Agreement Behind Her Marriage

Their reactions were immediate; both Danica and Orion’s lips formed an ‘O,’ and they were lost for words at this revelation.

“What?!” Orion stood up.

Danica, overwhelmed by emotions, covered her mouth and then burst into tears. “Dad, is this true?”

Mr. Arvesso nodded. “I met her mom in Master Walton’s office. I had a relationship with her until I was sent abroad because I had to deal with issues regarding our family’s property, wealth, and business. I also had to take care of Orion. At that time, he was only eight years old and had a nanny to look after him.

“I had to stay abroad for a few months because Orion was with me. I was torn between my responsibilities as a father and my feelings for the woman I loved. I didn’t immediately return to Cristina because it wasn’t as simple as just coming back. When I finally made the decision to return, I received an email from Andrew Walton stating that Cristina had married Lily’s now-recognized father, Martin.”

“Oh my God!” Danica couldn’t stop crying. “Poor Lily…”

“I know…” Mr. Arvesso couldn’t hold back his tears either. “I’ve been blaming myself for leaving Cristina.”

Orion clenched his fist, and Danica understood that his strained relationship with their father had its origins in Mr. Arvesso’s love for another woman. Their dad’s involvement with this woman had caused him to lose precious time with his older son. Now, they were discovering that the woman in question was Lily’s mother.

“That’s why I have mixed feelings about Lily…” Danica tearfully commented.

Orion stood silent while tears streamed down their father’s face. Danica knew that her brother was containing his anger.

“Orion, earlier, Danica asked me what I would leave for you. As the only male among my children, I have a request from you. I want you to lead our real estate business. You will inherit everything I have, with the exception of the Boracay resort, which Danica will manage. Lily will receive the hotels I own in Hong Kong and the ones in Europe.”

“I believe you are a respected and capable older brother, and I have every confidence that you will guide Lily and Danica effectively. You will become the next family head, and I am certain you will do whatever it takes to support them. That’s why I want you to take charge of the entire business.”

“But…” Orion’s face revealed fear and concern.

Their father maintained eye contact with Orion and continued, “I want you to marry the princess of the Villaverdes.”

“What?!” Orion stood up abruptly, his lips parting in disbelief. It seemed as if he had reached a breaking point. He sneered, “You haven’t changed at all; you still want to control my life!”

Mr. Arvesso was silent, while Danica did not know what to do or say. “Isn’t that overboard, Dad?”

At that point, he wanted to side with her older brother.

“Ha! It’s obvious that you are friends with Mr. Walton. You are both crazy!” Orion remarked before leaving the room. Danica, on the other hand, said goodbye to their dad to catch up with Orion. She planned to invite him to Drew’s house to cool his head.

In the car, she didn’t know what to do and was constantly crying. She was happy to know that Lily was their sister.

After a few days, when she went to the address written on the title of the property given by her father, she seemed confused by the place indicated on the map.

The house Mr. Arvesso gave her is a house right in front of Kael’s residence!Nôvel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.

***

Lily’s acceptance of the invitation to testify in court by Carmela’s group remained unnoticed by the public. She still felt nervous about the possible questions the court might ask during the trial. Initially, she underwent an investigation led by Carmela’s team, during which the two lawyers asked her a series of questions about how she became a victim of Kenneth’s group. Trembling, scared, and hurt, she shared her experience with them honestly.

“You may be able to reveal some details at trial to demonstrate how you became a victim,” Faye explained.

“Do not be afraid. We will ensure they end up in jail, so be brave,” the woman, Attorney Gregory, reassured her, holding her hand. “As long as you share your side, you can breathe easily afterward. Don’t overthink it. Don’t dwell on how or what people might think about it, but be proud that, despite how difficult it is, you will share the truth.”

Lily nodded, although she wasn’t entirely at ease, but rather nervous. She would appear in the courtroom as a witness to prove that Kenneth and his friends lacked remorse and had victimized not only a single woman. She felt like she would lay bare all her dark past in the courtroom because she was determined to reveal all her hidden history.

“Are you alright, babe?” Drew asked Lily on the day she went to court.

Anxiousness showed on her face as she responded, “You know I’m not. I don’t know what they might ask me. Today, I will see Kenneth and his friends, apart from Victor, who is in jail.”

“Don’t be afraid. Even if they call you a liar, remember that I will always believe in you.” He drew her closer, embracing her, even though they were still seated in the back of the car. She leaned against Drew’s body. She needed his support more than anyone else, and his words meant a lot to her.

“What about your family?” Lily inquired, aware that her actions would likely displease Master Walton.

“Don’t worry about them. This is our battle.”

She knew her actions went against the Waltons’ wishes. To them, it was a disgrace that she had become a victim and that it might tarnish Drew’s reputation.

It’s embarrassing… Is it really embarrassing to be a victim, especially if you’ve been molested? Maybe that’s the reason why the Martins didn’t help her. All she needed was support, and she was thankful that Drew opened his arms to give her strength and love.

Ten minutes before the scheduled time, they got out of Drew’s car. Faye met them inside the court. Danica and Orion were there, which added to her nervousness.

She felt eyes watching her. When she turned around, she found Kenneth’s group on the other aisle. She felt her stepbrother’s gaze directly piercing her as if he could still control her like before. But she was no longer the same Lily, no longer afraid of the things he might do to her.

“Look at me, babe,” Drew ordered.

She turned to her husband and found his reassuring smile. “You have me.”

Lily nodded and then squeezed his hand. Carmela was also present, but she couldn’t bring herself to make eye contact with anyone. Her gaze remained fixed on the floor, but Lily could still observe the woman’s form. Carmela had the body of an extra-large woman, an ordinary and unassuming facial appearance, and held a profound admiration for Kenneth.

Most people didn’t believe in Carmela, but Lily did. She believed that Kenneth was capable of such things, and that’s what she held to be true.

When the appointed time arrived, the exchange of discussions between both sides commenced. She couldn’t make sense of anything else until her name was called. The nervousness in her chest tripled, particularly when she was led to the chair situated near the front, close to the judge.

“Do you solemnly swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?” She barely comprehended the court’s question.

“I will,” she affirmed.

She faced a series of questions, responding with a simple “I will” or “Yes” to each one. The court scrutinized her, just as Faye and the lawyers on Carmela’s team had advised her to prepare for.

Nevertheless, what could she do if she wasn’t entirely prepared for this experience? She was determined to share her dark past, unveiling all her secrets and the underlying dark truth.

‘Lily, this is your chance to fight!’