Chapter 40: Cold Silence
A soft yet bitter smile graced Lilia's lips. 'These are just gossip, Lilia. Don't let them get to you. she told herself. Besides, did it even matter if Zethan had a child with another woman?'After all, she wasn't his. He wasn't hers. And soon, they would be getting a divorce... right?
She forced herself to believe it as she walked past, unnoticed by those gossiping about the very person who had once been beside them. Turning a corner, she found herself alone.
The soft wind blew, lifting her coily strands to the side. She inhaled deeply, feeling a fleeting sense of freedom. Her eyes stung as if tears threatened to fall—but she held them back.
'No, this isn't worth crying over....know your worth'
"Dont be weak, Lilia. You are a strong, independent, responsible... woman," her voice cracked on the last word.
She stood there for what felt like hours, the cold seeping into her bones. Yet it was nothing compared to the chill settling deep within her heart.
She had to be strong. She had to be cold. The vulnerability that wanted to break through was too dangerous.
She didn't know how long she had been standing there, lost in thought, when she suddenly felt it—a warm, weighty coat draped over her shoulders. No one was there to tell her who had placed it on her, but then she heard his voice.
"Why are you here? It's freezing outside. It seems like you don't mind catching a cold, huh?" Zethan's tone was calm, almost distant.
This man lacked warmth. If she did not know better, the coldness in his tone would make her think he did not mean those words.
Lilia remained silent for a moment before turning to face him, her expression calm, as if nothing had happened after a pause, she finally spoke.