"I wish I can taste you again, like a secret or a sin."

*************

Two weeks later...

Lilly's POV

I have been waiting for this day since I was a small little girl.

Every time I saw dad get ready for work, every time I dropped by the company and saw how comfortable he looked in his element, doing his job, all professional and smooth, at how greatly he excelled at it, I knew I was destined to do the same.

I wanted to follow in his steps, and I knew, I am capable of doing this. I have the energy for it, I have the skills, and well, I like it, so I won't mind giving it as much time as needed.

I ran my fingers into the ends of my hair, untangling the little waves I made, and gave it a more natural look before I fixed it over my shoulders. Yesterday, I had a whole new haircut, made it a bit shorter than before, and added some tune to it with balayage highlights, ones that are only a tone lighter than mine, so it still looked natural, but shinier.

A bit of a new look, fitting my new fresh start.

A satisfied smile curved my lips as I took a look at myself in the mirror. With the pencil cream-beige skirt and the blazer that matched it in color, I looked so ready for my first day. I fixed the white shirt I wore underneath and made the last touches with my nude lipstick before I slipped into my heels, grabbed my purse, and left the room.

On low footsteps, I peeked a look into Max's room, checking and he was fast asleep. My eyes took him in and my chest tightened. Since the day everything unraveled, he hasn't been the same. He is quieter, more serious, less talkative and he lost that energy he always had around him. Guilt pressed over my shoulders, never once leaving me and it had me stepping away, bringing my mood down. I should be able to fix this, I need to bring my little brother back.

I pulled into a deep breath and once I reached downstairs, my gaze drifted around searching for dad. I paused by the kitchen, my eyes falling on him and mom. They were standing by the counter, my dad's back to me as she pushed the buttered toast into his mouth, she smiled and wiped the side of his mouth with her finger before she leaned in and pecked his lips.

Dad said something, sneaking an arm around her waist, pulling her closer and she chuckled, her eyes happy as she gazed at him and my heart calmed down a bit. Their constant PDA used to make say ew, it still does, but it's a whole different story now, especially after I came to know about everything. I found myself smiling as I gazed at them. At least, they had each other, they stayed together after all of that heartbreak.

It had me wondering only; Will I ever have that?

Before I could dwell further on that thought, mom's eyes flickered to me and her smile widened, "Morning baby," She said, circling her way around the counter and coming near me. Her eyes shone in affection as she looked at me and my whole attire, "You look so beautiful," She said.

"Of course she does," Dad said with a duh tone, "Did you forget that my genes made this," He added while pointing at me from head to toe.

I chuckled at his words and he threw me a wink. Mom shook her head, "Nope, I made this," She added proudly, wrapping her arm around my waist and pulled me closer, "She is a mini-me."

Dad gave her a knowing look, "Why do you think I picked you and made you my wife, huh?" He questioned, "I knew your genes plus mine would make wonders."

Mom rolled her eyes at him, "Picked me?" She called him out on his choice of words, "Did you forget for how long you followed me till I finally accepted you?"

I just stood there, witnessing another one of their weird episodes, "Well, in dad's version, you are the one that followed him," I remarked.

Mom's eyes widened, "Like hell I did," She shot out and dad shot her a glare.

"Way to ruin my image and reputation in front of the kids, cupcakes," He mumbled, ever so annoyed.

Mom smiled, accomplished, and winning her argument before she looked between us, "Come on, don't let me hold you two," She said, her smile heartfelt before she kissed my cheek, "Have a nice first day, and don't let your father distract you," She added, in a warning and I nodded.

Dad mumbled some incoherent words under his breath but still gave her a quick goodbye peck before he grabbed his phone and headed outside, calling me to follow him with my car.

I bid mom my goodbye and went ahead, ready for my first day as an actual adult. I wanted to laugh at that word because I don't physically feel it yet. Adult, seriously? In a way, I am still the same old stupid impulsive me, plus heartbreak and a university degree, that's all. It doesn't magically make me an adult.

I took into a deep gulp of air; maybe today I can prove that right. Hopefully, I can prove that I am a mature adult now.

I've been staying with mom and dad since we came back, but been also looking for my own separate place, I am still searching for an apartment, that would be both near my work and also appropriate for my budget, but still found none. I plan to not use dad's help in this; it's about time I become the independent strong woman I aspire to be.

A few minutes later and both dad and I walked inside the main door of the company. The air conditioner's coolness hit the bare skin of my legs and I almost shivered, both at the sudden change in temperature and at the overwhelming feeling as my gaze drifted around the interior design of the place. People walked around, their gazes falling on me and dad, some offered a welcoming polite smile, and others whispered between them; who is the new girl?

Reaching beside the security entrance, dad pulled something from his pocket and handed it to me. I looked at the card in my hand and saw my name and picture. The security man pressed a button for dad and he didn't need a card. Hoping I won't get the special treatment, I headed to use my card to enter, but the man gave me clearance same as dad's and I let out a low disappointed sigh.

We got inside the elevator, "Where are we going?" I asked, anxiously.

"To your office, of course," He said, a hint of excitement in his tone. He liked how much I wanted this, working by his side, how our dreams were so similar and it made me even happier.

My heart beat faster as we stepped out of the elevator, nearing our destination. Taking a turn, he paused to a stop by the grey-colored door. He twisted the knob and opened it. He stood aside, giving me space, and his eyebrow raised, "After you, Miss Dolan," He said and I couldn't hide my chuckle at his professional tone.

I composed myself and gave him a professional smile. I nodded my head before I walked inside, my eyes taking notice of my surrounding. From the huge space of the room, massive even, to the beautiful design of its interior, the intertwining of both black and white in the wall's painting to the big desk at the far end, and in the end, my eyes fell on the ceiling-high windows, looking down at the city and the crowded roads.

I gulped down before I turned around, my throat tight as I mumbled, "I don't deserve all of this."

My words were enough to clear the happiness from his eyes. He stepped closer, his eyebrows pulling closer, "What the hell, who said that?"

I shook my head. This only reminded me of Christian and his words. He was so right, I always had everything handed to me. Even now, I am still having it. I didn't work hard, day and night to reach such a good position in a really good place. I don't deserve the special treatment by the staff, I don't deserve the big office...I just don't.

"All of this is just because I am your daughter," I mumbled. I wanted the job but not the luxury coming with it.

Dad scoffed, "Well yeah, you're my daughter, that gives you the advantage, but Lilly, if you didn't take this after me, then who will," He said as he stepped closer to me, "And don't think it's gonna be easy, no, you gonna work hard, you gonna spend so much time, just like I did, and I am sure in a couple of weeks only, you will earn your place here because of your good hard work, not because of me," He added and that had me relaxing a bit, "I mean if you don't do your job well, I am gonna give you a smaller office, I am a strict boss," He added, playfully and a smile broke down my face.

I nodded, "Okay, I want that, I want to work hard and earn my place here all by myself."

He nodded, "That's exactly what you'll do."

His phone beeped, he pulled it out and read the message, "Okay, so Ashton said he will be responsible for you for now because apparently, he thinks I won't let you do a thing and I will keep talking and distracting you," He rolled his eyes, not liking his words, "That damn bimbo."

"Meet him on the third floor, and he will tell you where to start from," He added before he looked up from his phone and gave me a genuine smile, "Go and make me proud, kiddo."

My smile widened and I took a step forward, "Before we start this professionally, can I give my boss a quick hug?"

He didn't answer, instead, he pulled me closer, wrapping me in his embrace, "Can you stop growing up so fast, it's scaring me," He mumbled, his words filled with real fear as he came to terms with everything happening, "I need my little girl still."

Giving him one tight squeeze, I pulled back, "Dad, I will always be your little girl."

He brushed his thumb over my cheek before he totally let me go, "Okay," His shoulders seemed to relax a bit, "Now, go and show them that my genes can do wonders."

************

Uncle Ashton was so sweet as well as he gave me a small tour around, introducing me to the people I will be working with the most. He showed me the whole section I will be responsible for later on after I gain more knowledge and experience.

He went on explaining my current main tasks, "It's a resort, mainly for the youth, it's almost done, but we picked a group from a younger generation to reflect their insight on the whole process, from design to marketing and all," I nodded, excited as I heard him talk more and more about the whole new project they're working on.

"Now, there is someone who already started working on this project before you, so he is more familiar with the whole process," He said, his tone shifting a bit, more careful and guarded as if waiting for my reaction as he added, "So, he can train you in a way, show you what to do, what not to do, and how to do it."

I nodded, I was totally okay with that, I didn't understand why he seemed hesitant, "So more like a mentor, right?"

"As a starter yeah," He said, "And then you two can work together on managing the whole project," Right then, the conference room opened, and my gaze flickered there, the opened door revealing behind the person he was just talking about.

My eyes grew wide, "Oh, you've got to be kidding me!" I exclaimed, throwing all the professionalism out of the window as I stared at uncle Ashton like he grew another head.

The asshole looked at his uncle and nodded, his lips pressing into a thin line, "Told you she wouldn't like it."

I only shot him a very hard glare, shutting him up and refusing the whole idea, "No way in hell I am working with him!"

Uncle Ashton gave me a guilty look, almost as if I had no other choice. I tried so hard to suppress my frustrated groan. Such an awesome first day...great, just great.

"I will leave you two to talk this between you," He said, carefully retreating himself back from this drama, "And get right into work after," He said, more strictly, his eyes drifting between us in warning before he left the room, leaving me all alone with the asshole.

Zack's eyes drifted from uncle Ashton's retreating back and fell on me. He didn't look that happy about this arrangement either. His throat moved, swallowing before he raked his hand in his hair. My eyes narrowed at him in pure distaste and I crossed my arms over my chest, totally and utterly annoyed.

How come he is here? Did they just forgive him after everything he did? This selfish envious asshole!

He took a couple of steps forward, "Look, we can either start fighting and make this hard, or we can just put the past behind and start anew, so what do you say?" He said, pulling on me a mature tone. Huh, I don't buy it.

"I say we keep fighting and make this hard," I mumbled and my inner adult self shot me a very hard glare.

Way to be a mature adult, Lilly, way to be. Ugh, told you, I am still impulsive, talk-without-thinking me.

"Lilly, we are not in high school anymore," He pointed out.

"So what, you magically transformed from a complete asshole into a decent human being?"

My words had his jaw tightening and he looked away for a second, "Look, I changed," He said, meeting my hard gaze, "Yeah, and I am supposed to buy that? Based on what? What proof do you have?"

He gave me a knowing look, "Well, I am here," He said, "Do you think uncle Ashton would've even given me a chance if he didn't witness it himself that I am different."

"I don't think he would've, but maybe you managed to convince him that somehow when in truth, you are still the same person."

"Why would I do that?" He asked, frustration seeping into his voice.

"I don't know, maybe to hurt Chase more!"

"I wouldn't do that again!" He said, anger wrapping within his words at the accusation, "Even back then, my intention was not to hurt him the way I did, Lilly, I was just stupid, I was angry at the world and yeah, I was jealous so I did what I did, I envied him because I was a total screw up and he wasn't."

"And that changed now?"

"Yes, I worked on myself, hard, believe me, too hard sometimes," He said, something about his tone and the raw look in his eyes made me want to believe him but I resisted still, "I was so guilt-stricken that I had to stop being angry at everything. I stopped taking those in my life for granted and I made my peace with what happened in the past," He added, seriously talking for the first time since I've met him, "I acknowledged my mistake Lilly, and I started from there."

"That doesn't change what you did," I said, because on some level I wasn't directing my words to him, I was speaking with the inner me, the guilt-stricken me, "So, I don't forgive you." I still didn't forgive me.

"Chase himself forgave me and you wouldn't?"

I nodded, "Yes, because Chase is like this person that God sent us to make this humanity better," I mumbled and Zack's eyebrows pulled closer at my words, "He is too good, he would forgive you of course," He would forgive me too, "But me, I am not good, okay, and I don't want to forgive you."

I left my words there and walked out of the room, making my dramatic exit. I looked right and left and groaned in annoyance. I have no idea what I am supposed to do now, the asshole inside is supposed to show me. I wanted to pull my hair out, unable to handle this nonsense.

Such a fresh start you are getting, Lilly.

I turned back and entered the room, I angrily pulled one of the chairs and slumped down on it, already giving up on making this a good day, "Speak," I mumbled, crossing my arms over my chest, showing him that even though he is helping me, I am angry still.

He gave me a weirded-out look at my attitude before he placed a file in front of me and started talking. I kept silent, ignoring from which person the information is coming, and took notes.

At least, let me do what I came here to do.

************

When the hour signaled lunchtime, I paused my work and decided to resume it later on with a full stomach. I turned off my computer screen and exited my office...oh my god, I have something I can refer to as my office. This is so cool.

After I recovered from my little fangirl moment over myself, I checked my phone and replied to Sally's text messages, telling her about my day and how terribly it started with Zack's reappearance in my life. My day is still going very miserably and to add to that-

My thoughts took a pause and my steps halted suddenly as I came crashing up against someone. Texting while walking is dangerous, kids, very dangerous. The heels I am wearing, accompanied by the force of the collision almost made me slip and fall. I gasped and held into something, anything to keep me from embarrassing myself on my first day.

My fingers wrapped over the nearest thing, which was the arm of the person I just crashed with, and his hand went to my arm, steadying me, "I am sorry," I mumbled, knowing it was my fault as my eyes drifted up and fell onto his blue ones.

I gulped down and involuntary, my fingers tightened over his arm. Talk about a terrible day taking a very good turn.

"I really just did the whole bump into your boss's son on your first-day cliche now, didn't I?"

Chase cracked a smile, one as beautiful as him as he nodded, "Yeah, so now we gonna have to get married."

I couldn't hold my low laugh at his joke. I shook my head, "But no, first we should hate each other, you know, in order to trigger the sexual tension on," I carried on with his joke, "And one drunken night of passion later, we start our journey with love," I added my last words ever so sarcastically.

He nodded, his panty-dropping smile still there, "Yeah, then we'll have to get married for sure because apparently, a drunken night of passion definitely meant you getting pregnant."

I couldn't suppress my giggle again because he actually went on with it, "I feel like I've read that somewhere," I added, playfully addressing the office romance's cliche.

My eyes flickered all over his face and I tried to keep myself breathing. In and out, Lilly. In and out. I straightened myself, running my hand over my skirt, fixing it, hoping I still look as good as I did in the morning.

"How is your first day going?" He asked as his hand went to his hair, casually pushing that stubborn strand that keeps falling over his forehead.

I pressed my lips into a thin line, "Terrible."

His eyebrows pulled closer and he looked at his watch, "It's still noon," He said, pointing out how I already managed to hate this day from the beginning, "What happened?"

I shook my head, "Don't ask," I mumbled, "The only good thing is that now is lunchtime and I get to eat."

He nodded his head toward the elevator, his hand on my lower back, leading the way, "Let's go, then."

He started walking and I followed, "You wanna eat with me?" Why did I sound so shocked?

He nodded and casually added, "Yeah, because eating with the boss's son on your first day could help you out."

I raised a challenging eyebrow, "You do realize that I am the other boss's daughter, right?"

My eyes widened a bit, "Oh my god, this just got more interesting," I paused in my steps and faced him, stopping him as well and seriously addressing this joke, "I think I figured out a better reason for us to get married, you know, they do that, to unite both companies," I added, ever so excitedly as I joined my two hands together, giving him an animation of the uniting process, "The kids of the two bosses should get married."

He couldn't hold the matter seriously anymore, he tilted his head back a bit and a low laugh erupted from his throat. When his eyes met mine again, they were warmer, more approachable, they were like...my Chase's eyes. The ones that didn't have a guard around them, and not a wall held up high. Not the ones that felt obliged to help me when I was in need. They are now the ones that reflected his true feelings, warm and genuine. The same ones I fell in and sank deep.

His gaze caressed my face and that smile slowly started to fall down. Something tells me he was having the exact same thoughts.

"What?" My voice came out low.

"I think I didn't realize how much I missed this," He said, not shying away from it.

"This?" I asked, "You and me?"

He nodded, "Yeah, you and me."

My heart was ready to take off on a sprint, but I held myself back. Not the time. Careful and easy, that's what I promised myself. Careful, Lilly, you'll be careful.

I cleared my throat, shaking myself back in, "Okay, let's go eat then," I said as I pressed the button by the elevator, "You know, I am eating for two now, so-" Why do I keep bringing it up? Trying to live my fantasies through this I guess.

Chase's eyebrows pulled closer, "You're not gonna be one of those who wakes me up in the middle of the night and asks for like....pig's milk or something, will you?"

I narrowed my eyes at him as we both entered the elevator, "You are still a jerk, aren't you?"

He nodded, "Yeah, I don't think I changed."

Although, I feel like he did in a way.

I shot him a glare, "Is that an indirect way of telling me that I am the one who changed?"

He looked taken aback, like he didn't mean that at all, "Are these your fictional pregnancy hormones working, or what?"

I bit down at my lower lip to stop myself from smiling and looked away. He shouldn't be allowed to make me smile when I am serious. I repeat, he shouldn't be allowed.

He nudged my arm with his elbow, ever so lightly, just to make me look at him. I turned my head, "Why are you doing this?" I asked, addressing the fact that he was joking with me, being so smooth and damn cute...I told him don't give me hope.

The teasing look in his eyes was gone now, "I just wanted to make you smile," He said, more serious now, "You used to always do that when I'd be in a bad mood," He gave me a low shrug, "It felt like my turn, you didn't look very happy."

Don't you dare Mr. heart, don't you dare do that.

Against my better judgment, my pulse accelerated and my heart fluttered at his honest words, "I think I am better now," I said, a smile pulling up my lips, "Thanks to a specific boss's son and his plan to marry me and all."

We exited the elevator into the parking lot and headed for his car, "Yeah, about that, can we get a divorce," He said as he pulled his keys and pressed the button to unlock the car, "I feel like we rushed into this."

He opened my door and I stood there, between him and my seat as I pretended to think it through. I pressed my lips into a thin line, "Okay, we can," I let out a dreamy sigh, "I think this was the shortest love story I ever had."

He nodded, "I guess we'll have to wait and see what'll happen in the sequel."

I chuckled and playfully pushed at his arm, "Okay, stop, I am all smiling and laughing now."

He nodded, satisfied, "Great, now, let's go and feed you."

Okay, so maybe today isn't as terrible as I made it out to be.

We found a nice good restaurant nearby and decided to eat there. We ordered our food, all while having normal conversations and I was so glad it wasn't awkward between us anymore.

Our conversation got interrupted by the screech of the extra chair placed between me and Chase. My eyes flickered to the intruder and they widened. The fuck-

"Hey Chase, what are you doing here?" Zack asked as he comfortably took his seat on our table, as if this is so normal.

"What the-" I tried to say.

Zack turned to me, and he rolled his eyes, "Oh, you are here too."

I gaped at him before I turned to Chase, "Terrible day's reason is-" and I pointed at Zack.

Chase's eyebrows pulled closer, his confused gaze drifting between us, "You're working together?"

I nodded, my utter discomfort written all over my face, "More like I am working under him." Eww no, not like that. Eww.

Chase's expression shifted and I noticed how his hand that was over the table curled into a fist. Did the idea of me and Zack working together bother him? See, again with that silly hope.

Zack leaned back into his seat, "So, you two are still dating?" He asked, his words seemed innocent, like he expected the answer to simply be yes.

Remember when I said it wasn't awkward. Yeah, I was wrong. It is awkward now.

"No," I mumbled, shifting uncomfortably in my seat and doing my best not to meet Chase's gaze.

"Oh," Was all Zack said, realizing how awkward he just made it. Always an asshole.

Zack cleared his throat, "Anyway, I will get back to my table," He mumbled, running away, "Just wanted to ask if you'll go to tomorrow's practice?" He asked, his words directed to Chase.

I finally found the courage and looked at him, the energy radiating off him felt a bit hostile but I doubt Zack sensed it. He just nodded his head and Zack stood up, "Okay, see you then." He said, ignoring me as he walked back to his table, where a couple of guys and girls from the company were also seated.

Note to self: Never come to this restaurant ever again.

Our food arrived right then and I pretended to be busy as I aimlessly swirled the spaghetti with the fork, "So, Uhm, what practice is there tomorrow?" I asked, fishing for a conversation.

"Remember that sports club near our old school," He asked and I nodded, "Since we already used to play soccer there, sometimes they ask us to join some games and teach the newer ones," He explained, "Max plays there as well."

I nodded, "Oh yeah true, he keeps talking about it."

"Can I attend it?" I asked and Chase nodded, "Yeah, sure."

My intentions behind this are completely innocent, I just want to spend more time with Max, because I don't like the state he is in lately.

*************

Next day...

I rushed to the door when it rang, knowing for sure it's Chase. I grabbed my sports hat and jogged down the stairs. After I got back from wore, I changed and wore a simple combination of shorts and a t-shirt, trying to fit in with the whole sporty idea.

Dad was closer so he ended up opening the door, "Why are you here?" He asked, and suddenly I felt like it's five years ago.

"To pick Lilly up," Chase answered, his eyes traveling to me behind dad.

Dad turned around, his dissatisfied eyes on me before he looked at Chase again, "Why do I feel like I opened the door to the past?" He said, very annoyed, "Why in hell are you picking her up?"

"Dad, we are just going to Max's practice," I said, walking past him and going outside, trying to stop what he is about to do, "I'll see you later, bye," I said, quickly grabbing at Chase's wrist and pulled him with me.

"Your father will never change, will he?" Chase said as we reached his car and got inside.

I shook my head as I placed my seatbelt on, "He would never."

"I have to admit, I was pretty much enjoying him loving me over the past five years," He said as he placed the car in reverse and pulled into the street.

I turned to him and narrowed my eyes, "So what, do you want me to leave again so he can love you?" I said, rather annoyed and he stared back at me, ever so innocently, me again mistaking his intentions. I sighed, "Sorry, fictional pregnancy hormones again," I mumbled.

The small smile that lifted one corner of his mouth didn't go unnoticed by me. My eyes acted on their own accord and shamelessly checked him out, they ran over the arm he used to steer the wheel as he drove us to our destination, at how the muscles of his biceps flexed under, totally visible with the white shirt he wore. He was still in his pilot's pants, but the jacket and the tie were thrown in the back seat, signaling he just came back from a flight.

The first few buttons of his shirt were left open, only seducing me more. His hair was shorter at the sides, but more generous on the top, enough for him to rake his fingers through it, especially to push back that stubborn strand that keeps feeling. I wanna tell him that I can push it for you, and I can maybe run my fingers through the back of your hair, tugging at it as I kiss you, just like those days.

Would it feel the same?

Would it maybe feel better?

Uhuh, fictional pregnancy hormones alright.

Thankfully enough, the ride there wasn't long, saving me from the wrong forbidden fantasies I shouldn't be having. I exited the car and we both headed for the field. Chase showed me around before I spotted Max at a distance, standing with a group of guys of his age. Chase went to change and I took that as my chance and jogged toward Max.

His eyes fell on me as I paused by his side, his eyebrows pulling closer, "What are you doing here?"

"Came to see you play, what else," I said, my smile big, reflecting my excitement.

He just looked confused, "And why is that?"

"Well, can't I just want to see my little brother play, Jesus," I mumbled and he just shook his head, not buying it, "Okay, whatever," He mumbled like he couldn't bother at all, "I need to go."

And like that, he just walked away. My shoulders slumped down in defeat; he is still pushing me away for some reason. What the hell am I supposed to do?

The practice was about to start so I went to the bleachers and sat down. I watched as Chase came back, also the asshole was there, they both guided the team and separated them into two groups, one with Chase and the other with Zack before they started playing.

There were a couple of people scattered here and there, but the bleachers were mostly empty and I badly wanted to cheer Chase and Max but decided against it, not to be the weird one.

Halfway through the game, someone took a seat beside me and I whipped my head, flustered at the new presence on my side, "You're back," I mumbled and his eyes flickered from the players, from Max in specific, and fell on me.

He nodded his head, "You came for him?" I asked and he settled his green eyes back on Max, "Yeah," He said, and the muscles of his jaw tightened.

"He is not okay," I found myself saying because it felt like only he can fix this.

He nodded, "I know," his tortured gaze on my brother, "Your father told me."

So, it's not just me. Dad noticed it as well.

Max seemed to be so concentrated as he played around the field like his life depended on it. He was putting all of his energy into this, to distract himself maybe, to run away, to clear his mind and not think about his truth. I knew this affected him, how could it not, but I just didn't know it will take this much troll on him. It's changing him and I can't let that happen.

I rubbed a hand over my aching chest, hating myself because this is my fault. I am the big sister, I should've been the one to protect him from this, not...not the other way around.

"Can you please fix this?" I requested over a whisper.

"Lilly, I would give anything to fix it," Nikolas said, sadness etching lines between his eyebrows, and he looked so uncertain, "I just don't know how," He mumbled, "It's not exactly something that I excel at."

"Just talk with him," I suggested, "Like you talked to me, you told me how I was your little girl, how I changed you, I don't know just tell him something like that, convince him that this doesn't change anything."

He shook his head, ever so helplessly, "That's the thing, Lilly, with you, I had a life, it was two years," He said, "But with him, I only had a day," He added, "So, how can I convince him that," He shook his head, "He doesn't believe me. It feels like he would never."

My heart clenched so tight at the possible thoughts going through Max's since the day I came back and spat the truth in his face, no wonder he is pushing away, "I don't know how but you have to make him believe you, please."

*************

Nikolas's POV

I took another step toward him, pushing myself forward. The game had ended a couple of minutes ago. Max was sitting down on one of the chairs, taking his rest after a tiring game. He ran his hand through his hair before he pulled a water bottle from the side and drank it, totally oblivious to my presence.

I took a seat on the chair beside him and it wasn't till then that he turned his head and took notice of me. He placed the water bottle down, his eyes on me, confused and a bit taken aback, "What are you doing here?" He shot out.

"I watched you play," I started, getting myself ready to say everything I wanted to say. He only looked away, as if he couldn't handle looking at me longer than that. He brought a hand and rubbed at his chest, like it was aching, he looked uncomfortable, and a bit tired.

"Are you healed enough to play like this, anyway?" The worry seeped within my words, unable to hold back, "You didn't have the surgery that long ago-"

"Don't pretend like you care," He interrupted me, the muscles of his jaw tightening, "I don't need your worry, I know how to take care of myself."

"Max, I-"

"Why are you here?" He asked again, his voice louder and frustrated.

I rushed a hand over my face, totally lost of how to deal with this, "It's because we should talk," I said.

Max's eyes weren't on my face now, no, they were on my hand, "You're married?" He said, more of a statement than a question as he noticed the ring over my finger.

Involuntarily, my fingers curled into the inside of my palm and I nodded, "Yeah."

He scoffed and looked away, the new fact not settling well with him. I looked around the field at the many people still gathered here and there, "Can we go somewhere else and-"

"Do you have kids?" He interrupted me again.

I wanted to tell him all about this, but step by step, not like this, "Max, listen to me-"

"I asked you a question," He insisted, his hard gaze on me, his eyes a darker shade due to his anger, "Do you have kids?"

I just nodded my head and waited for his reaction. He didn't give me space to read his expression as he shot for another question, impatient, "Are they here?" He asked, clarifying, "Your family, are they here?"

I nodded my head. I brought them with me this time, because I had a feeling this was gonna happen. It could either help change his mind or maybe make everything worse.

"Can you take me there?" He asked, insisting and I nodded again.

"Okay, good," He got up to his feet, "I am gonna go change and we can go."

"Now?" I asked, not understanding his hurried decisions.

His eyebrows raised, "Is there a problem with that?"

"No, it's just-" I shook my head and agreed to whatever he wanted, "Yeah, okay, we can go."

He just nodded and walked off, walking inside the building to change and get his things. I got up to my feet and walked toward my car, I pulled my phone to dial both Alex and Natalie to inform them about this.

**************

Max's POV

I grabbed at Lilly's arm, pulling her to my side. She looked up at me, flustered and questioning, "What's wrong?" She asked, worry tightening her brows as she gazed at me.

"I need you to come with me," I said, the uncomfortable feeling over my chest only intensifying because as much as I was angry at everything, I was also scared, "I don't want to-"

Lines etched between her eyebrows, "You don't want to be alone," She said, understatement shone in her eyes and I nodded, "I kind of need you, will you come with us?"

She didn't reply, instead, I felt her arms wrap around my neck, "Of course, I would never leave you alone," She said, tightening her hold and I took reassurance from her few honest words.

When she pulled away, she placed her hand over my arm, "It will be okay, Max, I promise."

I nodded, trying to believe in that but failed miserably. I wanted to know all there is about him, yet at the same moment, I don't want to know a thing, I want him to just disappear altogether from this life, to go into being just my father's dead brother, that's all. It was simpler then, it didn't leave me questioning everything, including my own existence.

Lilly walked by my side as we got into his car, and I did my best not to look at his side, the whole situation beyond uncomfortable because I am scared of what I am going to find out. He is married. He has a life. He has kids...those that are supposed to be my half-siblings. I don't want that.

I don't want anything binding me to him. I already have his tainted DNA in my blood, isn't that more than enough?

The drive to wherever he was taking us took longer than I expected. Neither of us spoke a word, there wasn't anything that needed to be said anyway. I needed to see things with my own eyes, that's all, and then I can delete him from my life, let things turn back to the way it was before he became a constant reminder of a horrible time, a one I don't have the power in me to think about.

We entered a road, less crowded and we reached a town, a few houses in and he started to slow down before he took a turn, stopping the car near one of them. Anxiety grabbed me in its fingers and twisted me around. The desire to bolt and run away at this moment only intensified.

"We're here," He announced and I knew I had to push myself down and face this once and for all. I opened the door and got down. Lilly immediately came to my side, she looked uncertain as well yet she faked the strength for me, her hand coming to mine, squeezing and assuring me.

The sound of the car probably alerted whoever was inside because the moment we stepped down, the door opened and a woman, probably the same age as my mom came into view, her eyes falling on her...husband before they traveled to us, to Lilly and to me.

She took a few steps forward and a warm smile pulled up her lips, her eyes a bright blue and the energy vibrating off her all welcoming and inviting.

Lilly was the first to step forward, the first to break the tension, "Hey, I am-"

"Lilly," The woman said, the look in her eyes so genuine, "I know, last time I met you, you were this much tall," She said with a low laugh showing her how short.

Her eyes drifted from Lilly and fell on me, "Hey Max," She took a closer step, "I am Natalie," She said, introducing herself and her smile grew wider, "Also last time I saw you, you were just a small little baby."

I gave her a nod, unable to form words or even force on a smile. I didn't want to be rude to her, she seemed so nice, but my inside was a mess, my brain was malfunctioning, unable to form normal regular thoughts.

"Mom, is that da-" The new voice that echoed had me whipping my head to the door, my eyes falling on the source. The boy's words stayed half said as his gaze fell on us...on me. Over hesitant footsteps, he walked forward, coming beside his mother and reaching us.

His eyes were the same color as her, his hair a light brown, and he looked maybe more like Wyatt's age, if not younger by a year or so, I couldn't be sure. Involuntarily, I found myself taking a step backward, the force of everything unraveling pushing me further deep down that dark pit of everything bad and painful.

"How about we all get inside and-," Natalie said, her voice breaking into my thoughts, she said something else but my brain couldn't register it, my breathing getting heavier, my pulse accelerating, I could almost hear it.

Something little rushed out of the house, My eyes followed the movement as she ran and hid behind him. My gaze on her little small hands that wrapped over Nikolas's leg, pressing her body into him. His hand went to her hair, brushing over it, urging her not to be scared. She tilted her head, peeking from behind his leg, her eyes big as they fell on me...eyes that were just like mine.

The other boy stepped forward, grabbing my attention. His throat bobbed nervously before he talked, "Dad told me so much about you," He said, a small smile forming over his lips before he extended his hand forward, "I am Nathan."

My gaze flickered from his hand to him, to that little girl hiding behind her father's leg, to his wife, to the house that laid there, and the force pushed me backward, overwhelmed, and unable to understand a thing.

I took two steps backward and I shook my head, "I am sorry, I can't do this," I mumbled, my voice thick as every fucked emotion clogged my throat and I turned around, walking away, running from this...from him, from all of this nonsense.

Heat rushed down my throat and expanded like fire in my lungs as I ignored whoever called my name. The aggression spiked and broke as I walked away, with no destination.

"Max, wait, hold on," His voice broke into my ears as his hand curled over my arm from the back, forcefully stopping me.

My jaw tightened and I pulled my arm away from his grip, "Leave me," I grated out, ready to walk away again but he had other plans. He stopped me again and I couldn't take it anymore. I pushed at his chest with everything in me, "I said leave me!"

"No, I am not!" He snapped, meeting my tone, his grip only tightening, "I am not leaving you."

"You...you-" I couldn't fucking speak, the anger blinding me as I looked at his face.

"What?" He said, urging me, "Say it, Max, what?"

I heaved out for my lost breath, "If you could...if you could have a house, a wife, and kids," I pointed at where I ran from, my voice loud, hoarse and shaking, "If you could do all of that the normal way, if you could be normal then why," I snapped, the emotions going straight to my eyes, "Why did you fuck up only when it came to me?!"

My words slapped him on the face and I pulled my hand out of his grip, he didn't let me so I pushed at his chest with my free one, "Why?" I snapped again, letting it all out, "Answer me, why?" My heart cracked and I said, "I hate you," I tried to pull my hand and added, "I hate you so much, I hate you!"

I pushed again and again, mumbling the same sentence. He didn't give up, he just pulled me closer, his hand going to the back of my neck, it tightened there as he wrapped his other arm around my back...hugging me, stopping my attack and my angry words.

Tears seeped through my closed eyelids as my forehead pressed against his shoulder. My voice stuttered, my words came out so broken, "I hate you," My voice was so low and he only tightened his hold over me, proving me the exact opposite of these three words.

************************************

The chapter was a bit smaller than previous ones, but I have a plane to catch in a bit and I didn't want to leave you without an update.

I am going on a vacation to another city here in Turkey, just for the weekend lol, so most probably I won't be able to update then, but still I will keep spoiling you with teasers on my insta page.
BTW, if you don't know yet, I MADE AN INSTA for my books; go follow if you want more content: @novel_valley.

Also, what more things do you advice me to do in there? If you have any suggestions or ideas, drop it here and we can have that! ;)

So, what's your thoughts on the chapter? Your most wanted information is out now, I hope you're happy xD

Also, I know it says Chapter 52, but that's in total, let's not forget this is the second book, which means it's only the 22nd chapter of the second book. We still have a small but kinda not so small way ahead of us.

Anyways, see ya later ;)
Love ya all so very much!