Brought By Destiny

Chapter 9

The Web of Lies

Michael’s POV:

When I checked the news this morning, I realized that my old school friend, Jordan, is the lead investigator on Anthony’s case.
I called him immediately, thank God we’ve stayed in good touch over the years.

I had to convince him of Lilly’s innocence, but I lacked any physical proof. I had to construct a foolproof plan and a believable excuse.

I couldn't bring myself to reveal the full extent of the horrors Lilly has suffered, but I knew I had to mention Anthony’s abuse if I wanted to see that monster behind bars.

Before Jordan arrived yesterday, I knew I had to get decent clothes for Lilly and Ryan. I checked my room and saw them both fast asleep. After grabbing my wallet, I locked the front door and headed out to the shop. When I returned, they were still lost in sleep.

Eventually, Ryan woke up. I gave him a bath and dressed him in the new clothes. Then, I went to wake Lilly. The moment our eyes met, time seemed to stop. We both froze, lost in each other’s gaze. I wondered what it was about those green eyes that acted like a magnet, pulling me into a depth I couldn't escape. I felt like I was drowning, and I didn't want to be saved.

Ryan broke the tension by running into the room to show Lilly his new outfit. I handed her the bag of clothes I’d bought, and she looked genuinely shocked. But when she finally changed and came downstairs, I couldn't take my eyes off her. She looked breathtaking.

Is she a magnet? I wondered, confused by the intensity of the attraction. I was barely holding back. Part of the reason I bought the clothes was necessity, but the other part was possessiveness. I couldn't let Jordan see her in that see-through nightgown. I wouldn't let any man look at her like that.

While she showered, I played with Ryan in the living room. I’d bought him some toys, and we ran around like children; it felt like I was reclaiming a part of my own childhood. When Lilly came down, she caught him from behind and spun him around. I joined in, tickling him until he was a giggling mess. We eventually settled down, and since he wanted pizza, I ordered some.

When the doorbell rang, I greeted Jordan with a warm hug. Lilly looked terrified when she saw him, but I stood by her protectively, silently assuring her she was safe.

Jordan explained the situation, and she simply nodded. I knew we had to be cautious; with Anthony still at large, she was in constant danger.
After Jordan left, Lilly asked what
I had told him. When I told her the "truth" or rather, my version of it, she was furious. I didn't understand why.

I felt I had done the right thing to save her from the embarrassment of a public scandal and the threat of jail. We didn't speak for the rest of the night and went to sleep in a heavy, frustrated silence.

Next Morning........

I woke up to the persistent chime of my alarm. I stretched out a hand, fumbled for my phone on the nightstand, and silenced it. When I opened my eyes, I saw the most adorable sight. Ryan was nuzzled into Lilly’s chest, clutching her nightgown, while she rested her forehead against his, holding him securely even in sleep.

They didn't look like aunt and nephew; they looked like mother and son. I wondered how he would react the day he learned the truth about his birth. I could only hope he would understand and accept it.

I got up and headed to the shower. When I stepped back into the bedroom, I was only wearing a towel wrapped around my waist. Lilly was sitting up, her eyes widening in shock at the sight of me. I walked to the dresser and began drying my hair with another towel.