Chapter 126: I can’t forget the pain I went through.
As the door clicked shut behind her, Lilianna slid down against it, her legs giving way beneath the weight of her emotions. Hot tears streamed down her cheeks, unchecked, as the years of suppressed pain and anger spilled out. Her trembling hands covered her face, muffling the sobs.
Lilianna had always despised Lydia’s methods, her relentless manipulation, and her iron grip on their lives. She remembered the countless times she had spoken up, defied Lydia’s orders, and paid the price—slaps, nights locked away in the damp basement.
It wasn’t love that Lydia had shown them. It had never been love. It was control—a relentless, suffocating dominance that twisted everything good into something bitter.
Lilianna had eloped with Henry four years ago in search of a life free from her aunt’s tyranny. But in doing so, she had left Dylan behind, alone to bear the weight of Lydia’s poison. Her chest heaved as the wave of regret washed over her.
"I’m so sorry, Dylan," she whispered, guilt piercing her heart. "I should never have left you with her. She poisoned your mind...but not anymore." Her fingers curled into fists against her damp cheeks. "I won’t leave you this time."
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Ava returned home. When she entered the house, she froze in place, her breath hitching as she took in the unexpected sight before her. The warm glow of countless candles danced across the walls. The delicate scent of lavender hung in the air, soothing and intoxicating all at once. It was like stepping into a dream.
Ava glanced around, dumbfounded. What she was seeing was something she hadn’t expected even in her wildest dream. "What on earth is happening?"
"You are back." The deep timbre of Dylan’s voice broke through her daze, drawing her gaze to him. He stood a few steps away, his usual aloof demeanor replaced by a gentle smile that she rarely ever saw. He began to close the distance between them.