Chapter 35 - The ripple effect

"Love isn't soft, like the poets say. Love has teeth which bite and the wounds never close."

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Lilly's POV

"What's that on your neck?"

Dad's words had my eyes widening and I halted in my steps, pausing by the kitchen's table and my hand immediately shot to the side of my neck, covering the skin. Oh shit, I totally forgot about that. Dad's eyebrows pulled closer as he stared back at me, his back pressed against the counter as he brought the coffee cup to his mouth and took a sip.

"Uh, it's...I...I burned myself with the curling iron," I lied, forcing on a nervous smile, shrugging casually. Because this was so casual...

"But your hair isn't curled," Max mumbled from the side, as he brought the fork to his mouth and munched on his food, so very unbothered.

I nodded, "Yeah, yeah," I chuckled nervously, pressing my other hand to my forehead, "Pfft, I meant the hair straightener," I explained my lie, rolling my eyes extravagantly, "I am probably still sleepy or something."

Mom was sitting down, placing some fruits into Max's plate which he pushed into the other empty plate, "But Lilly, your hair is wet, you just had a shower," She said, her eyes drifting to me, her eyebrow raising, indirectly telling me to pick up a better lie next time. Thanks, mom.

I laughed, "Yeah, yeah, true," I said as I fixed my hair over my shoulders, "Well, uh, you know," I gulped down, "It's uh..." I was out of words so I cleared my throat and decided to just shut up before I make a bigger fool of myself as I took my seat on the table, grabbing the orange juice and swallowing down the whole thing in one go, letting its coldness wash over my burning throat, my eyes sneakily going to dad and trying to read his expression.

He shot me a glare, and a low breath pushed out of his lungs as he moved closer, "I am way too tired to make a scene right now, we'll talk about this later," He grumbled out, his tone alone reflecting his deprived energy, ignoring me for once before he leaned down, taking mom's hand that was holding the fork and he brought it up to his mouth, taking what was supposed to be her food and chewed on it. Her eyebrow raised at his action and he threw her a wink before he leaned closer and pecked her lips quickly.

He straightened himself, "I will go to the hospital to check on Nathan," he told mom and she nodded, asking him to assure Natalie that Maria is okay here and sleeping still. Max placed his fork down and pulled his chair back, hurriedly getting up as he wiped at his mouth, "I am coming with you too," He announced and dad's eyebrows sightly pulled closer, a bit taken aback before he shook it off and looked at me, "We are leaving tonight, so make sure you have everything packed," He said and I let out a low sigh. Finally.

He threw his arm around Max's shoulder, both talking about something as they exited the room. I crossed my arms over the table and pressed my chin over it as I stared at his retreating back. I didn't tell him yet about what happened just a few hours ago. There was no point. There is nothing to do. Me telling him that Louis threatened me wouldn't help them find him any faster. He already looks so exhausted, tired, and worried, holding the weight of everything over his shoulders. I don't need to add into that.

Flashbacks of what Louis mentioned had my eyes flickering to mom, staring at her as she ate her food, her eyes going to her phone's screen and typing something, so unaware of the thoughts roaming my head and threatening my peace. I will do to her what your father did to her mother. I had my doubts before, and today he just cleared them out.

My eyes took all of her in, my brain pushing me down that memory lane, to the woman who picked me up every time I fell, who stayed by my bed when I was sick, who cheered me up every time I needed her to, so happy, so energetic and full of life...How does she do it? I still can't wrap my mind over it.

I felt the tears threatening to spill over and I bit the inside of my cheek, doing my best to hold them back, especially when her gaze flickered to me, noticing me staring. She threw me a wink, before her eyebrows pulled closer, reading more into my expression, "What's wrong?"

A heartfelt smile curved my lips and I shook my head, getting up and to her side, "Nothing," I wrapped my arms around her neck from the back, leaning and kissing her cheek, "I just love you so much," I whispered, not planning to open up her old wounds.

She rested her hand over my arm and squeezed, "I love you too, baby," She said back, a bit of concern waved in her words, "Are you okay?"

I nodded my head, smiling still, "Yeah, I just gotta go pack," I pulled away and hefted out a tired sigh, "I can't wait to leave here."

"Same, I can't wait to be home again," She said with a dreamy sigh. Home...yeah, I am dying to find out where that is too.

I left the kitchen and walked up the stairs, all while my mind going through that same loop, providing me yet another reason why Christian and I would never work. He was right when he said us having a kid was wrong...true, it's so wrong, his DNA and mine should never mix. He and I, we are meant to be enemies only, from the start till the end. I've strayed too far from that path for way too long.

I would be lying to say I am not confused about everything I am feeling, I don't understand what I need, way too lost in what should happen and shouldn't, absorbed in wrong and right that I've lost sense of what I actually want. It's why I ran away from Chase, fishing for any way to avoid him, because it wouldn't be fair, not to him and not to me.

As if he knows he is on my mind, the second I landed on the upper floor, one of the room's doors opened and he stepped out, instantly consuming me into a whirlwind of unease, confusion, and all types of nervousness. His gaze flickered to me and he paused to a stop, his fingers ran through the wet strands of his hair, pushing them back and a small smile curved the corner of his lips, "Morning," He said and I sucked into a deep breath, "Morning," I said back, breathlessly.

I fidgeted with the hem of my shirt, slowly getting absorbed into everything he is. The way he smelled, so fresh, crisp, aromatic and so clean, like soap and aftershave; all manly, and just him. The strands of his hair, still wet and a bit darker from their usual light ash brown tone due to his shower. The blue of his eyes, a shade different in the morning just like I remember them to be; ocean strong and lit by the sun's hues as it climbed its way up to the sky, both burning and drowning.

His lips, tender and teasing, reminding me of how they felt pressed into mine, so familiar but also new. It drives me crazy, just how familiar he is to me, but also utterly foreign, a total contradiction. Parts of him are still the boy I grew up with, the one I annoyed with every passing second, the one I trusted with my life, the one who played with my ribbon every time I laid into his embrace. But also...he is no longer a boy, he is a man I once hurt, the one who will hold parts of himself back, the one who won't easily trust me again nor let me in.

A wall up and high, he built it, and I understand that. I am building that same wall, scared and terrified to step out from behind it. I am sure that wall was the only reason he couldn't totally give himself to...her. Not because of me, not because he still loves me, I know that he doesn't, nor do I, because that deep exquisite thing I felt only for him all those years ago, I am no longer in touch with it, but I know if we were to start again, I would feel it deep in my bones, I will fall headfirst and crash.

"Did you sleep well?" I asked, fishing for a conversation to block those troubling thoughts away, "You know you're flying us tonight so you need to be fully energized, I don't plan to die yet," I joked around, knowing very well no one in this house was able to sleep more than a couple of hours in this terrible night.

His lips tilted up and he nodded, "Not my first time," He said and before we could say more, the door to my room opened and a sleepy Conner tumbled out grabbing our attention to him. His hair was a total mess, brown locks flying everywhere, and his eyes half opened as he rubbed at them tiredly, "Why is everyone awake?" He groaned, "It's too early."

I guess one of us did sleep very well after all. I rolled my eyes at him and when he inched closer, I pinched his arm, "Oww," He winced, pulling his arm back and staring at me with wide eyes, "That's for pushing me off the bed," I said and he looked utterly clueless.

The creaking sound of another door opening had my gaze drifting to the end of the hallway, my eyes falling on small little Maria as she peeked and looked around, her little hands clutching on the door. Her sleepy green eyes met mine and she let go of the door and rushed forward toward me. A smile pulled up at my lips as I crouched down to level myself with her, my fingers tucking her hair behind her ear, "Good morning, sweetie," I said.

She pouted, "Did mommy come back?" She asked, sad lines etching between her eyebrows.

I shook my head, "She will come in a bit," I said, and she sniffled, rubbing at her eyes and ready to go full-on crying. I immediately pulled her closer and into my arms, brushing my fingers over her soft cheek, "Till then, how about you stay with me and we can do anything you want."

Her lips were still forming a cute little pout, her eyes drifted to Chase as he crouched down beside me, a warm smile forming over his lips as he brought his hand up and tucked her hair away, "We can go get ice cream, and play with the ball like last time?" He suggested, trying to cheer her up and she nodded her head, "Okay," She mumbled lowly before she moved away from my embrace and toward him, wrapping her little arms around his neck as he pulled her up into his arms.

Great, even my cousin loves him more than she loves me. I am not jealous, definitely not...

She rested her head over his shoulder, her eyes on Conner at the side as he made funny faces to make her laugh but she couldn't seem less impressed. I chuckled and rested my hand over Conner's arm, "You are such a kid," I said and he looked at me, nodding, "Your kid," He added, winking and I shook my head at his nonsense.

"Okay now, since this is our last day here, let's go outside and have some fun," Conner suggested, looking between us both, "Dangerous or not, I don't care, because I didn't get any of the fun I was promised with," He said the last part while glaring at Chase.

I nodded, agreeing, "Yeah, let's," I said, because if Louis could walk past the security and inside to threaten me, then nowhere is actually safe; neither indoors nor outside and I really don't plan to stay hidden till he comes and gets me one day.

We all witnessed it firsthand, all the precautions they took, all the attempts to keep us safe and away from the truth were futile. This was inevitable after all, and maybe...maybe there is no stopping it anymore.

It's just the ripple effect of mistakes and wrongs committed years ago. Call it giving up if you might, but sometimes the bad wins, and this looks like it.

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Nikolas's POV

I've made my wide share of mistakes.

Big, unthinkable, and unforgivable doings. Wrongs I've been trying to correct and stray away from ever since.

Moving on from that past was one thing and forgetting it ever happened was another. We all move on in the end, because moving on never meant forgetting, and I never forgot. Guilt was my companion since I first opened my eyes to the world. It started the day I looked into my mother's eyes and realized how because of me, she lost a son. She had to choose, and she chose me, her very own choice, forcing the guilt to crawl into my inside since that very young age, embedding itself deep down, always there and etched to my soul; just like cancer, it will confine you, torture you, and destroy you.

I was fully aware of every word Alex said and how true they were. Everything that is happening now is my fault. I know that. He was one of those guilts; Nathaniel or whatever the hell his same is. Another mistake I committed, its rippling effect washing over us in waves, the intensity drowning those around me, my very own family.

The troubling thoughts had me sit down by Natalie's side as she waited for Nathan to fully wake up, sitting on the couch facing the bed, her elbow pressed against the armrest, her cheek resting over her palm, and her worried tired gaze caressing him from a distance, refusing to fall asleep anytime soon.

She didn't look at my side as I occupied the empty space beside her, and I knew she was angry and hurt. Against my better judgment, I've been avoiding her since I held our injured boy in my arms. Because I could deal with my own guilt and blame, but I won't be able to handle hers.

My arm went around her body, and my other hand rested over her cheek, turning her face to me. Troubled eyes met mine, so confused and uncertain as I palmed her cheek, my thumb brushing the tired area under her eyes. They glided down for a second and a low breath parted her lips when I whispered, "I am so sorry."

She shook her head, her lower lip slightly quivered and she placed her hand over mine, removing it away, "Natalie, please," I added, urging her to face this with me, my hand going to hers, wrapping her small soft one in my big tight grip.

Her gaze lifted up to me, "You've been so far away from me," She let the hurt tumble out, her eyes going to Nathan then back to me, "At this moment where I need you the most, you are steering away," She shook her head in disbelief, "Why, Nikolas, why are you not telling me anything?"

"Because I don't know how to face you with the truth," I mumbled, admitting how badly I fucked up, "How can I-" I shook my head, "He is your brother, Natalie, do you want me to sit and tell you about how I created a monster?" It wasn't all me, but I volunteered, or at least, I could've stopped it. I had the chance to release him from Isaac's shackles, but I didn't. Just like I could've freed Christian right there and then. I had the chance but I waited and now, it's too late.

"Do you want me to tell you how nothing will stop me from killing him?" I added. He escaped but I will capture him again. He isn't smarter nor stronger than me. He is only at an advantage that I am busy and truth is, I am not planning to leave my son's side till I am sure he is okay. One big mistake I was doing is what Alex pointed out. At this moment, they only need me, a husband, and a father. No more, no less.

"I don't know how to talk about all of this because it's neither the place nor the time for it," I explained and she just listened, not even commenting at the killing him part. My gaze went back to Nathan, my jaw ticking, "I am scared, Natalie," My eyes went back to her, "Scared you'd blame me, and scared that killing him would make me lose you...because it's something I am not going to back away from no matter what."

Lines etched between her eyebrows, "He hurt my son," She shook her head, a bit of rage surged into the blue of her eyes, electrifying them, "I don't care about anything else but that fact," The muscles of her jaw tightened, vengeful tears rushed to her eyes, "So if you don't kill him, I will."

I know that she is just absorbed within this moment, it's new still, fresh. Nathan is still in the hospital's bed, and her anger and fear will want nothing more than to punish who caused this, thinking maybe it will make it hurt less. But if he was to be here, standing right in front of her, she would hesitate, just as Ronald did.

I shook the thought away, focusing only on her, bringing my hand up and brushing those few tears away, "He is going to be okay," I assured her, nodding my head, "And we will go back home," I added, "Everything will go back to the way it was."

"I promised you that I won't let my past hurt them, and I fucked up this time but I won't again," That much I was sure of, "No one, not him or anyone else will lay a finger on any of them, I will make sure of it."

She nodded her head, needing that assurance just as much as I did, "Come here," I mumbled, pulling her closer to my embrace. I gathered her in my arms and she pressed herself deeper into my embrace, at this moment caring about nothing else but us and our little family, needing my word that nothing could ever ruin that, and everything else can be dealt with later.

"This is definitely not how I expected our anniversary to turn into," I mumbled into her hair and a low voice that sounded like a chuckle and a scoff altogether escaped her mouth as she lifted her head up, staring at me, "Yeah," Tears line her lashes, her lips curling up in annoyance, "This sucks, worst anniversary ever."

My lips curved a small smile as I stared down at her cute annoyed glare, my thumb brushing her cheek as I leaned down and pecked her lips ever so gently, "When this is over, I will make it up for you," I mumbled into her skin and she hummed, too tired to even make words as I added, "I promise."

The corner of her mouth lifted up, giving me that beautiful innocent smile as she thought of a period where this is all over, no danger, no threat, everyone safe and our enemies locked far away, "So you will finally take that dance class with me?" She said, a tease in her tone, shifting the conversation into a lighter tone for both of our sakes and I grumbled out, "No, I am not that desperate to make it up for you."

She slapped my arm playfully, "You will," She stressed out, "I made you do a lot of things you didn't want to do, so this won't be a problem," Her eyes narrowed at me, "Challange accepted, Mr. Viarchi."

"Mrs. Viarchi," I called for her and she hummed, ushering me to carry on, "I love you," I whispered, gazing down at my whole world, tucked up between my arms, so scared that this could come in between us and ruin the best thing that ever happened to me, "And I promise, we are going to make it out of this," We have to.

Heartbreak wove with the bit of hope in her eyes as she rested her hand over my face, her fingers brushing the corner of my mouth, "We will," She said, and her throat bobbed heavily, "Because I don't know what I'll do if we don't."

The sound of sheets rustling was enough to break our gaze, our attention going to Nathan as he tossed around. Natalie jumped to her feet and was already on his side, me right suit on her steps, landing on his other side. He moved his head, his eyes blinking open, seeing her first through his hazy gaze, "Mom?" He mumbled, his voice hoarse and tired.

"Yes, I am here," She said breathlessly, sitting on the bed's edge by his side, her hand going to his shoulder and rubbing down his arm as the happy tears filled her eyes and she assured him again, "I am right here."

His hand went to his face, pressing his fingers against his temple, "My head hurts," He mumbled, his eyelids dropping down, wincing slightly at the pain. My hand moved to his forehead, gently brushing the few strands away, "It's because of the meds," I explained while running my hand soothingly through his hair. His eyes flickered to me, staring back as I added, "It will go away in a bit."

I wasn't sure what his reaction toward me is going to be. After he stormed off on me due to Max's words, we never had the chance to sit down and talk it through, and this is the worst time ever to discuss anything other than the fact that he is okay. I was scared of him pulling away from me but he understood the situation now and sensed my immense worry, he was always so sensible, a bit more mature than his age, and smarter...Natalie's effect I guess.

A small relieved smile pulled at my lips as I took him in, my chest relaxing, finally breathing without the suffocating grip of fear as he smiled back, a small tired one.

I leaned closer, my arm going around his shoulders, my lips pressing over his head, my eyes closing as I breathed him in, "You're okay," I mumbled, assuring myself more than I was assuring him. Natalie on his other side scooted closer, her hand over his shoulder, and mine went over it, giving it a tight squeeze, giving her the assertion she needed; that we are both in this together.

Time passed smoothly after, I tried to keep every other thought that didn't include him in the back of my mind, knowing I have a lot to deal with it soon but definitely not now. The sun climbed over the horizon and shone through the hospital window as Natalie kept talking with Nathan, bombarding him with kisses every now and then and tiring the poor kid. The doctor came to check up on him, relieving us more with the good news about his health.

Natalie's phone rang, interrupted her rambling as she pulled it from her pocket, "It's Ronald," She mumbled as she placed it to her ear and stood up, "I will be back," She added, looking at me and I nodded as she exited the room.

A low sigh pushed out of my chest and I rested my back against the bed's headrest, beside Nathan, exhaustion weighing my body down, "Dad," He said and my eyes immediately went to him, "Yeah?"

His expression shifted slightly, rubbing his hand over his throat and recalling back what happened, "He said he is going to hurt everyone," The worry wove with the fear in his eyes, "Me, Max, and even Maria," He shook his head and my hand curled into a fist, twisting the sheets beside my thigh, "And he said after that, he will hurt you too," Lines etched his forehead, scared at the thought only and I shook my head, my arm going around his shoulder and pulling him to me, my jaw tightening, trapping inside so much anger and rage, "He won't dare, I won't let him come near any of you this time."

"I don't want you to worry about any of this, okay," I added, "I will take care of it, I promise."

He nodded, "But-" His words were interrupted with the light creaking sound of the door. My gaze flickered there, expecting it to be Natalie. I felt a bit taken aback when my eyes fell on Max instead, his gaze met mine and his throat bobbed heavily at my sight, his jaw worked as he mumbled, "Can I come in?"

I nodded, "Yeah, sure," I said, removing my arm from over Nathan and I got up to my feet, giving him a safe place to get closer. His gaze flickered from me and to him, his expression softening and a small smile crept up his lips as he inched closer, "Hey," He said.

Nathan smiled back and Max took a pause by the bed's edge, "You look better," He commented and Nathan nodded, "I feel better," He said. Max's eyes flickered to the ground, nervously fidgeting with his hands before he looked back at him, his eyebrow raising in warning, "So, I am hoping next time I ask you to run away, you will."

Nathan shook his head, "I am just hoping there wouldn't be a next time," He said, squinting his eyes at him and Max's smile widened, nodding his head, "Yeah, I am hoping so too."

Against my better judgment, my chest warmed up as I watched them simply interact. I know that Max is never going to be okay with my presence, and I am ready to live with that fact as long as he is okay, but at least he isn't holding that grudge against Nathan. I know how much he was excited to meet him and to see them hit it off on good terms, it's kind of...relieving.

Max's eyes flickered to me, probably not comfortable with me being here as they talked. Understanding the message, I turned to Nathan, "I will be outside if you need me," I mumbled, rubbing a hand over my neck as I headed outside. Right when I stepped out, my hand went to the door to close it behind me but I was stopped midway, I turned to see as Max held it from the other side, opening it again and looking at me, "Can we talk?"

My eyebrows pulled closer and I nodded, beyond confused. His gaze went to Nathan inside, he said something like I'll be back in a bit before he stepped outside the room and closed the door behind him. His gaze went around us, purposely not meeting mine, a bit nervous and...uncomfortable.

"Uh...I think there is something you should know," He started, his eyes finally falling on me and I nodded, ushering him to carry on, "When he took me," His eyebrows pulled closer, "Nathaniel...or whatever his name is," He shook his head, "Anyway when I was with him, I noticed something."

"What?" I asked.

"I think he is sick," Max said, "Not normal sick, I think it's serious," He added, "I saw him coughing and it wasn't a normal cough..." Lines etched deeper between his eyebrows, "Blood came out of his mouth when he coughed."

What the-?

His words only doubled my confusion, "I mean I don't need to be a doctor to realize how serious that is," He added, "Anyway, I tried to ask him or understand what was going on, but he only said one thing."

"What did he say?" I asked, still trying to digest the fact.

"He said that...you're the one who made him like this," Max's words made no sense or whatsoever.

"Me?" I asked in disbelief, "What did I do?" I mean I did do many things, but I don't remember getting him sick was one of them.

Max shrugged, "I don't know," Somewhere in his expression, I saw that he believed him, that he thinks I did it...of course, he sees the worst in me. I can't blame him for that.

"There is one more thing," Max added, scratching his neck in nervousness and I nodded, ushering him to carry on. His eyes met mine, the same green staring back at me as he added, "He said he will do the same to the person you care about the most."

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Later that day...

Max's POV

The dusk wrapped its fingers into our surroundings. Oranges mixed with the flaming red, forming a pink hue in the sky as the sun descended across the horizon. The bright rays dimmed as they clashed with the darkness of the evening sky, getting sucked in, and giving time for the stars to print their mark on the inky beautiful painting hovering above us.

The stars were bright, like a promise of life in the middle of darkness. A sense of warmth emerging from the coldness.

A low breath parted my lips as I took into the breathtaking scene, my palms sinking into the sand as I sat by the shore and watched the night unfold over us one last time before we go back home. If I will put aside the fact that I was kidnapped and almost died, this place was exquisite by all means.

It did help that I got laid one time at least...she was hot but what was her name for the love of God. I still can't remember it.

I felt a ball land by my side, pulling me out of my thoughts and rolling over from somewhere behind me. I extended my hand, stopping it before it goes down into the sea.

"Where is the damn ball-" I heard voices from behind me, coming from the other side, where I saw a group of people playing volleyball a couple of minutes ago, "I saw it heading that way-" The voices got closer and I pushed myself to my feet, taking the ball into my hands, and ready to hand it to its owner.

"Excuse m-" She was about to talk to me and I was already turning around to face her, my hand extended to give the ball back, "I think this is y-" The words hitched in my throat when my eyes fell into her, the first thing they recognized was the mess of ginger hair. Unique and not easily forgettable.

A low breeze passed by us, making some of the loosened strands dance along with it, "It's you," I breathed out, pulling my hand that's holding the ball back.

Recognition flashed into her eyes and her lips curved a smile, "Kidney boy!" She said, happy that she remembered.

My eyebrows pulled closer, "That's what you remember me as," I pointed out, my eyebrow raising as I called her back with a similar nickname, "Hospital roof girl."

She chuckled, low and smooth before she stepped closer, extending her hands forward, "Can I have my ball back, please?"

I edged backward, taking that chance away from her, "Just a sec," I said, "What are you doing here?" I did think I caught a glimpse of her the other day. I just thought I was imagining things...apparently not.

What are the chances, huh?

Her eyebrows pulled closer and she looked around us before her confused gaze fell on me, "Trying to take my ball back," She said in a matter of fact and my eyebrow raised, "I meant here as in..." I looked around us, addressing the country.

"I am on vacation with my family," She answered before her eyes narrowed at me, suspiciously, "What are you doing here?"

"Also on a vacation...or something like that," I mumbled. If you consider almost dying a vacation, then yeah, sure.

She kept eyeing me suspiciously before she looked at her ball tucked under my arm and waist, "Now, can I have my ball, my friends are waiting-" She looked behind at the group of people gathered around and talking at a far distance.

Why is she in a hurry to take it and leave? I am trying to make a conversation over here...also why do I feel kind of...nervous? Like my throat is dry and my stomach feels all weird and how in god's name do I usually get girls to sleep with me?

"Yeah, sure," I mumbled, extending the ball forward and when she pressed her hand over it, ready to take it, I pulled back slightly, realizing something, "What's your name?"I still don't even know her name.

Her eyebrow raised, "And why would I tell you my name?"

Because it's common decency, "It's just a name," I said, "What's the big deal?"

She shook her head, "You can know a lot about a person with just their names," She raised her shoulders, "And I don't even know you, kidney boy, you can be a creepy stalker or something."

"I will try not to be offended at that," I said, "I mean come on, is this the face of a creepy stalker?"

My eyebrow raised, "Also, I am really starting to hate the nickname."

She smiled and I let go of the ball into her hold, unable to use it as my bargaining chip, "Thanks," She said, "I guess I'll see you around...kidney boy," She stressed on the name on purpose winking, ready to turn around and walk away.

My hand went to her shoulder, my touch stopping her and she looked back at me, confused, "Uh, actually I am leaving tonight," I mean it's now or never, "Can I have your number or something?"

She stared at me for a long second, and then she chuckled, "You're funny," She said, her free hand tucking her hair behind her ear as the breeze keep messing with it. When I didn't return her laugh, her eyebrows pulled closer, "Wait, you're serious?" She asked, genuinely confused and I nodded.

Her eyes narrowed at me some more, "Hold on, so you really want me to give you my number?" She asked, repeating my sentence and I simply nodded. Why was she complicating this?

Usually, this is the easiest part of getting the girl...

She took a couple of steps forward, leaving little space between us, "So let me repeat this again, you want me to give my number to the random guy who was about to jump off the hospital's rooftop-"

I shot her a glare, "I wasn't going to jump," She tapped her hand over my mouth, shutting me up, "Also, the same guy who told me about his homosexual fathers-"

"They're not, they're brother's-" She waved her hand off, shutting me up again. Is it weird that I suddenly feel like I wanna push her into the near sea because she keeps silencing me. And then after taking her clothes off, we can....oh hell, this is escalating quickly.

"And the same guy who is probably a creepy stalker, that followed me all the way here in my vacation," She narrowed her eyes at me jokingly and I shot her a glare, crossing my arms over my chest and her gaze followed my movement, "It's a coincidence, believe me."

She pressed her lips into a thin line and shook her head, hugging the ball to her chest, "Nah, thanks, I'll pass," For a fleeting second, her gaze flickered to my arms again, apparently checking me out, "You're just not my type."

What the-

"Not your type?" What the fuck does that mean?

She nodded, "No offense," I am offended alright! She shrugged, all innocent as she looked at me, "I mean you're hot and all but...you look like those jocks who used to bully me in high school."

"Jock?" I asked and she nodded, "I am not a jock," I defended and her eyebrow raised, "So you're telling me you don't spend half of your free time either playing soccer or some kind of sport and the other half sleeping around?"

That hit a nerve. Damn.

I shook my head, my eyes narrowing at her, "That's such a stereotypical judgemental narrow thinking you have," Even if it's true...

She rolled her eyes, rather extravagantly, "Whatever you say, Mr. jock."

My jaw tightened and I rushed a hand over my face, "I think I prefer kidney boy over this now."

She let out a low laugh, the side of her eyes crinkling, her soft pink lips pulling up and it took all of my power not to stare at them for too long, she already called me a creep twice in five minutes.

"Seriously now," I said, "Can I have your number," I added, trying to sound the least desperate I can, "Because I am leaving and I want to have a way to...contact you or something."

"But from my number, you could easily find my name, and from that you can find my address, and the next thing we know we are standing in the court, and you are refusing to plead guilty and-"

My eyes widened at the specificity of her description, "You really have trust issues."

She smiled and nodded, "I do, sorry, it's not your fault," She tried to make it sound like a joke but it felt like she actually meant it.

My shoulders slumped down and a low sigh parted my lips, "Well, till you can trust me, is there any other way I can reach you...or else this would be the last time I'll see you and-" I just spoke honestly this time, "I don't want it to be the last time."

That seemed to grab her attention. Her lips twitched, her smile now not teasing like before, more genuine and I could see a bit of pink coating her cheeks, "Why?" She asked.

I shrugged, "You saved me from jumping off the roof, so-" I joked around and her smile widened. Her eyes drifted away for a mere second, her teeth bit down into her lower lip as she met my gaze again and it was getting really hard not to stare.

She extended her hand, asking for my phone probably, "I can give you my email," She said, "A fake one of course."

I held her with a look of disbelief, "Who told you we live in the '90s?" Or whatever era communicating via email was famous.

Her eyebrow raised, "Do you want it or not?"

I grumbled under my breath as I unlocked my phone and opened the notes, handing her the phone as she typed down her email, or fake one for that matter before she handed it back over.

My gaze fell on the screen and I couldn't hold my chuckle as I read it out loud, "[email protected]," I said, another chuckle vibrating off my chest and she shot me a hard glare.

"Don't judge, I use it to get extra free trials for some subscriptions," She said ever so seriously and I ran my thumb over my lower lip, trying to hold back myself, she was just so adorable.

"Now, I am gonna go back to my friends and if you dare stare at my butt as I walk away, I am gonna block you!" She warned and I nodded, my lips twitching as I fought back a smile.

"I am serious," She said, her eyes narrowing as she twirled around and started to walk away. Only god would've stopped my gaze from drifting down her lower back, "I can feel you staring!" She shot out in annoyance and I chuckled as she turned around, glaring at me from a distance.

I pressed my hand over my eyes, "Okay, promise, I am not looking."

When I removed my hand, she was already far gone. I let out a low breath before I gave my surroundings one last look, bidding it goodbye before I turned around and headed inside the house, watching as everyone got busy with their suitcases, hauling them into the cars.

I paused in my steps, waiting for them to finish, and unlocked my phone. I opened the Gmail application and pressed the big plus sign, opening a new mail draft and typing down her fake address, hoping she didn't scam me with a non-existing email as I carried on typing.

'Dear Ms. A big butt,

I am writing this email in the hopes that you gave me a correct fake email address.

Btw, your butt wasn't that big. Another btw, it was nice meeting you again.

Regards,

Kidney boy.'

I hit send and pushed the phone into my pocket, my eyes falling on dad by the door and I jogged forward, landing by his side as I said, "We have a problem," I said and mom's eyes widened, expecting some bad news as I told dad, "A girl said I am not her type."

Mom rolled her eyes and facepalmed, Lilly joined her, both complaining something about us and I just ignored them for now. Dad's eyes grew wide, his lips parted in shock, "Woah, we found her!" He said, "I didn't expect we'll find her that fast though, you are still so young," He added and my eyebrows pulled closer, "Found who?"

He threw his arm around my shoulders, pulling me along as we exited the house, "The future Mrs. Dolan of course, who else," He said and my eyebrow raised, "Dad, come on!"

"Don't worry, we will find a way," He said, assuring me, "I mean I was able to lock your mother in after all," He rolled his eyes, "Believe me, she was no piece of cake," He carried on, pretending to whisper and complaining some more before mom slapped his arm, shutting him up.

He threw her a kiss in the air before he focused on me, "Anyways, anyways," He said, "You are too young to commit, keep that in mind," He added, "But we'll find a way around this-" As he went on talking, the phone buzzed in my pocket, I pulled it out to see a new email notification.

'Dear Mr. Kidney boy,

What type of person do you think I am that I would give you a wrong fake email address. Come on! Btw, I know you were staring at my butt you prick. Another btw, you used your uni's email address and now I know your full name and which school you go to...see, we live in a dangerous world, who knows...maybe I am the creepy stalker in this story *evil laugh*

I am hoping my creepy email will serve its purpose and make you block me and I won't hear from you ever again xD

Btw, it was also a little nice meeting you again.

regards,

hospital-roof girl.'

With a stupid smile on my face, I hit the reply button and typed down;

'Dear Ms. hospital-roof girl,

You ain't getting rid of me that easily.

Regards,

Kidney boy'

***************

Lilly's POV

I am gonna cry. If someone just as much as touches me, I will break down into tears.

I lost the blue ribbon. I don't know how or when, but it's just...gone.

After Chase threw it away when we first got here, after that kiss. I took it back and kept it in my pocket always. When I was packing my things a few hours ago, it wasn't anywhere to be seen. I looked through all of my clothing's pockets, I looked all over the house, but nothing...

There is no telling where it is now. It just disappeared.

I lost it.

It's stupid, I know, it's just a small piece of silky fabric, but it meant a bit more than that to me. First, Chase threw it away and now it got lost...maybe it's some kind of a sign after all.

I tortured the coffee's cartoon cup placed ahead of me, ripping at its edges as my gaze drifted around the duty-free shops, watching people from all over the world move around, everyone busy in his own life, some laughing and happy, enjoying the trip and others crying or sad, probably leaving someone behind.

I let out a low sigh, impatiently waiting for us to get into the damn plane and take off from this cursed land already. Our scheduled flight was delayed for some reason and Chase went off to check what was happening as we waited here. I thought the whole point of owning a private jet was for this delay not to happen...ugh.

I pressed my temple over my crossed arms, my eyes on auntie Katherine beside me as she talked about something with uncle Ashton, "You know, putting aside the fact that I am shit mad at you for getting hurt," She said, lightly pressing her hand over his shirt, on the area where I knew he got injured, "It's kind of hot," She added and his eyebrows pulled closer as she stared back at her in confusion, "Hot?"

She nodded, "Yeah, it's a little badass," She added and he shook his head in disbelief at her thoughts. She scooted closer to his side, her tone full of tease, "You know that we still didn't have thank-god-you-are-alive sex yet, actually I saw an empty room over there and-"

Oh, for the love of god! I did not need to hear that...

Uncle Ashton's eyes fell on me, catching me redhanded as I listened to everything they were saying. He threw me a wink and I turned to another shade of red, gulping down as I straightened myself in my seat, "Oh Lilly, you are here," Katherine said, turning her head and looking at me, her smile widened and she waved her hand in the air, like it's no big deal, "You're Alex's daughter, so I am sure you've heard much worse things."

Oh, so we are just gonna act all casual?

I could feel the hotness creep all over my body, holy hell, can we leave already? First, we almost caught them in the act last night, and now this...

I forced on a smile and nodded, gathering my bag and the coffee cup as I hurriedly got up to my feet, not planning to witness more of this, as if my parents weren't enough to ruin all of my sex fantasies, "I should just..." I pointed at the other end of the coffee shop, "I will just wait there till we leave and...you two have..." Oh god, "Have fun."

I could hear her chuckle as I scurried away, escaping. I found the spot where I could neither see anyone nor be seen. I pushed my bag to the ground, rather harshly and ended up spilling some of the coffee over my white hoodie. My jaw tightened, great...just great.

Can one thing just go right in my life?!

I am this close to crying now. This close. I am already on edge and I think I am PMSing. Just like adding salt to the wound.

"Lilly," his voice, added to the feel of his hand resting over my shoulder from the back had me gasping, twirling around, and my eyes widening as I met his, "What the hell is your problem?" I shot out loudly that even the girl sitting on my right turned to us, removing her AirPods from her ears in order to assess the situation.

"You really are following me around, aren't you?" I grated out through clenched teeth. The girl's eyes widened and she stood up, coming to my side and to my rescue apparently, "Do you need help?" She asked me, her eyes drifting to Christian and glaring, "Security is right there, one word and I will have them drag your ass away," She warned and I turned to her, smiling and pretty much appreciating the support.

She looked more like my age, give or take. Her hair was shoulder-length, dirty blonde, with a bit of wave in it and cute bangs, her eyes were big and green, they were so beautiful, even I found myself staring. She was wearing jeans shorts and tucked inside them a white t-shirt that had the words girl power written over it in big bold red letter. My smile widened, seems fitting.

I wanna make her my friend, can I?

Christian's eyebrows pulled closer at the intrusion, he pointed at the stool where she previously occupied, "Lady, go back to your place," He said, very annoyed, "I am just talking with my girlfriend," I gaped at him, "EX...EX-girlfriend," I stressed out, saying the word loud and clear for his thick mind to comprehend.

I turned to the girl, "Thank you," I gave her a smile, "But I can deal with him," I added and she nodded, climbing back into her seat, her eyes narrowed at Christian still and she made the I am watching you gesture with her fingers.

He hefted out a loud breath before he looked back at me. I pointed at the small wall separating the two sides of the coffee shop, "My father is right there, do you want me to call him," I said, "He is already dying to kill you."

My words added more fuel to the anger in his eyes and he rushed a hand over his face, the tattoo over his forearm visible as he has the shirt's sleeves pulled up and I had to stop myself from thinking of every time I ran my fingers over it, memorizing every line and pattern painted over his skin.

I bit the inside of my cheek, shaking myself back and he defended himself, "I am not following you, I am leaving too," He said, his voice tight and on edge. He looked like he is about to unravel right here in the middle of the airport.

"Did something happen?" I asked, trying to sound neutral and careless but miserably failed.

His hand tightened over the straps of his handbag, twisting it in his tight grip, "I went back to the cabin...they had destroyed everything," He mumbled, shaking his head, "It's Louis for sure, he knows exactly what that cabin meant to me," It was the one last thing connecting him to his father...well, not anymore.

I swallowed hard, stepping forward and my voice lowering, "And the pictures?"

He shook my head, "Also gone," He said and my chest tightened, they were the last photos he had of his father and his childhood. I didn't want to feel bad, I didn't want to sympathize with him but it wasn't by my control, my heart quivered because everything that happened to him from the beginning up till now was not fair.

"And then he said he will hurt you, at first I didn't think he will go that far but now I am sure he will," He added, the thought troubling him so much, "And I am so worried and lost because I don't know how will I be able to stop him," Helplessness flashed into his eyes and tone, "I thought I knew him," He shook his head, "I don't. There is so much about himself that he kept away from me...and he will use it to his advantage now."

I shook my head, "Protecting me isn't your job, Christian," I said and his eyes fired up, his jaw tightened, "So what? You expect me to sit down and wait for him to...kill you!" He hissed, frustration seeped into each word, "I was the one who helped him bring you into this, and if you get hurt Lilly, it's gonna be my fault," He shook his head, the red lines in the white of his eyes more prominent than ever, "If anything happens to because of me," He shook his head, "I won't be able to live with the fact."

"But-"

"No, Lilly, I know you don't believe me when I say it, I know you joke about it and ignore it and I don't blame you because of the way things ended between us but...but I used to think that I hated your father more than I loved you," He shook his head, his eyes darkening at the truth tumbled out of his lips, "But that doesn't apply anymore because I am even ready to stand by his side just to keep you safe."

I edged forward, my hand going to his, wrapping around it, "Just calm down," I said, urging him to breathe because he looked one second away from breaking down at the seams. I've never seen him this much riled up over anything, not even when I told him I was pregnant. Redness crept all over his neck, his rage and anger trying to pry their way out of his body in any way possible.

He shook his head, resting his eyelids down for a mere second, "How can I calm down when every time I close my eyes, all I see is him hurting you," His voice lowered and heartbreak wove into his tone, "I never supported whatever my father did, I am not him, Lilly," I nodded, knowing that as a fact.

My eyes drifted to the other side, noticing as Ashton and Katherine got up to their feet, calling for dad and mom and signaling it's time to leave. Before they could come search for me and see him and have this turn into a fight, I looked back at Christian, "I think we are leaving," I announced and he seemed to notice that too.

"Just...don't worry," It's all I could say, because, for some reason, I wasn't worried...I don't know why, "And if anything was to happen, it's won't be your fault," I shook my head, trying to make my tone playful as I added, "I think tragedy runs in my family's blood."

I shrugged, "Anyway, take care, okay?" I asked, "Louis might be after me, but he wants to hurt you now and he could do it in other ways."

I let go of his hand and grabbed my backpack, my eyes drifting to the girl who was ready to go all-female power on Christian, as she hurriedly gathered her stuff, dropping a few things over the floor, "Oh shit, shit," She mumbled and I bent down, helping her as I picked them up, "Thank you, thank you," She said in a hurry before she took off, scurrying away and waving her hand goodbye and mumbling something about time and late flight.

A smile curved my lips and before I could walk away, Christian's hand curled over my arm, twirling me around and pulling me to him. I was ready to slap him if he attempts to make something this time, but he did the unexpected as he wrapped his arms around me, pressing and engulfing me in his strong embrace, not ready to let go just yet.

He edged backward, his hand moving from my lower back and up my spine, gently caressing before his hand rested over the back of my neck, and all I felt were his lips press over my forehead in a gentle little kiss that had something in my chest moving, defying every decision I made.

My throat bobbed when his eyes met mine, "I should go," I mumbled and he nodded, releasing me and letting me go. I didn't waste a second as I stormed off, looking for my parents.

I pressed my eyes shut and rubbed a hand over my chest. Don't you dare. I warned myself. Don't you dare feel a thing.

****************

Chase's POV

"You look so handsome when you wear this," My mom said with dreamy eyes, coming closer and fixing the lapels of my uniform's jacket.

"Stop embarrassing the kid," Dad said, his hand going over her arm and pulling her away from me. I wanted to appreciate his effort but he ruined it when he snatched the hat from my hand and placed it over his head, tipping the side down as he looked at my mom, winking, "I would've made a hot captain, wouldn't I?"

Her smile widened and she nodded as she gazed back at him, "Chase, baby, can we keep the hat?" She asked and I huffed out a low breath, snatching it back from him, "Too much for not embarrassing me," I pointed out and dad shot me a glare, "Don't forget who gave you life, kiddo," He said, pointing at himself and mom.

I was about to comment on that and on the kiddo word but didn't have the chance when something or...someone came running right into my side. A gasp followed by a yelp was all I heard and my eyes widened as some stuff flew out into the air, a passport, a phone, and even a bag. My reflexes acted faster than I expected when I saw that the owner was about to tumble headfirst into the floor. My arm shot forward and wrapped around her waist, the other going to her arm and stopping her from crashing as her belongings did.

Wide green eyes flickered up to mine, "Oh my god," She breathed out, chest heaving and panting, "I am so..." She blinked as she drank into the feedback of what just happened and her throat bobbed, "I am so sorry."

I shook my head, dismissing that, "Are you okay?" I asked, my eyebrows pulled closer as I assessed her state.

She nodded her head multiple times, "Yeah, yeah," Her eyes flickered to my arm and I loosened my grip, letting her go, "I am sor...oh shit, my phone," She bent down and started gathering her belongings, cursing things under her breath as she took a look at the broken screen. I bent down by her side, taking the passport and the ticket that flew away.

I extended them to her, "Here you go."

She turned her body around, bringing her hand up to take it, her fingers brushed my own and her eyes shot up to mine immediately, "Uh, thank you," She mumbled, her hand still on mine and the passport was still in my hold. My eyebrows creased again, "Are you sure you're okay?" I checked once more, "You look flushed."

Her eyes slightly grew wide and she practically snatched the passport away from my grip as she nodded her head, "Yeah, it's just..." She rubbed a hand over her forehead, "When I almost fell, I think all the blood rushed to my brain!"

The corner of my lip pulled up slightly, my gaze falling into her white shirt, reading the red letters spelling Girl power over it. Cute.

"Evelyn, come on!" A voice said and the girl stumbled up to her feet, pulling her handbag from the floor, "Coming, dad!"

"Is that Caleb?" I heard my mom say in shock.

"Oh, you must be kidding me," Dad grumbled from beside her.

Evelyn turned to me one last time, a smile pulling up the corner of her lips, "Sorry again," She mumbled shyly before she scurried forward and so fast toward her father.

"Oh my god, it's really Caleb," Mom added, waving her hand, ever so excitedly, "Caleb, hey!"

Dad pulled her hand down, "Stop waving," He grated out, shooting her a hard glare.

Caleb noticed her and a big smile spread over his lips and he waved back, "We'll catch up later," He said from over the distance, "Our gate is about to close," He said, pointing behind him and that's when Evelyn reached his side.

"Okay, we'll talk later," Mom added and dad stared back at her in utter disbelief, "You are not talking to anyone later," He grumbled out, for some reason this Caleb person annoying him beyond measures.

"Ugh, how many years has it been, grow up!" Mom said and for some reason, my eyes drifted to her again. I watched as her father took the handbag and the rest of her belongings, relieving her of their burden, he gave my parents a nod, smiling before they both turned around and headed toward the gate.

The security checked their passports and right before she was about to step inside, her head turned around, briefly, and her eyes fell on mine. It was a second or two, and they were about to close the gate behind them when I felt a hand slap the back of my head. My eyes widened and I turned around to look at dad in disbelief, rubbing at the back of my head, "Did you...did you just slap the back of my head?" What the-

He shot me a glare and nodded his head, "If you even think about it, I am disowning you," He grumbled out and started to walk away, "Now, take us home!"

I looked at mom, totally lost, "What the hell did I do?"

*************************************

Hey!

So, what's your thoughts on this chapter?

We kind of have two new characters; hospital roof girl and Evelyn? xD

Any comments?

Don't forget to leave your opinion!

Love y'all! :)