Forbidden Connections

Choices.

Eve slowed to a stop as Caroline caught up to her, her expression etched with sadness. "I have to go home, Caroline. My dad is insisting. You'll have to find another ride or Happy can come pick you up...I'm so sorry," she said, her voice heavy with regret. With a quick hug, Eve climbed into the waiting car and sped off, leaving Caroline standing alone, feeling concerned and confused by the sudden departure. Tony was waiting in his office, his anger evident. Eve arrived, still drenched from her ordeal, and hesitated before entering her office. She knocked softly before opening the door, her heart racing with anticipation. The stage was set for a confrontation that would change the course of their lives forever. "Come in," Tony said, his eyes fixed on the photo. Eve hesitated at the door, her heart sinking. "Mind explaining this?" he asked, his voice rising. "I've told you over and over again, those Wayne's are not good people. Stay away from them!" Eve saw the photo and knew it was Lily.

"It wasn't my fault, dad! Lily started it. I thought Tim was trying to help me, but it was all part of her plan. She won't leave me alone. I've tried to stay away from them, but she makes my life worse." She spoke, trying to keep her emotions in check. Tony's expression softened, knowing Eve's struggles with Lily. "I believe you, sweetheart. That's why I'm getting you out of that school by the end of the week. Early graduation, remember?" He said, his voice calmer, his trust in Eve evident. Little did they know, this was just the beginning of a new chapter in their lives, one that would bring its own set of challenges and surprises. Eve nodded and headed back to her room, seeking solace in the familiar routine of a shower and a change of clothes. As she hung her dress to dry, Tony's gentle knock on the door broke the silence. "Eve?" he asked softly, his concern evident in his voice.

Meanwhile, with the Wayne's, Tim grabbed Lily, his urgency evident. "Hey, geez! Didn't need to grab me like that, and go, I have a sprained ankle!" She whined, wincing in pain. Tim rolled his eyes, unsympathetic. "Oh, come on, don't be a baby, you've dealt with worse." He said, as the car arrived, and he ensured Lily got in safely before joining her and shutting the door. The tension between them was palpable, their animosity towards Eve and Tony clear. Little did they know, their actions would soon set off a chain reaction, forever altering the dynamics between the two families.
"Alright, rude..." Lily said, getting into the car, feigning innocence. "Why are we going home? I didn't even get a drink yet." Tim shot her a sideways glance. "Father wants us home, and you have plenty of drinks hidden in your room." Lily rolled her eyes. "Geez, you're in a bad mood." Tim sighed, his patience wearing thin. "Why do you treat Eve so badly?" he asked, his gaze steady on her. Lily's expression turned defiant. "I didn't do anything." Tim pressed on. "That's not what I asked. But thanks for clarifying. You got Eve and me in trouble for trying to help her. I'm asking why you hate her so much." Lily's smirk faltered, her eyes narrowing. "That's a new question. And it's not fair if you get to ask all the questions. So, my turn: why do you care about her so much?" The tension between them crackled, their animosity towards Eve and each other palpable. Little did they know, their rivalry would soon escalate into something far more sinister.

Tim looked away, rolling his eyes. "I care because she's done nothing wrong," he said softly. "Since her brother passed away, our families have been separated. He wanted me to take care of her, and I want to do that, but father won't let me." Lily's sarcasm cut through the air. "Aww, poor Eve, lost her brother and mother. Such a tragedy. She deserves your pity, Timmy." She emphasized his name, her tone dripping with condescension. "Life is a game, and right now, I'm winning. Your caring is making you lose." She grinned, exiting the car as they pulled up to their home. Tim's gaze lingered on her, a mix of frustration and worry. What would his father say? He got out of the car and followed Lily inside, his heart heavy with anticipation. Lily and Tim entered the study, where Bruce awaited them. "You called us?" Lily asked, still dripping wet. Tim gulped, his eyes fixed on his father, anticipating his reaction. "What's this?" Bruce asked, holding up the phone. "Lily, you were supposed to keep an eye on your brother too," he said, addressing them. Lily launched into a defensive tirade. "It's not my fault! That witch pushed me into the pool, and I sprained my ankle! By the time I got out and dried off, he was gone, off to play hero for Miss Petty Princess." She shot Tim a venomous glance. "As for the picture, no clue. Wasn't there, didn't see it. Who knows how long that's been going on." She added, with a dismissive wave of her hand. "And, by the way, she got my phone soaked and ruined! I need a new one." Alfred closed the door behind him as he left the office, leaving the family to sort out the drama.

Tim shot a incredulous look at Lily. "Come on, that's the first time we've ever talked! I was trying to be decent since you pushed her in the pool first!" he shouted back. "You don't even have a sprained ankle! You always play the victim!" Bruce slammed his hand on the desk, his patience worn thin. "ENOUGH! Both of you are grounded, Lily, no phone until you're ungrounded!" He ordered, sending them to their rooms. Lily protested, her voice rising. "Wait, why am I getting grounded? I didn't push her, I tripped! It was an accident! And it was sprained, Timothy!" Tim rolled his eyes, disbelieving. "Oh come on, you expect me to believe this lie? You laughed when you pushed her in the pool!" He shouted. Bruce's voice thundered through the room. "ENOUGH! BOTH OF YOU, GO TO YOUR ROOMS NOW!" He turned away, his back to them, the argument ended.