Broken homes

Couple days later

Lily took a deep breath, smoothing out the skirt of her designer outfit before stepping out of her room. She wasn't just coming downstairs—she was preparing for battle.

Her heels clicked against the floor as she made her way down, her expression unreadable. But as she reached the bottom of the stairs, she froze.

Shawn was standing near the front door, arms crossed, watching her.

"What the hell are you doing here?" she asked, her voice sharp.

He shrugged. "Came to see how badly you were gonna handle this."

Lily rolled her eyes. "Not your business."

"Yeah?" Shawn raised an eyebrow. "Well, when my best friend starts drinking herself into a mess and fighting with everyone who cares about her, I make it my business."

Lily scoffed but didn't have time to respond because, just then, Karen and Marcus stepped into the room.

"Lily," Marcus started, already looking exhausted.

She ignored him and turned straight to Karen. "So, Karen, you think you're fit to be the next Mrs. Dawson?"

Karen sighed, arms crossing. "Lily, I am not trying to replace your mother."

"You couldn't if you tried," Lily snapped.

Marcus groaned. "Lily, sit down."

"Oh, I'm fine standing," she said, her tone dripping with sarcasm. She turned back to Karen. "You can play house all you want, but I see right through you."

Karen inhaled sharply but kept her cool. "I know you're upset, but you don't have to be so hostile."

Lily tilted her head, eyes narrowing. "Oh, honey, this isn't hostility. This is just me talking."

Shawn let out a low whistle. "Damn."

Marcus shot him a look before turning back to Lily. "Enough. You don't have to like Karen, but you will respect her."

Lily scoffed. "Respect is earned, not handed out like one of her cheap department store blouses."

Karen gasped, and even Shawn choked back a laugh.

Marcus clenched his jaw. "You're acting like a child."

Lily smirked. "Then why do I seem like the only adult in this room?"

Karen took a deep breath, looking between Lily and Marcus. "Maybe we should give her some space."

Marcus hesitated before nodding. "Fine." He looked at Lily one last time. "But this conversation isn't over."

Lily smiled sweetly. "Oh, I hope not."

With that, Marcus sighed and walked off, Karen following closely behind.

As soon as they were gone, Shawn let out a low chuckle. "Well, that was a train wreck."

Lily turned to him. "What do you want, Shawn?"

He held up his hands. "Relax. Just wanted to make sure you didn't throw anything."

Lily rolled her eyes but said nothing.

Shawn watched her for a moment before sighing. "You know, you can keep pushing everyone away, but at some point, you're gonna have to figure out what you actually want."

Lily swallowed hard, her expression faltering for just a second. Then, just as quickly, she put her mask back on.

"I want you to leave," she said simply.

Shawn sighed but nodded. "Fine. But this isn't over."

And with that, he walked out the door, leaving Lily standing there, heart pounding, wondering if she had finally pushed too far.