CHAPTER TWO.

GET RID OF.

LILA.

"What?" Lily shrieked, getting away from Lucien immediately, whose eyes widened from shock.

"How come, sis?" He inquired with care and that did it. I burst into tears immediately. Clenching my fists, while trying to fight back the stinging agony of rejection I was feeling in my heart.

'Was this how little I mattered, could he not figure things out?'

Olivia immediately dashed to my side and began stroking my hair softly as she looked at me. I noticed her eyes glistened with tears as she whispered.

"It's alright. Let it all out". Her words twisted my heart, and I cried so much, startling everyone, including the doctor who was scratching his hair nervously.

"Why are you crying sis? I am so sorry. I didn't mean to up....". Lucien tried saying but my sister butt in.

"You did nothing Lucien. Perhaps the father of the child abandoned her or something".

To think she was right made my chest hurt more, as I tried to breathe. Everywhere was suddenly suffocating.

The father of my child did abandon me. For my sister.

"I think you should abort the child, Lila". Lily suggested and I turned around sharply to face her in awe.

'Was she insane?' I pondered. I should abort an innocent soul? I was about to speak up but Olivia beat me to it.

"Is your brain the size of a peanut?" Lily's jaw dropped, as she took a step back. She probably didn't expect Olivia to speak to her like that.

Yes, Those two never liked one another, but they each stayed on their side and respected the boundaries between themselves, but right now, Olivia was breaking that with glares so frightening, I could swear I saw Lily shudder.

"Hey, don't talk to her like that". Lucien snapped, moving towards Lily who had a sad pout. He wrapped his arms around her, and she clung tightly to his chest.

Seeing them together, in such a manner made me want to barge over to them and rip them apart. Anger coursing through my veins.

Lily's expression was twisted, and she looked like she wanted to cry, especially when she started trembling in Lucien's arms. I scoffed out loud, knowing all these were a facade.

She was always like that. So pretentious.

"Apologize". Lucien demanded, but Olivia just rolled her eyes at him before folding her arms across her chest with her head held high.

"You are rumored to be one of the smartest CEOs in the country, but right now, what I see is a dullard." Olivia insulted, and I let out a gasp, immediately trying to signal to her to stop.

Lucien was gobsmacked. So was Lily who threw a death stare at Olivia. Olivia caught it and then returned it without fear, her eyes holding Lily's till Lily couldn't take it anymore and looked downwards, losing.

I felt this sense of pride and wished I was just as bold.

"You had eye surgery to get rid of your blindness, but unfortunately, it was a waste of money because you still have no sight." Olivia spat out with bale, anger flashing in her eyes as she gritted her teeth together.

"You don't talk to my son-in-law that way, Olivia. I know you are my daughter's best friend, but it's best you also know your place". The voice echoed as someone walked into the ward.

I stiffened, going pale while Lily had on a smirk immediately. It was Mum, walking in elegantly with her bodyguard.

"Mother". I tried to greet her but then she stopped me with her hand.

"Shush it, Lila. How dare you watch an outsider bully your older sister?" She raged at me, her eyes holding no emotions as she looked at me from up to down like I was some sort of dirt.

"Mum! Enough. Lila has nothing to do with this". Lily tried defending me just to put on some show for Lucien to prove she was a good big sister.

"Oh! Cut it out, you pretentious bitch". Olivia snapped while scrunching up her nose at Lily in disgust.

"Thomas, please throw that nuisance out". Mum ordered, commanding her guard who did as told immediately.

The thin lines of my brows jumped in surprise and I immediately spoke up.

"No, stop," I screamed, but Thomas ignored me and dragged a struggling Olivia out, leaving just me, Lily, and Mum in the ward. The doctor had already left when Olivia began insulting Lucien.

"So what is the problem this time around? I wonder when you will ever stop being such a drama queen". Mum spat out with no regard for my feelings, pausing to check her newly manicured nails.

"Also, Why can't you learn to do things without making a fuss like Lily. She always comports herself". Mum added and I turned away to hide my tears.

It wasn't a thing of surprise anyway. I was always the imperfect fool, while Lily was the perfect one. It's obviously why Lucien is so smitten with her.

"Lila is pregnant, Mum," Lily announced, and I heard Mum draw in a sharp intake of breath as her bag fell to the floor.

"That was not part of the plan". She commented calmly and I could feel her piercing gaze on me.

My lips trembled as I pondered what I should do.

'Tell the truth'. My subconscious whispered and I decided to do so.

I summoned up the courage, raised my head, and turned to look at everyone.

"I would love to speak to Lucien alone". I pleaded and noticed Lily's face go as pale as a piece of white sheet.

"W-what?" She stuttered, tightening her grip on Lucien who furrowed his brows at me in confusion.

"Why?" He questioned, and I was about to answer when Mum caught in.

"Oh! Ignore her. She is being dramatic as usual". I knew Mum was on Lily's side. She didn't want Lucien to know the truth as well, and just the knowledge of that hurt so much.

Why was the whole world just against me, what did I do wrong?

"I am not being dramatic. I need to speak to him". I yelled, frustrated and startling everyone. Lily's eyes drew around the room consciously as she refused to let go of Lucien, who had already agreed to speak to me privately.

Finally, Both Lily, mum, and her guard were sent out.

"How can I help you sister-in-law?" Lucien inquired, standing a few feet away from me, his eyes not as friendly as they used to be.

"I have to tell you something". I began, feeling a lump in my throat and my heart racing.

"Oh! I know already". He said and I arched my brows at him.

"You know?" I repeated and he nodded. Immediately, happiness soared through my heart as I realized I wasn't alone. There was hope, he knew the truth.

"You have a crush on me. Always had. Lily told me, you even tried sabotaging our wedding by pretending to be her". He explained and I froze, a sense of panic flooding through me, as I covered my agape mouth with my hand.

"No, no, no". I tried shaking my head sideways, but he just tilted his head slightly, his half-lidded eyes scanning me with disinterest.

"Look! I just see you as my sister-in-law and nothing else. Whom I truly love is your sister, so please stop trying to ruin things between us". As he let out each word, I felt my entire body going numb, different emotions I couldn't place my fingers on flooding me.

"But the baby is yours". I blurted out before I could stop myself, only realizing what I had done after it was out.

His eyes darkened as he reared backward in shock, his Jaw tightening.

"What did you just say?" He demanded, his voice, not so pleasant to the hearing. Deep and frightening, resonating through the room.

I kept quiet, refusing to answer his question till he banged the table across my bed furiously.

"Answer me, Damn it!". He growled and I flinched, watching the lines across his forehead tightening.

"The baby is yours". I repeated silently and everywhere went quiet till he suddenly burst into laughter, baffling me.

'Why was he acting so scary?'

"I am serious. It was me you married instead of Lily. She ran away on your wedding day and I had to take her place". I explained, hoping he would believe me.

He stopped laughing and exhaled sharply through his nose, his face, a mask of indifference.

"Lily was right. You would truly go to any length to snatch me from her". He spat out with bale, eyeing me badly.

"I will overlook this and give you this final warning. Stay the hell away from me and my wife. Stop making up lies. It makes you look pathetic and worse of all, cheap". He said and turned around to leave afterward.

I sat there, frozen. His harsh words sank into me like a knife was trying to rip my heart out. My hands shook, and I found myself shaking and trying to hold back my tears.

I didn't want to cry. I wanted to stop looking pathetic but who was I kidding?

I buried my head into my pillow and shed my heart out.

The doctor told me afterward I could leave but should be careful. I walked around the hospital looking for Olivia when I bumped into Mum and Lily in a corner, discussing abruptly.

I grew suspicious and immediately hid before they could see me eavesdrop and when I listened in, I almost collapsed.

"We have to murder that bastard in her". Mother said.

'How could my mom utter such a statement?'

CHAPTER THREE.

ITTERASHAI.

LUCIEN.

'Why did my heart clench tightly when I saw the look of hurt flash over her expression?' I pondered, walking down the hallway, lost in thoughts.

It seems like I was missing something. I should be happy and relieved. I mean, finally, I get to see again and be with the woman I love fully, but why was my heart feeling empty?

"Lucien". I heard Lily squeak and before I could turn around, she already flung herself on my back, clutching me tightly, her hands wrapped around my waist.

"I have missed you so much. It felt like ages when I had to stay away from you". She said, placing a kiss on my neck and I shook.

That wasn't what caused my reaction. It was what she said. Ages? We were barely away from one another even during my surgery. Yes, I had a bandage wrapped around my eyes, but I could always feel her hands holding mine.

"We were continuously together. What do you mean, ages?" I questioned, holding my breath for her response. I noticed her hands holding my waist trembled as she froze.

There was silence for a few minutes, the tension so thick a knife could cut through when she suddenly cracked, laughing like she told a joke or something.

"Come on! I know that. I was referring to the period when I was sent out so your bandage could be removed". She explained and I mouthed an "oh".

You know how I hate leaving you for even just a second". She added and I exhaled, feeling relieved.

She was indeed sent out for some hours so my bandages could be removed.

Her grip around my waist tightened again and I grinned, placing my hand on hers. Somehow I wasn't satisfied.

I felt like there was something she was hiding from me. Something crucial. Like a piece to some puzzle or was I starting to let Lila's words get to me?

Besides, when did she become this scheming? The Lila I knew before I had my accident was the sweetest young sister ever.

Even though nothing she ever did please her mum, Lily always stood up for her, so why was she repaying her good deeds with evil?

Not only did she try to ruin our wedding, but she was also trying to pin her pregnancy on me by making up stories.

My chest burned, disgust running through me as I scrunched my face up unconsciously. I needed to file a restraining order against her.

Who knows, she might attempt something worse, like actually hurting her sister.

But now that I thought about all these. It doesn't seem like her. Lila wasn't a liar and her eyes seemed genuine, also;

I turned around to wrap Lily in my arms as she buried her head in my chest, hugging me like she wanted to merge us, sniffling my cologne.

I stroked her hair gently, placing my head on her neck to sniffle the body wash I so much adore on her, but then my body stiffened.

"Did you change your body wash or something?" I inquired, having this sense of doubt go through me again.

'Damn it' I cursed within, feeling annoyed.

"Of course not. This has always been my body wash.". She answered and I furrowed my brows at her.

My wife and I have been married for a year, and I know she uses subtle floral wash, like rose and Jasmine.

Right here, right now, I was perceiving a mixture of Vanilla, and chocolate instead of the familiar scent of her.

"What is it?" She asked, noticing my twisted expression.

"You always smell like rose petals, but now you smell chocolate". I explained and her expression tightened like I had startled her.

She moved away from my embrace, her eyes immediately leaving mine and drafting around, as she struggled for what to say.

Suspicions arose in me immediately and I inched a step closer to her.

"Lily?" I called out, a warning edge to my tone. All the colors were draining from her face, as she scratched her hair.

Why was she acting weird?

Just then,

"Lily, Lucien". Mother-in-law called while walking to us briskly, distracting me from Lily and my thoughts.

"What is it, mum?" Lily asked, turning away from me immediately and I didn't fail to catch the sigh of relief that escaped from her.

'Hmm'. I thought.

"It's your sister. God knows what her problem is. She is nowhere to be found". Their mother declared panicking, and I arched my eyebrows at her, feeling my heart race for unknown reasons.

"Easy mum. She is probably with Olivia".

"Olivia is nowhere to be found too, and neither of them is picking up their cells. Also, she left a note not to look for her". Mrs Vitale declared and the thin lines of my brows jumped up in surprise.

"Are you suggesting she ran away?" I demanded, but more like screaming, my body growing tense.

Lily arched her eyeballs at me while her mum nodded, biting her lower lips and snapping her fingers like she was thinking.

"But why w....?" I immediately stopped my question, remembering her earlier words.

"The baby is yours". I shut my eyes, clenching my fists together and trying to calm my breathing at the same time.

Could that be the reason why she felt rejected? Could she be telling the truth?

But Lily is my wife. It's not possible she abandoned me and I was with Lila this whole time.

My eye opened, and it fell on Lily, who was whispering something in her mother's ears, beads of sweat gathering on her forehead.

"Excuse me, please". I told them and left, not waiting for their answer.

I entered the men's restroom and immediately brought out my phone to dial Lila's number. I stopped at first, my hand hesitating to press the call button but then changed my mind.

I had no idea why I was doing this, but my guts felt it was the right thing to do.

"Lucien?" She answered, hope obvious in her tone and I let out a groan, loving how soft and pleasant her voice was to the ears.

Just like Lily's. No difference.

"Your mum and sister are looking for you. Why did you run away?" I asked and she mouthed an "oh", making me picture the look of disappointment on her face.

"Why are you doing this to them, they are so worried". I told her and she let out a scoff instead, like I just told the most unbelievable thing in the world.

"Lucien. Trust me, they are just pretending. They plotted to kill our baby".

Now I know Lila was making everything up because how could she be telling me her angel of a sister and birth mother was trying to harm her child?

Perhaps she was ill. This was so unlike her.

"I think you should seek help Lila. Come back to your family. We are all willing to help and please stop saying your baby is mine. It's sounds pathetic". The words flowed out of my mouth before I could stop them.

Silence flowed afterward, and I heard sniffles, knowing immediately she was crying. I felt bad, my conscious pricking at me, pain flowing across my chest.

"Goodbye Lucien". She said after some minutes and my eyes widened from panic.

"No". I tried saying, but her next words made me freeze, my breath hitching in my throat.

"Itterashai". Then there was a loud beep, signifying she ended the call. That was the last thing on my mind as I walked out of the restroom.

'How the hell did she know that word?' I pondered. Only Lily should.

"Baby". Lily dashed to me.

"Are you alright?" She searched my expression with her eyes.

I ignored her question and called out instead.

"Lily. Itterashai". A look of confusion crossed her face.

"What the hell is that?". It was as if I had stopped breathing when she asked me the question.

"You don't remember?" A look of recognition came to her eyes, and then she laughed but not genuinely. I caught her eyes twitching.

"Of course I do. Was just teasing you." She said and hugged me, hiding her face away. An idea came to my head and l decided to use it.

"From the French movie, right?"

"Yes. I so much adore that saying". My body went cold, my mind fuzzy as whatever she was saying drowned out immediately.

My God. What have I done? Lila was telling the truth all along. The word was a Japanese phrase and wasn't from a movie, but an anime.

I immediately pushed Lily away from me and dashed out of the hospital; ignoring her calls, I brought out my phone and tried calling Lila again, but unfortunately, she had blocked me.

I immediately dialed my investigator's number.

"Find me, Lila Vitale, as soon as possible." I barked the orders at him as I got into my car, deciding to go look for her anywhere I could.

I remember five months ago when we just watched the female lead in the anime tell her male lead those words. I couldn't exactly see what was happening, but Lila made sure to translate everything.

"Itterashai means Till we meet again. If you ever leave or doubt me, I will tell you these same words, Lucien". She told me then and she kept to her words.

How could I have been such a fool? My baby was in her belly.

'Lila, please be safe. I promise to make it up to you once you are found. Just wait for me'.