Kitten

Chapter 26: Harsh Reality

Lily's POV:

I couldn't believe how lucky I was. Maybe 2019 wasn't so bad after all. Truthfully, the idea of being with another man scared me after all that Matthew inflicted on me. What if I annoy him so much that he wants to leave me. What if he cheats on me. What if.

"You're so damn cute when you're flustered". His minty breath fanned my hair from above as he stood behind me as I lent against the railing watching the fireworks blast into the night sky.

Did I subconsciously speak my tiresome thoughts out loud?

"Kitten, I know you're a little scared and unsure of this, but I will show you how a real man treats a woman, okay? All you have to do is put your trust in me".

A sigh of content escaped my mouth as I relaxed my body into his. An involuntary smile came onto my face as Alexander gently rested his chin on my head and watched out silently at the colours exploding in the sky. 

"Do you want to keep this between us? I mean, our relationship. Truthfully, I don't know how my dad will react if he finds out I'm in another relationship".

Alexander's arms wrapped tighter around my waist as he planted gentle kisses on my neck before whispering in my ear.

"Kitten, it's your choice. I'm happy either way. But just so you know, I love the idea of letting everyone know who you belong to".

I scoffed loudly at his possessive words. I knew he was joking and would never control me in the way that Matthew did. Spinning around in his arms, I turned to face him and placed my hands on my hips as I titled my head.

"I belong to nobody jerk face".

Alexander stared me down intensely with a sinister smirk.

"Considering you are now my girlfriend, I'd say you do belong to me. But of course, I belong to you just as much. Besides I know there are lots of people who'd want to belong to me".

"Don't flatter yourself" I scoffed whilst playfully hitting Alexander's chest before turning away from his handsome face and back towards the beautiful fireworks.

"I think I'll just wait a little until I tell people".

My dad has always been super protective over me, but since finding out about Matthew's secret life and abuse he's much more protective and I know the thought of me jumping into another relationship may not sit well with him.

"Whatever you want kitten" he mumbled into my ear before his arms were wrapped around me once more.

As we both stood in complete silence, my phone began to buzz loudly in my pocket making Alexander stare down at me with a raised eyebrow.

"Probably my dad wishing me a happy new year".

Pulling out my phone I held it up to Alexander to show him that I was right. He smiled wildly at me before turning his attention up to the sky.

"Happy New Year Dad" I muttered before he had a chance to speak first.

"Sweetheart, I think you need to come home. We've just found out on the news that Matthew was found dead in the home you shared. Police have yet to confirm, but they believe it was a suicide".

"W-What?".

This was not what I was expecting to hear from my dad as the year came to an end. Matthew, my childhood sweetheart, the man I once loved, the man who hurt me dearly was dead. Questions swarmed my head at the sudden news. This made no sense. Matthew would never commit suicide. Yes he made mistakes and sort of ruined his life, but I didn't think Matthew would do such a thing.