Lily stood up abruptly, her chair scraping against the polished floor. She strode to a nearby mirror, her reflection staring back with a mix of fear and determination. "You can do this," she whispered to herself, smoothing down her dress with trembling hands.
But as she turned back towards the table, a wave of dizziness washed over her. The room seemed to spin, the opulent surroundings blurring into a kaleidoscope of colors.
She couldn't breathe, couldn't think. She can't do this—not this time…
In a split-second decision, Lily let her body go limp. She crumpled to the floor, her pink dress fanning out around her like a fallen flower—acting as if she had fallen unconscious. Her eyes closed, her limbs arranged like a discarded doll on the plush white carpet.
"Mrs. Eaton!" The maids' voices rang out in alarm. "Oh no! Quick, get Mr. Eaton!"
Lily heard the patter of hurried footsteps fading away, then the sharp click of expensive shoes approaching. Strong arms slid beneath her, lifting her effortlessly. The scent of Chris's cologne enveloped her as he carried her back to the bed.
She felt herself being gently laid down, the soft mattress cradling her body. Chris's fingers brushed her chin, tilting her face slightly. His touch sent an unexpected flutter through her body, a warmth that contrasted sharply with her fear.
His fingers moved to her wrist, checking her pulse. Even through her closed lids, Lily could sense his intense gaze upon her. She fought to keep her breathing steady, to maintain the illusion of unconsciousness, all while her heart raced beneath his touch.
Lily remained perfectly still, her eyes stubbornly closed. She was determined to maintain this charade, hoping that Chris would cancel the dinner plans.
"Bring some water, quickly," Chris commanded, his voice laced with concern. "And you, call Dr. Morrison immediately."
Footsteps hurried away, and Lily fought to keep her breathing even. Suddenly, she felt a cool splash on her face. Droplets of water trickled down her cheeks, and she knew she had to react. Slowly, she fluttered her eyelids, feigning a dazed state as she focused on Chris's worried face hovering above her.
"Lily? Are you alright?" Chris asked, his brow furrowed with concern.
She managed a weak nod, her voice barely above a whisper. "I... I still feel dizzy. I don't think I can get up and come down to dinner."
Relief washed over Chris's features. "Don't worry about dinner. You need to rest."
To Lily's surprise, Chris didn't leave. Instead, he pulled up a chair beside her bed, his eyes never leaving her face. When a maid returned with a glass of orange juice, he took it himself, holding it to Lily's lips.
"Small sips," he instructed gently. "It'll help your blood sugar."
As she sipped the sweet liquid, Lily couldn't help but observe Chris. His usually composed demeanor had given way to genuine concern. He fussed over her pillows, ensuring she was comfortable, and kept a vigilant eye on the door, waiting for the doctor to arrive.
When Dr. Morrison finally swept into the room, Chris stepped aside but remained close, his presence a constant as the doctor examined Lily. She answered the doctor's questions, making up how she felt dizzy and fatigued all while praying silently that the doctor would buy her lies.
"It seems to be a combination of stress and low blood sugar," Dr. Morrison concluded. "Rest and a proper meal should set her right."
Relief washed over Lily, internally smiling at how the doctor really brought her lies.
Chris nodded, his jaw set with determination. "I'll make sure she gets both."
As the doctor left, Chris turned his attention back to Lily. "I've asked the kitchen to prepare a light meal for you. Is there anything specific you'd like?"
Lily shook her head, still amazed by his attentiveness. For the next hour, Chris remained by her side, ensuring she ate the soup and toast that was brought up, and making sure she had everything she needed.
His gentle care was unexpected, and Lily found herself studying him when he wasn't looking. The hard lines of his face had softened, and there was a warmth in his piercing blue eyes she hadn't noticed before.
Did he really care about her?!
Lily's heart fluttered traitorously as she recalled Chris's gentle ministrations. The way his strong hands had held the glass to her lips, how his piercing blue eyes had softened with concern...
No. She shook her head, angry at herself for these foolish thoughts. This was Chris Eaton, after all. Every action, every gentle touch, was likely just another calculated move in his grand scheme. He was probably trying to lower her defenses, to make her trust him for some hidden business purpose.
Stupid Lily, she scolded herself. Don't be so easily flattered by a man's attention, even if it feels like being cared for like a princess. It's all part of the game, just as Lily herself had played hers by avoiding dinner - by faking her sickness.
Determined to end this charade, Lily closed her eyes, feigning sleep. She could feel Chris's gaze upon her, studying her face. The weight of his stare made her skin tingle, but she forced herself to remain still, her breathing deep and even. After what felt like an eternity, she finally heard his footsteps retreat and the soft click of the door.
At last, Chris left her alone…
Lily let out a sigh of relief. She had escaped the dreaded dinner and a potentially terrifying encounter with the alleged drug lord Liam Eaton.
But just as she was about to relax, the door creaked open once more.
Her eyes flew open, her heart racing as she turned to see who had entered. There, standing in the doorway, was a petite woman with warm brown hair and a face that seemed almost too innocent for this world of Mafias and hidden dangers.
Lily's breath caught in her throat. She'd seen that face countless times before - in glossy magazine spreads, on social media, at high-profile charity events.
She was Hannah Eaton, Chris's mother and the wife of the dangerous man Liam Eaton.
As Hannah's kind eyes met hers, Lily felt a strange mix of fear and fascination. This woman, with her gentle demeanor, was trapped in love and marriage with one of the most dangerous men in New York which had caused her too much trouble.
'It was just dumb luck that Hannah Eaton survived the aftermath of marrying Liam Eaton. Cause Liam Eaton has used her as a pawn to his business,' her father's words echoed in her ear.
What secrets lay behind that serene smile? And more importantly, what did her unexpected visit mean for Lily?