Chapter 16: What? Scared Away?!
Andy paused, hearing the gasps around him. Thinking of Lily’s precarious situation, he clenched his fists, unable to speak. Taking a breath, he said, “Mom, come with me. I need to talk to you.”
Everyone:!!
Mom?!!
‘Lily was stunned. Seeing Andy’s hesitation after her earlier declaration, she realized she’d jumped the gun. She was about to soften her approach when he called her Mom.”
Her eyes welled. She understood; he’d done it to save face for her. Andy had changed, but his kindness and protectiveness hadn’t.
“Watch out for Amy, Andy said urgently once they were alone on the balcony.
After receiving Amy’s message, Andy realized she didn’t know Lily’s true identity. He decided not to interfere. Then, a second message arrived.
Amy acted impulsively; he worried about her recklessness. He hadn’t contacted Lily, partly because of John’s warning, and partly because he didn’t know how to interact with her yet.
Andy convinced himself that John would protect Lily, and Amy wouldn’t succeed. He went to bed early, intending to sleep. Then he couldn’t sleep.
What if John failed to protect Lily, and Amy succeeded? He needed to check on her.
“You didn’t tell her the truth, did you? She thinks you…, Andy hesitated, “…took her place and is trying to get rid of you. The banquet is crowded; be careful.”
He added, “Stay close to Dad.”
Seeing Andy’s awkward concern, Lily smiled, impulsively reaching to ruffle his hair.
Andy instinctively recoiled, but stopped himself. He didn’t pull away when her hand touched his hair.
“Thank you, Andy, for worrying about Mom. You’re such a good boy”
His ears flushed; he mumbled, “I’m not a kid anymore!”
Despite his complaint, he let her touch his hair until she stopped.
Lily’s smile widened. Such a sweet Andy.
“Andy!
Amy approached, her voice low and accusatory.“You called her Mom?!” Aware of the onlookers, Amy maintained a pleasant facade while seething. Andy ignored.her, saying, “It’s none of your business.” He turned and left.
Lily frowned, noticing their interaction; Andy and Amy’s relationship was… strained.
“What did you do to make him call you Mom? Did you threaten him? What did you threaten him with? Amy was baffled. She thought Andy would
would be
be the most resistant!
One day, you’ll call me Mom willingly too.” Lily tilted her chin, mimicking Amy’s haughty demeanor, then walked away.
Amy was furious but maintained a composed smile, giving the impression of reconciliation.
Then she left.
To onlookers, the Janson siblings seemed friendly towards Lily! Andy’s “Mom” was undeniably,
Chapter 16: What? Scared Away?!
heard! This Lily was incredible! She’d not only captivated John but also his children! Andy, sitting on sofa, touched his hair, remembering his mother’s touch… “John! I’m risking a beating asking this, but did you really call your dad’s new girlfriend ‘Mom?” Cody had heard the gossip and came to confirm, finding it unbelievable. Even with the eyewitness accounts, he needed verification.
Three friends accompanied him, their faces a
mixture of curiosity and shock.
“I heard your family hired a chef whose ancestors were imperial cooks?” Cody nodded dumbly.
“I need to try their food.” He scratched his head.“Shall we go eat?”
Andy nodded, walking ahead. Cody followed, realizing he’d been sidetracked! And John was supposed to leave in five minutes. Why were they suddenly eating?
He lacked the courage to ask again about the “Mom” incident. He discreetly signaled his friends, but they shook their heads.
Having witnessed Weston’s son’s broken nose, they knew Andy’s fighting prowess. Once was enough!
Returning to the crowd, Lily noticed the increased warmth and attentiveness, led by Mrs. Wilson. Then, a familiar voice, Oh dear, I’m late! Wilson, long time no see!” Vivian arrived. Lily turned and met Vivian’s gaze.
Vivian gasped, uttering a terrified “Oh my god!“, before stumbling out of the ballroom. Vivian had left again.
woman in a teal cheongsam, who’d had a past conflict with Vivian, said, “What’s wrong with her? Don’t let her ruin your evening, Miss Lynch. Let’s continue our conversation. The flower you liked…”
. Others joined in, discussing flowers. They whispered about Vivian’s strange behavior, wondering
if she’d deliberately tried to insult Lily…
They were wrong; Vivian was genuinely terrified, thinking she’d seen Lily’s ghost. A guilty conscience fears the devil, and this reflected Vivian’s apprehension.
Amy watched, aghast. Even Vivian, usually so assertive, had failed! Why did she
Chapter 17. Where Are My
