Chapter 5 Five

“Grandmother asked to see you. She asked us to pay her a visit,” he said, opening the car door for her like a perfect gentleman. 

Of course, grandmother was the only reason he was here. He hadn't even come to apologize or take her back. Well, what was she expecting? 

The ride home was a silent one. No one said a word to the other. Lily, who was staring out of the window, was grateful for that.

“Lily,” Kyrian called softly, making her turn towards him for the first time. He held a small, elegantly wrapped box in his hands. 

"Congratulations on your new job." 

She took the box, her fingers brushing against his. This ignited a spark of familiarity within her. She still loved this man. She hadn't expected the kind gesture, especially not now that their marriage was on the rocks.

With a hint of curiosity, she unwrapped the box to reveal a beautiful silver necklace with a small crystal pendant. Her eyes widened slightly as she saw the pendant, a design she had admired in a store window just a few weeks ago. She had mentioned it to him in passing, and now here it was, nestled in her hands.

"Thank you," she said, her voice betraying none of the emotions swirling inside her. 

Why was he being kind to her now that he had chosen to end their marriage? Why was he showing her affection and causing her heart to race when he had already made it clear that his heart belonged to someone else?

The car rolled into the Brandon estate, a mansion of glass and steel. Everything about it screamed opulence and wealth. 

Inside the house, Grandmother Brandon sat on the velvet couch, her silver hair neatly tied. Her eyes brightened when she saw them. 

"Oh my dears! Look how handsome you look, Kyrian. Lily did a really great job taking good care of you and nursing you back to health,”  grandmother beamed as both of them entered the room. 

The old lady who was pleased to see them went on and on talking about how Lily had been the sole reason for Kyrian's recovery. Kyrian responded occasionally to his grandmother, making small talks while Lily just sat still adding nothing to the conversation. 

She didn't know how to break the news to this woman that they were no longer married, that her grandson had asked her to divorce him. 

“I'll have the servants get something for you. What will you have, Lily?... Lily?

Her name was called twice and Kyrian had to tap her to successfully pull her out of her thoughts.

“Dear, why do you look so down and troubled? Is everything alright? Is Kyrian treating you well?”

“Yes grandmother, he is. Everything is fine.” Lily replied, forcing a smile that didn't reach her teeth. 

“I was just asking Kyrian what you will have for lunch.”

“I'm alright,” Lily wanted to say but the persuasive look on grandmother's face made her think otherwise.

Eager to leave them or not to be in the same space with Kyrian she offered to check the kitchen for what to eat.

At this time her phone rang and the screen lit up, revealing the name Clinton. She made a dive for it and quickly turned the phone upside down, but it was already too late. Kyrian had seen the name from the corner of his eyes. He swallowed nothing and tried his best to keep his face as neutral as possible.

"I will check the kitchen for something perfect for us all. I remember you love my cooking, grandmother. I'll make us something nice," she said, standing up.

"See what a good wife you have there," Kyrian's grandmother began softly, taking his hands as well as Lily's. 

"She's a very good girl. Don't ever think about going back to Tracy. She's not half as good and morally sound as Lily. She left you as soon as you had an accident, but Lily stayed and nursed you back to health."

While they were eating, Grandmother kept talking about them, how she couldn't wait to have their children play in and around the house.

When they were about to leave, grandmother didn't let them leave. She dramatically placed a hand over her chest. 

“My chest feels weak tonight. Pray, spend the night with me.i will feel better knowing you're both here with me. I've already prepared your rooms for the night. Remember, Kyrian, I need grandchildren as soon as possible. 

She kissed them goodbye and left for her room.

“Thank you," kyrian murmured when they were alone. 

“For what?”

“For not telling grandmother about us. About our divorce.”

Lily turned, her eyes glimmering. She was unsure of what to answer him. She merely nodded and left the sitting room.

On getting to the room, Lily showered and took her position on the couch. Not wanting to be in an awkward situation with Kyrian, shut her eyes and slept off before he came into the room.

Kyrian strutted into the room to see her petite figure on the couch. She was curled up and wrapped in a blanket. The couch was too small for her, and he was sure she would wake up with a painful neck. 

For a brief moment, the instinct to carry her in his arms and lay her gently on the bed tugged at his heart.

But then, like an unwelcome whisper, a memory crept in. 

He remembered the nights she had murmured another man's name in her sleep. Not once, not twice. 

Clinton. 

The sound of it had burned into his chest every single time even when he pretended not to care. 

He had told himself he wouldn't make her feel trapped anymore, not when her heart belonged elsewhere.

Maybe all along she had seen him as a burden placed on her by his grandmother. As a nuisance in her already perfectly planned life with Clinton. 

Maybe all along she had been loving someone else while staying married to him. 

He exhaled, slow and heavy and his fingers curled into fists at his sides. No, he wouldn't touch her. Not tonight. Not again. If she wanted another man, then she was already gone. He had already freed her. 

His gaze lingered on her face one last time, and the faint glow from the lamp caught the soft outline of her lips. For a fleeting second, he almost forgot everything. But then, her phone buzzed again from the table beside her.  

The name Clinton flashed across the screen like a cruel reminder. Kyrian's jaw tightened. He tore his gaze away, turned off the light and walked to the bed. 

Without another word, he climbed in and lay staring at the ceiling, the silence pressing against him like a weight. 

He didn't hate her. He never did. He was just learning how to let go of a woman who never truly belonged to him.