shadows of deceit by author berryy

CHAPTER 3

The air between them seemed to vibrate with tension, and Lila couldn't help but wonder what he had planned for her. One thing was certain, though - she was ready to find out.

Lila's gaze never wavered as she replied, "I'll listen to what you have got, Cormac."

Ryker's eyes seemed to gleam with amusement, but his tone was cryptic. "The threads of fate are woven with whispers of the past, Lila. You're a part of this tapestry now."

Lila's sharp voice cut through the enigmatic atmosphere. "Be clear with your intentions, Cormac. Why have you brought me here?"

Ryker's smile grew wider, but his eyes turned calculating. "Very well, Lila. I'll be blunt. I need a wife, and a heir to secure my position as the head of the family business."

Lila's eyes narrowed. "Family business? You mean the mob?"

Ryker's nod was curt. "Yes. And you, Lila, are the perfect candidate. You're smart, resourceful, and... let's say, in need of a fresh start."

Lila's mind reeled as she processed his words. "So, you want me to be your wife, just for legal reasons?"

Ryker's expression turned cold, his voice detached. "Exactly. It's a business arrangement, nothing more. I need a legitimate heir to secure my legacy, and you need... well, you need a lot of things, Lila. I can provide that."

The silence that followed was oppressive, heavy with unspoken expectations. Lila felt like a pawn in a game she didn't understand, but she knew one thing - she had to make a choice.

Lila knew one thing and that was, Ryker has been right....she needed a lot of things, not for herself but for her brother. His life mattered to her more then anything.

The same night, Lila lay on the couch, her mind racing with thoughts of Ryker's proposal. She couldn't believe what he was asking of her - to be his wife, to bear his child, all for the sake of securing his position in the mob. But as she thought about it, she realized that she needed him just as much as he needed her. She needed his money, his resources, to take care of Varyl and herself.

"It's a fair trade," she thought to herself. "He uses me for his purposes, and I use him for mine."

But as she drifted off to sleep, she couldn't shake the feeling that she was getting in over her head. Ryker Cormac was not a man to be trifled with, and she knew that once she agreed to his proposal, there would be no going back.

The next morning, Lila woke up with a sense of determination. She would do what she had to do to secure her brother's future, even if it meant sacrificing her own happiness. She picked up her phone and sent Ryker a text: "I'm ready to talk about the rules."

She waited anxiously for his response, knowing that her life was about to change forever.

Looking at the clock, that said it was half past 9am, Lila slowly got out of bed, her body feeling heavy with the weight of her thoughts. She had spent the entire day thinking about Ryker's proposal, and she still couldn't make sense of it. She felt like she was trapped in a never-ending cycle of guilt, shame, and uncertainty.

She began to move mechanically, her mind numb as she made her way to the bathroom. The shower was hot and unforgiving, but she welcomed the pain, hoping it would distract her from her thoughts. As she washed her hair, she felt a lump form in her throat, and she struggled to hold back tears.

After the shower, she stood in front of the mirror, staring blankly at her reflection. The shame and guilt were etched on her face, and she couldn't bear to look at herself. She thought about all the mistakes she had made, all the wrong turns she had taken, and how they had led her to this moment.

She took a deep breath and tried to shake off the negative thoughts.
This isn't the time to have a pity party, get a grip on yourself lila, she thought as she got dressed in a black t-shirt and leggings, her movements harsh. As she locked the studio apartment door behind her, she felt a sense of resolve wash over her. She would do what she had to do, no matter how difficult it was. For Varyl's sake, she would face whatever lay ahead.

As she walked to the clinic, the cool night air hit her face, but it did little to calm the storm brewing inside her. She felt like she was drowning in a sea of emotions, each one threatening to pull her under.

But she pushed on, her determination fueled by the thought of Varyl's smiling face. She would do whatever it took to give him the best chance at a healthy life.

As she approached the clinic, she saw the faint glow of the lights inside. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for what lay ahead.

When she entered the clinic, the nurse looked up and smiled. "Lila, how are you doing today?"

Lila forced a smile, trying to hide the turmoil inside. "I'm doing okay. How's Varyl?"

The nurse's expression turned serious. "He's not doing well, Lila. We need to get him to a better facility, one that can provide the specialized care he needs."

Lila's heart sank, but she nodded resolutely. "I'm working on it. I'll make sure he gets the best care possible."

The nurse nodded, her eyes filled with a mix of sympathy and admiration. "I know you will, Lila. You're a strong one."

Lila smiled wryly, feeling anything but strong. But she knew she had to keep going, for Varyl's sake.

She followed the nurse who went to varyl's room.

"Your sister is here, flower" the nurse said as lila sat down beside his bed, taking his small hand in hers.

"Hey, little brother," she whispered.

Varyl's eyes fluttered open, and he smiled weakly. "Lila..."

"How are you doing?" She asked with her scratchy throat.

"Just hanging in there" he said with his little voice.
Lila smiled painfully and said,
"Don't worry flower, I'll do anything for you"

He smiled back and whispered, "I know you will Leo"

Lila's heart swelled with love at hearing him say the nickname he give her, and with determination that she would do whatever it took to give him a better life. Even if it meant making a deal with the devil himself, Ryker Cormac.

SOON TO BE CONTINUE....

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Hope y'all like this chapter>3
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