Chapter 5 Collision Course

Lily's heart froze. The stranger's remarks lingered in the atmosphere, laden with implicit dangers and a knowing that made her feel cold. He was aware. He knew her past, her father, and the web of lies she had fallen victim to. However, how?

Her voice was hardly audible above a whisper when she inquired, "Who are you?"

The low, rumbling sound of the man's laughter sent chills down her spine. "Lily, that isn't significant. I must understand what you're fleeing. I am aware of Damian Blackwood's interest in you.

Lily's thoughts were racing. Did Damian send this man? Had he finally managed to catch up with her? However, something felt off. Compared to Damian's polished menace, this man's aura was rougher and less controlled.

"What do you want?" she inquired, attempting to remain composed.

The man said, "I want to help you," in a very soft voice. "Lily, Danian Blackwood is a real threat. He is not who you believe him to be. Like he plays everyone else, he is playing you.

Lily paused. Could she put her trust in this man? He said he wanted to help, but there was something she couldn't quite make out in the glitter in his eyes. Was this just one more ruse, one more layer of the complex game she was playing?

With mistrust, she questioned, "Why should I believe you?"

The man's gaze was intense as he leaned closer. He replied, "Because I know the truth about Damian Blackwood," his voice lowering to a whisper of conspiracy. "I know about his family, their secrets, the darkness they hide."

He took a moment to process what he had said. "And I know how you fit into their plans."

Lily gasped for air. What was he trying to say? She hardly knew the family, so how could she fit into their plans?

She said, "I don't understand," in a shaky voice.

The man's lips curled slowly and predatorily in a smile. "Lily, you will. You will.

He stood up straight and looked at her. "I'll be in touch," he stated in a threatening, low voice. "And you'll have to decide what to do when I am. Lily, make an intelligent decision. Your life is on the line.

Lily stood there with her pulse thumping in her chest as he turned and left the diner. Being surrounded by people with unclear intentions made her feel like a pawn in a game she didn't comprehend.

Where could she go for the answers she needed? Despite being an outsider in this world of lies and secrets, Sarah was a terrific friend. She couldn't possibly drag her into this risky game.

A rush of vertigo swept over her as she shut down the diner. Her eyesight blurred as she held onto the counter. A wave of nausea swelled in her throat, and she experienced a piercing pain in her abdomen.

She staggered to the restroom, barely reaching the toilet before throwing up. Her body was in spasms as she vomited forcefully.

Once the sickness passed, her body trembled as she rested against the cool tiles. This meant something to her. She was expecting a child.

The child of Damian.

The realization came to her suddenly. The man who had taken advantage of her deceived her and abandoned her was the father of the child she was carrying-a kid who would always remind her of the nightmare she had experienced.

She grabbed her tummy while tears ran down her cheeks. How would she respond?

Weeks passed, and the stranger's remarks still plagued Lily. The sensation that she was being watched, that invisible eyes were tracking her every step was unabated.

She made an effort to concentrate on her career and create a new life for herself, but she was constantly plagued by anxiety and uncertainty. She waited for the other shoe to drop, living on borrowed time.

One afternoon, she was walking home from work when a car drove beside her. When the window rolled down, Damian's face was visible.

Her heart jumped into Lily's throat. Seeing him made her tremble because she hadn't seen him since that terrible night in New York.

"Get in," he commanded in a stern, icy voice.

Lily paused. After all that he had done, she didn't trust him. She was aware, though, that she couldn't outrun him indefinitely.

She inhaled deeply before boarding the vehicle.

With his eyes focused on the road ahead and his jaw gritted Damian drove silently. Lily sat next to him, her head racing, her body tight.

At last, he stopped on the side of an empty road. His concentrated gaze went to her.

In a low, menacing voice, he said, "Why did you run?"

Lily looked up into his eyes, defiance shining in her own. "You know why," she remarked. "Damian, I was used by you. I felt deceived.

Damian's gaze grew strained. His words, "I never betrayed you," "I told you from the beginning that our marriage was a business arrangement."

"A business arrangement?" Lily laughed. "You made me believe you cared about me and wanted me."

"I did want you," a husky Damian remarked. "I still do."

His fingers cupped her cheek as he reached for her. Lily winced and withdrew.

She said, "Don't touch me," in a shaky voice.

Damian's hand fell away. His eyes were filled with grief and rage as he gazed at her.

He said, "You're pregnant," in a flat voice.

Lily gasped for air. How was he aware?

When Damian admits he is aware of her pregnancy, Lily becomes fearful of his plans and what he could do to manipulate her and the unborn child.