the IT girl

Shadows in Paradise

The holidays in Greece had been a dream come true. Lando, Lily, Gemma, and baby Daniel had been enjoying the serenity of their villa overlooking the shimmering blue Aegean Sea. The mornings were spent lounging by the pool, afternoons exploring quaint villages, and evenings watching breathtaking sunsets as a family.

Gemma had been particularly enthralled, running around barefoot on the beach, collecting seashells, and squealing every time the waves lapped at her feet. Daniel, now nine months old, babbled happily from his stroller, content to take in the sights and sounds around him.

Lily had seemed lighter here. Her laugh came more easily, and her eyes sparkled with joy. But the peace they'd found would soon be shattered by an unwelcome visitor.

It was their fifth day in Greece, and the evening air was warm and balmy. Lando was outside on the villa's terrace, grilling fresh seafood for dinner while Gemma played with her doll on the patio. Lily was inside, humming softly to herself as she tidied up Daniel's things.

A sudden, sharp knock at the front door interrupted the tranquil evening. Lily frowned, her heart skipping a beat. They weren't expecting anyone, and the staff who occasionally came by to check on them usually called ahead.

She glanced out the window but couldn't see who it was.

"I'll get it," she called to Lando, who looked up from the grill with a curious expression.

Lily opened the door, and the sight before her made her blood run cold.

Her father stood there, disheveled and reeking of alcohol. His face was hardened with anger, and his eyes were bloodshot.

"Dad..." she whispered, her voice trembling.

"You didn't think you could hide forever, did you?" he snarled, stepping into the villa uninvited.

Lily's instincts screamed at her to run, but her feet felt rooted to the floor.

"What are you doing here?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

"I came to see my daughter," he said mockingly, his words slurring slightly. "But look at you now, living the high life with your fancy husband and perfect kids. Forgot all about where you came from, huh?"

"I didn't forget," Lily said quietly, her voice firm despite her fear. "But you don't get to barge into my life like this."

Her father's expression darkened. "Don't you talk to me like that!" he yelled, raising his hand.

Before Lily could react, his hand came down hard against her cheek, the impact sending her stumbling backward.

"Lily?" Lando's voice called from the terrace.

Hearing the commotion, Lando dropped the spatula and sprinted inside, his heart pounding. He froze momentarily at the sight before him: Lily on the floor, her father looming over her with a raised hand.

"What the hell is going on here?" Lando's voice was cold, his jaw tight as he stepped between Lily and her father.

Her father turned to Lando, sneering. "So, you're the golden boy. Think you're better than me?"

"I don't care what you think," Lando said sharply. "You're leaving. Now."

Her father laughed bitterly. "This is between me and my daughter. Stay out of it."

"No, it's not," Lando said, his tone deadly serious. "You're done hurting her."

Lando's presence and unwavering glare seemed to unnerve him. Her father muttered something unintelligible before storming out, slamming the door behind him.

Lando immediately crouched next to Lily, his hands gently cupping her face. Her cheek was red, a stark contrast to her pale skin.

"Lily, are you okay?" he asked, his voice soft and full of concern.

She nodded slowly, though tears welled in her eyes. "I'm fine," she whispered.

"No, you're not," Lando said, brushing a tear from her cheek. "I'm so sorry I wasn't here sooner."

Gemma appeared at the doorway, clutching her doll with wide, frightened eyes. "Mommy? What happened?"

Lily took a deep breath, summoning her strength. "It's okay, sweetheart," she said, holding out her arms.

Gemma ran to her, and Lily hugged her tightly.

Later that night, after the kids were asleep, Lando and Lily sat together on the terrace. The stars glittered overhead, but the usual peace of the Greek night felt distant.

Lando held her hand tightly, his thumb brushing over her knuckles. "Lily, we need to talk about this. You can't keep this bottled up."

"I thought he was out of my life for good," she said, her voice trembling. "I didn't think he'd find me here."

"He won't hurt you again," Lando said firmly. "I'll make sure of it."

Lily leaned into him, her head resting on his shoulder. "Thank you for being there for me, Lando."

"Always," he said, wrapping his arms around her.