Chapter 3 Your Children

(Lilian's POV)

My eyes were shut, and I took a deep breath. What exactly should I do now that he is back? Maybe I should run again like before, then he wouldn't find a trace of me. However, I greatly doubt the possibility of that happening. The Fredrick Wilton I know would be the last to go back on his words.

In the midst of my thoughts, I heard the doorbell ring. Turning towards it, I frowned. I wasn't expecting anybody, so who could that be? I just hope that Frederick didn't return just so he could convince me again.

"I'm coming!" I yelled when the bell rang again. Whoever it was seemed impatient. Stalking towards the door, I pulled it open and turned to look at whom it may be.

My eyes widened and my jaw fell. What is she doing here?

I panicked and took a step back to look clearly at who was standing in front of me. Confirming that it was her only made me conclude that I had indeed lost my sanity because there was no way she could've found me and even still, she couldn't be that bold enough to come.

I never expected her, not even in my dreams. Not after what happened. The least I expected to see was her, nonetheless there she stood with a blank expression just like her son's.

She forced a smile before walking past me and into the house without my permission.

"Oh... Your house is similar to the way you wanted it to be. Welcoming and warm, it's really a nice feeling, though I wonder if I am welcome," she commented while glancing around.

Snapping out of my trance, I closed the door and turned to her. "Ms. Wilton. I wasn't expecting you here, in fact, I never knew you would bother to come looking for me." I whispered the last part to myself, astonished that she was actually standing in front of me after so many years.

"How long has it been? 3 years...? Or maybe 4 years?" She chuckled. "Forgive my bad memory. Oh well, when I heard that you were staying here, I suddenly developed an interest in seeing you. You know that it has been so long and..." She trailed off. "How do I put this..." She seemed to be thinking for a while but gave up eventually. "Well, I miss you." She said, and I tried to read her expression, but she revealed nothing.

"I know you're surprised, probably. However, I will have you know that this was just a humble visit after so long. I never expected you to choose this part of the country to stay, but I realized that I don't really know you after all. And you look startled to see me, so I guess my surprise worked." She smiled brightly, but I could see the darkness behind that fake façade of hers. She was probably enjoying the pale look on my face.

"I honestly wasn't, and I don't think I ever will. But you're right, your surprise worked," I choked and her smile widened.

"Oh goodness. I'm glad. So, how have you been?" She asked as she tilted her head to the side to scan my appearance.

I lifted my chin up in a challenge. "Well, better than you left me. That's if you even remember how you left me?"

She smirked. "Of course I do, but I would love to set everything behind us now, although I doubt if everything would ever remain the same." She agreed.

I raised a brow. "Are you apologizing for it or...?" I asked skeptically, and she unexpectedly laughed loudly.

She eventually stopped and looked at me. "Oh dear, you must've misunderstood my words. I am not here to apologize to you. I know you want to remain hidden, and I hope that works out well for you," she stated as the corner of her lips raised.

Finally, it occurred to me. "You're not here to apologize, you're here for something else. Perhaps you are here because of Fredrick's upcoming wedding." I said, realizing the truth. "Don't worry, I have no intentions of reliving my past."

She nodded her head, pleased with my reply. "Good to know. You know, back then I used to think that you're not deserving of Fredrick and even until now, I don't think you are." She looked at me from head to toe.

It hurt a lot, I had to admit. She never thought I deserved him, even though I was the only reason why her son could get all that he had and why she was in this position. If it wasn't for that reason as well, then she would have thrown me out the moment Fredrick brought me into the mansion.

"Great! Now that we have that cleared out, I think you should leave. I can't afford you getting hurt by breathing the same air as I do or staying in this old rusty house that might irk your fine porcelain skin," I mocked with a serious expression. First it was her son and now her.

She seemed taken aback by my words, but I couldn't care less. She finally let out a stiff smile. "Well then. Like I said, your house feels welcoming, but too bad the owner isn't." She walked towards the door but paused when she got to my side. She leaned over and whispered. "You were better off dead than alive, but sadly, I won't be seeing you again. Goodbye, Lilly," her soft voice echoed in my ears and rang a bell.

Wait! I've heard those particular words before in the alley where I was shot and left to die. She was there!

I snapped my head towards her direction, but just then the doorbell rang, and soon the door slammed open.

"Mummy!" I heard two tiny voices beaming, and soon I felt hands wrapped around me tightly.

I averted my gaze to the person at the door, who stood there with a pale face.

Magdalena! What were they doing here?

Soon the arms around me were still and they pulled away. They turned to look at Mrs. Wilton, who appeared to be frozen in her spot as she stared down at the beautiful pair of eyes that stared right back at her.

"Mummy?" She muttered as her gaze swept towards me with a gasp. "They are your children!"