I'll make arrangements for extra security around the house. You won't have to worry about anything. Also, I won't restrict your freedom inside the house like before. You can change whatever you want. Anything you want to do, once you return home. You don't need to ask me again."
I closed my eyes, letting out a weary sigh. "Thank you, Augustus."
With one last glance, he left the room, leaving me alone with my thoughts.
This is Lilia's body. I don't have the right to make decisions to change the course of her life. Not when I was pregnant now. Just one chance. One last chance after all Lilia loved Augustus enough to have his baby.
I'm sorry, Damien.