Chapter 22: Thirsty Lilia
Lilia's fingers traced patterns on the worn floorboards. "It's past midnight," she said quietly. "Can I... stay here tonight?"
Xavier blinked, confused. "You don't need to ask. It's your apartment too."
Her gaze dropped. "You paid the rent. That makes it yours."
Xavier's voice softened. "Stop thinking like that. We're family." He hesitated, then added, "You're like a sister to me."
Lilia's head snapped up, her eyes flashing. "I'm your cousin. Not your sister."
Xavier studied her face - the tightness around her mouth, the way her fingers curled into fists. 'She must hate that word. Her twin sister lives comfortably with their mother while she's barely surviving.'
"Stay as long as you need," he said gently. "We don't have to worry about rent anymore."
Silence stretched between them, thick with unspoken words. Then Lilia's voice broke through, barely above a whisper: "Thank you. I've been... staying at friends' places. It's been..." She swallowed hard. "Awkward. I'm glad I don't have to worry about where to sleep tonight."
They settled onto the bare floor, the hard surface pressing into their bones. The apartment was silent except for the distant hum of the city.
Xavier turned his head slightly. "What about your studies? Which school do you go to?"
Lilia's breath hitched. "I'm trying to get into university. There are three in the city, but..." Her voice tightened. "The fees are insane. There's a scholarship program. If I get in, I won't have to worry about money."