Lilly came by the following day. Henry patiently asked her if she wanted anything to eat. She weakly said she was fine and that seeing the kids would put her mind to rest.
Henry then smiled and told me to lead Lilly towards the children's room. "I really would have stayed with you, Lilly; however, I have an important shareholder's meeting that I can't miss," he apologetically said to Lilly.
"I understand you are busy; just take care of yourself. It's not good to work this hard without rest," Lilly said. I saw Henry smile; this time, this smile wasn't the same as all the smiles he showed towards me. This smile was bright, carrying doting and helpless emotions.
So, this is what Henry's real smile looked like? I silently thought.
"Okay, I will make sure to return soon," Henry said before leaving.
"Henry has always had a responsible look since childhood," Lilly sighed as she talked to me.
I simply nodded in understanding. If that is the image she had of Henry, I couldn't shatter it. I then headed towards the children's crib as she followed behind me.
"They are really so cute!" Lilly exclaimed as she picked up Klain, who was looking at her curiously with big eyes.
"I am so behind. I could have given birth by now if it weren't for my health," Lilly sighed as she said.
"You are fine now; you can have a family of your own and give birth," I pointed out.
Lilly suddenly became quiet as she placed Klain back in the crib. "I guess I could, but circumstances are hindering me from doing so," Lilly added as she walked towards the window and looked out.
"You are really lucky, Shiba, having such a man like Henry. You will never lack anything in life, right?" Lilly asked.
I just chose to ignore her assumption; people's assumptions were starting to really annoy the hell out of me.
Lilly carried the twins and observed them before she headed back downstairs. I thought she had left, but apparently, when Henry came back, I saw him pass by me in the sitting room and directly go to the flower garden before coming back with her minutes later.
Lilly was bearing a blush as she wore Henry's coat that reached the middle of her thighs.
"Why did you have to stay in the garden for so long? Your health is important!" Henry said as he led Lilly towards the dining table. He then told the chef to make some tea for her.
"What can I do? I just love those flowers," Lilly softly said.
After some time, Henry escorted Lilly out and returned. "Follow me," I heard him say as he headed upstairs. I could feel it in his voice that he was angry; I slowly followed behind him.
I then entered the bedroom. No sooner had I entered than a slap landed straight across my face. "I have been easy on you these days, right? You can now do as you please," Henry slowly said as he approached me, holding my throat in a choke hold.
"I told you to take care of Lilly while I was away. What did you do? Ignored her and let her stay outside the house. Will you take responsibility when something happens to her, hm?" Henry slowly rebuked as his strength increased. I felt my breath slowly slipping away as my hands stopped struggling to push his away.
What could I possibly do? Lilly had a mind of her own; she saw the twins just like Henry had asked me to show her and then left after saying her goodbyes. How could I have known that she went to the flower garden?
Henry then threw me to the ground; my head hit the ground, and pain penetrated my skull. He then proceeded to kick me heavily. I cried in pain as I held my stomach.
"It seems you really like being treated this way. Will you behave now?" Henry asked. I desperately shook my head in acknowledgment.
"Learn your place," Henry said as he went to the bathroom. I silently remained on the ground, not because I wanted to, but because I lacked the energy to do so. Henry's actions were beginning to take a toll on me. Pearl was, of course, once again called.
From that day, Lilly would come by the house to see the twins. Henry made it a point for me to personally serve and watch over her. Although I really despised doing so, there was nothing I could do.
Years went by, and the twins turned 10 years old; their birthday was grand. Mr. Charpil gave them lavish gifts such as land in part A of the town, cars, etc.
My family also presented them with gifts, although they weren't grand; it could be seen that they were very well thought out.
My brother had gotten a job at the hospital for the deaf in Muni. When I asked about his marriage, he always tried to divert the topic. My sister, however, told me that there was a certain daughter of a very wealthy man outside Muni who had been bothering him non-stop. I always secretly laughed in amusement at that; today was no different.
"Who is that lady? Quickly marry her!" I typed as I showed him.
My brother helplessly shook his head. "There is no lady; don't listen to Sima's words," he typed. I knew he wouldn't tell me anything.
The party was almost coming to an end when Henry told everyone that he had an announcement.
"I thank everyone for coming. Although some of you already have an idea, I just wanted to put it out there: Lilly and I have decided to get married," Henry declared.
What a grand announcement! He just had to choose the day of the children's birthday to do so!
My sister hesitantly and worriedly looked at me. I simply smiled. I knew this was coming; however, I didn't know why it took so long. My father didn't have a reaction; he just nodded in understanding. After all, he also had three wives.
My brother curiously typed on his phone as he asked Sima what was going on. Sima then told him.
"Are you okay?" my brother typed as he asked.
"It's alright; this isn't new in Muni," I typed back. My brother held my hand as he intently looked into my eyes to gauge if I was telling the truth.
However, I had no reason to lie. I was actually happy. I had put up with Henry's every action, some of which I couldn't reveal even in my thoughts. From the day I got married, it has been hell for me. Maybe if Lilly entered Henry's life, the situation would cool down a bit on my part.
The announcement passed just like that; different people congratulated Henry. Mr. and Mrs. Charpil also welcomed Lilly to the family.
I stood up to use the bathroom when a notification went off on my phone. When I read it, curiosity took over me. "Come to the flower garden," the text read. I immediately headed in that direction.
Someone pulled me to the left corner, which was hidden. "There are cameras everywhere," the person said. They were wearing a face mask and a cap, so I couldn't clearly see their face.
"Madam Shiba, I know you have been facing torture and brutality. When are you planning to leave this place? I can help you leave," the person said.
I simply sighed. "There are many reasons why I can't leave. Who are you?" I asked.
"It's not important to know who I am. Are the children stopping you from leaving? They are already old. Henry also loves and guards them dearly; you don't have to worry about them having a tough life," the person said.
"It's not just the children; you won't understand," I said.
"Okay, I will give you these memory cards. They are in this necklace. I don't know if I will make it out of Muni alive, as they have been tracing me, but I worked hard to get this information. It contains Henry's secrets, your friend's passing, and everything I think you would want to know," the person hurriedly said as he handed me a necklace.
The information was too much for me to digest at the moment. "Wait, who is tracking you?" I asked.
"Shiba, you really don't know what Henry is like, what he has done, and what he is capable of—not just him, but his entire family! By the way, your phone is monitored 24/7; they can know every conversation you are having, who you are talking to, etc. Don't use it for anything confidential. God willing, I will see you again. Guard that information; it's my lifelong work," the man said before he quickly headed in the opposite direction in hurried footsteps.
"Madam, what are you doing here?" a security staff member suddenly asked.
I was startled; I tightly held the necklace as I turned to face him. "I just came out to have some fresh air," I calmly said.
"Oh, okay. Your father was looking for you. It seems your family is leaving," the guard said.
"Alright, I will be there in a second. Let me just use the bathroom," I said before walking away.