Chapter 124
Liliana still had plenty of clothes at the apartment, so it felt like she'd never left.
She slipped on a pair of house slippers and walked inside.
Juniper was cross-legged on the sofa, her hands clasped together like a disapproving judge. "Brother, you go cook. Liliana, you come here and confess your sins."
"No way," Liliana said, laughing at her friend's antics but shaking her head firmly. "I said I was treating. You bought the food and Douglas is cooking, so what am I supposed to do?"
"What are you supposed to do?" Juniper scoffed. "You can just sit there and take the scolding you deserve. That's what."
Liliana was speechless.
Douglas, who had been heading toward the kitchen, paused and shot a warning look at his sister.
Juniper's bravado immediately deflated. "Fine, fine, I won't yell at her. But she has to tell me exactly what's going on!"
"You two talk. I'll make dinner," Douglas said. He hung his silver-gray suit jacket on a chair, rolled up his sleeves, and carried the groceries from the dining table into the kitchen.
Liliana rolled up her own sleeves to follow him. "Let me help—"
Before she could take two steps, Juniper grabbed her wrist and pulled her down onto the sofa. "If you really want to help, you can stir-fry some greens later. Right now, you're going to tell me everything."
With Juniper holding her fast, Liliana gave up and concisely explained her reasons for returning to Cedric.
"How is Hale Preston doing?" Juniper let go of her, her expression full of concern. "How much do you need? I have money!"
Liliana managed a smile, ignoring the offer. "He's started treatment. The nurse at the hospital sends me photos and videos every day."
Juniper crossed her arms, her gaze sharp. "So, you're not divorcing Cedric because of the money?"
"The divorce. would do more harm
than good. thought it over very carefully before I made my decision. At the hospital, Liliana had weighed her options. Being
WILD Cedric was agonizing for her heart, but it provided stability. Leaving him wouldn't heal her heart, and it would create a mountain of new problems.
"Then earn the money," Juniper said, kicking her foot in the air for emphasis. "Earn enough to pay him back, and then kick that jerk to the curb."
Liliana remained silent.
"If you're telling me you can't bear to leave him, I'll give you an earful. But if you're doing this out of guilt, I'll give you ten!" Juniper squeezed her friends cheekSnap out of it! 4 using your shared marital assets support Sylvia. What's wrong with you taking some of that money for Hale?"
"I know," Liliana whispered. The thought of her time with Cedric stretching on indefinitely was crushing her spirits.
Despite her threats, Juniper couldn't bring herself to be harsh. Seeing Liliana in person just made her heart ache. After a brief chat about Cedric, they moved on to other topics. A little while later, Liliana made an excuse to go help in the kitchen.
Douglas saw how restless she was and let her step in for the last dish—sautéing some greens. He remained at her side, quietly observing.
"Liliana," he began, "have you heard about the international design competition AuraRun is hosting?"
"I've heard a little about it," she said. Tillie had mentioned it. It was a global competition with a grand
prize of two million dollars. First, net
there were national rounds, and only the top three from each country could advance to the international stage. Cyan had secured two spots, but they were reserved for senior designers. An assistant like her had no chance.
"Do you want to participate?" Douglas asked seriously.
Liliana, who was washing vegetables, turned off the tap. "I'm not eligible. So, no."
Douglas was about to say something when Juniper's voice cut through from the living room.
"Liliana, that jerk Forrest is on the phone for you!" Juniper stood on the sofa, waving Liliana's phone in the air. "He's checking up on you, isn't he? He never calls you!"