shadows of deceit by author berryy

CHAPTER 8

"Were you jealous, Cormac?", asked lila after sitting inside the car.

Ryker's expression remained stoic, but his eyes flashed with a hint of irritation. "Jealous? Of what?" he growled, his deep voice low and even.

Lila chuckled, her eyes sparkling with mirth. "Of Alex, of course. You practically growled at him when we were leaving."

Ryker's jaw clenched, his grip on the steering wheel tightening. "I was simply protecting what's mine," he said, his tone firm.

Lila raised an eyebrow, her smile never wavering. "Yours? That sounds awfully possessive, Cormac. I didn't know you cared."

Ryker's eyes snapped towards her, his gaze intense. "You know I care, Lila. I'm just trying to keep you safe."

Lila snorted, rolling her eyes. "Safe from what? Flirtatious men? You're not my father, Ryker."

The air in the car grew thick with tension as Ryker's face darkened. "I'm your fianceé, Lila. And I won't let anyone threaten what we have."

Lila's smile faltered, her eyes narrowing. "What we have? You mean this fake engagement? Lucky me", she said with a scoff.

Ryker's eyes flashed with anger, but he said nothing, his silence speaking volumes. The rest of the drive passed in tense silence, the only sound the soft hum of the engine and Lila's quiet seething.

As they reached home, Lila walked inside going straight to her room.
While Ryker groaned.

This fucking woman.

He thought and walked towards his home office, while dialing Asher's number.

After the third ring, a smooth voice came, "hey ryk"

Ryker replied, "hey ash", and asked, "is it done?"

"Yeah it is but when are you going to tell her about this?" (Asher)

"Not until the wedding...or maybe not until she carries the Cormac heir" (Ryker)

"That's going to be a mistake, ryk. That girl is fierce, if she finds out about this late....she will never forgive you" (Asher)

"Don't worry about this, ash. I've got it. I'll make sure that everything goes to the plan" (Ryker)

"I trust you but be careful" (Asher)

"Sure and thanks for today" (Ryker)

"Fuck off, ryk", said Asher while laughing as they hung up.

Ryker was lost in his thoughts, doubting if it turns out like he has planned.....
Ryker shrugged and walked into his bedroom, the weight of the talk he had with Asher still heavy on his mind. He shed his clothes, leaving them scattered on the floor, and strode into the en-suite bathroom. The warm water of the shower cascaded down his body, washing away the tension in his muscles.

As he emerged, refreshed and calm, he wrapped a towel around his waist and headed downstairs. The soft glow of the kitchen lights drew him in, and he found Lila standing at the counter, her back to him. The aroma of ramen wafted through the air, making his stomach growl with hunger.

A hint of surprise on her face, as Ryker entered the kitchen. "I made some ramen," she said, her cheecks flushed at seeing him half naked, again! her voice soft. "I thought you might be hungry." Hungry or not, one thing she was sure about was that Ryker loved being half naked when he is alone, but unfortunately he has got a wife now.

Ryker's eyes narrowed, taken aback by her little gesture. He nodded a thank, taking a seat at the island as Lila handed him a steaming bowl.

They sat in silence, slurping the noodles, the only sound the gentle clinking of spoons against the bowls. Ryker's eyes drifted to Lila, her face illuminated by the soft kitchen lights. He couldn't help but notice the way her hair fell in loose waves down her back, or the way her eyes sparkled as she ate.

After a moment, Lila broke the silence. "When will I meet Varyl?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Ryker's gaze snapped back to his bowl, his expression guarded. "Soon enough," he replied, his tone neutral.

Lila's eyes lingered on him, searching for more, but Ryker offered nothing. The silence stretched out between them once more, filled only by the sound of their eating.

As Lila was done, she took her bowl towards the sink and washed it.
She was about to go to her room that Ryker's voice stopped her, "Lila"
She turned around and looked at him, raising an eyebrow.

"You can go meet him tomorrow morning....take the driver with you", as the words left his mouth, her face lit up like Christmas lights, which was a gut punch to Ryker.

She beamed and said, "good night, Ryker" and walked away.

And well, Ryker's mind was flashing with her smile, even when he laid at his bed that night...

The next morning Lila woke up, fresh as ever, beaming with a smile knowing that today she will meet her little flower.

Knowing today she will not feel the guilt, for not doing anything for her brother. She will look at him and smile bec now he is getting the best treatment and soon they will be preparing for his surgery.

She took a shower and dressed in a faded t-shirt and baggy jeans.
Applied a little makeup and went downstairs.

In the kitchen she found the maid, though no sign of Ryker. Maybe he left for the office-

"What would you like to eat, miss Lila?", asked the maid, pulling her out of her thoughts.

She mustered up a smile and said, "no thanks, Cara. Just coffee pls"

While sipping, she opened her phone and saw a text message from Ryker:

        Don't come back late, someone
                Is coming to meet you

Lila wondered who that person is, as she walked outside searching for the drive,who was waiting outside.

She pushed the thoughts aside and got into the car, her mind focusing on the upcoming visit with Varyl. As the driver pulled away from the curb, Lila's excitement grew. She couldn't wait to see her brother and catch up on everything she'd missed.

The hospital loomed ahead, and Lila's nerves tightened slightly. She hoped Varyl was doing well and that the visit would be a positive one.

With a deep breath, Lila stepped out of the car and into the hospital, her eyes scanning the lobby for any sign of her brother or she would have to go and ask for his room number. She spotted him sitting in a wheelchair, a bright smile on his face, and her heart swelled with love.

"Varyl!" she exclaimed, rushing over to hug him tightly.

"Leo", said Varyl with his small but happy voice, "you're here"

"Ofcc I'm here, flower", replied Lila as tears formed in her eyes.

"I'm going to be oky soon!", Varyl exclaimed excitedly.

"Yes, you are", Lila smiled looking at his happy face.

As they chatted and laughed together, Lila couldn't feel more happy.
She made a cruel deal with Ryker but it was all worth it. Worth the smile she is witnessing after seeing him in the pain he has been through.

"I'll visit you soon, lil flower", whispered Lila as she raked her hand through Varyl's hair, gazing lovingly at his sleeping form.

After placing a kiss on his forehead, she walks out of there, back to the car.

SOON TO BE CONTINUE....

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Yayy! enjoy this chapter<3
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