Chapter 4

LILY

It's been two years since I left everything behind.

Two years of starting over, of building a new life far from the pain and betrayal that once tore my heart apart. My son, Ethan, was my world now.

Every day, I saw Marcus in him- his dark eyes, the shape of his face, even the way he smiled sometimes. It was hard to forget the past when Ethan was a constant reminder of the man I once loved. But I made a promise to myself when I left the Pack that I wouldn't look back.

I had to protect Ethan, and myself. We deserved better, a life without lies and broken promises.

So I threw myself into work, climbing the corporate ladder in a company that recognised my skills. Within two years,I went from an entry-level position to managing one of the leading branches. It was my escape, my way of surviving. I thought I had to put everything behind me, but life had a cruel way of pulling you back when you least expect it. The morning started like any other. I dropped Ethan off at school, kissed him goodbye, and went to the office.

I had a long list of meetings to get through and a pile of reports waiting for me. But as soon as I walked into my office, my phone buzzed with an email from the CEO. "Lily, we need you to take over the failing branch in your old town.

I know it's short notice, but the board trusts you to turn it around." My heart sank. No. Not back there. Not where everything fell apart. For a moment, I just stared at the screen. Could I really go back? Could I face the memories of what happened. I thought about Ethan, about how far we'd come. I'd built a new life, a good life, away from the Pack and away from Marcus.

Going back meant opening old wounds I'd worked so hard to heal. But I couldn't say no. My career depended on it, and I wasn't about to let the past ruin everything I'd worked for. With a deep breath, I typed out my reply: "Understood. I'll leave next week." A week later, I was driving back to the town I swore I'd never return to. As the familiar streets came into view, my chest tightened. Memories flooded back- memories of Marcus, of the Pack and of the night I left everything behind. But I forced them down.

This was just a job. I wasn't here to rekindle old flames or dig up old wounds. I was here to fix a failing branch, and that's all it was going to be. For the first few weeks, I managed to avoid any functions or events. I kept my head down, focused on work and stayed as far away from Pack politics as possible.

Ethan and I settled into a quiet routine. I picked him up from school, helped him with his homework, and put him to bed, all while telling myself that this was temporary.

We wouldn't be here long. But then came the merger. The company I worked for was partnering with a local business, one that happened to be owned by Marcus. I couldn't believe it. Of all the companies in the region, why did it have to be his? I tried to pass the project off to someone else, but my boss insisted I handle it. "You're the best we've got," he said. "This merger is too important to leave in anyone else's hands." I had no choice. I had to face him.

The day of the business function arrived, and I could feel my nerves getting the best of me. I spent countless hours debating what to wear, knowing that every choice I made would be scrutinised. In the end, I chose something simple- a simple black dress that was professional yet understated. I wasn't here to impress anyone, least of all Marcus. When I arrived at the event, the air was thick with chatter and the clinking of glasses. I scanned the room, trying to keep my head down, but it didn't take long for me to spot him. Marcus. He looked exactly the same as I remembered- strong, confident, and undeniably handsome. My heart skipped a beat, but I quickly pushed the feeling away.

I kept my distance, mingling with other business leaders and trying to blend into the crowd. But I could feel his eyes on me. At some point, during the night, our eyes met, and I saw the shock on his face.

He hadn't expected to see me here. I could tell. He started making his way towards me, but I turned away, pretending to be engrossed in a conversation with one of the investors. "Lily," I turned slowly, meeting his eyes and keeping my face neutral. "Marcus." "I didn't expect to see you here," his voice was soft, almost as if he was unsure of what to say next. "Well, business brings people together, doesn’t it?" I replied coolly.

He studied me for a moment, his eyes searching mine. "Can we talk? Privately?" "There's nothing to talk about, Marcus. This is just business." I kept my tone steady, refusing to let him see how much it hurt to be standing this close to him. He looked like he wanted to say more, but I turned away, walking toward the bar.

My hands trembled as I ordered a drink, to let my emotions get the best of me. Not here. Not now.

As the night went on, Marcus made several attempts to approach me but I kept my distance. I avoided eye contact, stayed in groups and refused to engage in any conversation that wasn't strictly business- related.

But it was becoming harder to ignore the bond that still pulled me toward him. Every time he was near, my heart betrayed me, reminding me of the feelings I'd buried so deep. "I know you're trying to avoid me," Marcus’s voice came from behind me. I didn't turn around.

"I'm not avoiding you. I'm just here to do my job." "You're cold, Lily. This isn't like you." I finally turned to face him. "You don't know me anymore, Marcus. Things have changed." He took a step closer. "Have they? Because it doesn’t feel that way. I can still feel it, Lily. The bond between us. It's still there, isn't it?" I swallowed hard. "It doesn't matter anymore." "How can you say that? After everything we’ve been through-" "We didn't go through anything, Marcus.

You made your choice. You rejected me. I moved on." His expression softened. "I had my reasons, Lily. I never wanted to hurt you." "Well, you did. And nothing you say now will change that." "I'm sorry," Marcus finally said, his voice heavy with regret. "For everything." I didn't respond. There was nothing left to say.