Twisted Paradise

Chapter 19

Revenge was a dish best served cold.

Who knew it better than Lily?

She had bid her time, patiently waiting and planning, then slowly ripping them, thread by thread. She had made sure, when the time arrived, her needle was sharp and pointy.

Considering all that, wasn't it the height of stupidity that she contemplated trusting Blaise after he laid low for weeks, instead of taking revenge on her for all that she's done to him?

It was, after all, only a few weeks.

Lily had waited for years to exact her revenge.

What if he was just waiting for the right time?

But she wanted to trust him.

(And she didn't know why.)

Maybe her propensity for danger finally broke her. Lily had always been a little careless. But she was never this reckless.

"You were right," she said, rushing into the living room where Selene sat, reading a novel.

"I am right about most things, Lilithe. Which, in particular, are you talking about?" She put away her book and levelled her with that cool gaze.

"His mother. He killed his dad for her." She was going to say more but then hesitated, staring at the abandoned novel on the sofa.

"Lily?" Her gaze snapped towards Selene. "What's wrong?"

Lily hoped the way her fingers dug into the velvet cloth wasn't too noticeable. She hoped Selene didn't realize her hands were trembling.

"He knows," she said, her voice low and at an edge. "He knew what happened to me ever since he met me."

Selene remained silent, likely processing the entire thing.

"He told me it was because of his mother," Lily added with pursed lips, gradually calming herself down while glancing at the calm Selene.

"You sound like you do not believe it."

Lily sighed. "Among all the things he's said, I'm closest to believing this one. His entire demeanour changed in a way I could relate to."

But if he lied to her about this, they could never go back.

It would be too great a gashing wound.

He had told her so many things back in his office. He told her he wanted her happiness. He also told her he was always just playing along.

That explained why there was no attraction involved in the beginning.

That only evolved once he got to know her.

"He said he wanted my happiness," Lily spoke up, once again. "Because it will aid in his happiness."

Selene stared at her for the next few minutes, only blinking every so often, before gathering up the book she'd thrown aside. "This Blaise is quite a character. I want to see him."

"You've already seen him."

"I want to talk to him."

"Why the sudden desire?"

"Just do as I say and bring him over."

"You can't be serious." Lily's eyes widened. "I thought I was the crazy one. You want me to bring him, the mafia boss who I'm not even fully sure if I can trust, here in our home? In our safe haven?"

"Cut the drama, Lilithe. You did it before, what is so different this time?" Selene raised an imperceptive eyebrow. "Don't worry. I have a feeling everything will work out fine."