Her Heart Her Terms (Lily and Xavier)

Maryanne knew better than to openly show her disdain toward Xavier in front of the Fultons.

Smiling, she helped Edith sit on the chair beside the hospital bed. "Mrs. Fulton Senior, I'm more considerate. I'm a woman, after all."

She was only a few words away from chastising Xavier for his lack of conscience. How could someone like him possibly take care of anyone?

Edith flashed her a smile before turning toward Lily. Every time Edith saw her, she looked different-she was thinner, more haggard, and more battered.

She had lost so much weight that even her round face had become gaunt.

"Does your hand still hurt? Tell them to use the best medicine on you. If it's unbearable, get some imported painkillers. You must take good care of yourself," Edith said, her voice tinged with distress.

Shane placed a thermos he'd brought on the table. Opening the lid, he poured out a bowl of rich, milky broth.

"I told the kitchen to make this according to my recipe. Drink more—it'll help you recover."

The broth had cooled to the perfect temperature. As he handed it to Lily, she took

it with her left hand. She felt her heart ache as a wave of emotions overwhelmed her.

"Thank you, Edith and Shane."

Shane was an excellent cook. Whenever she visited Fulton Manor, he would personally prepare the meals.

She would always pay special attention to what Xavier liked and then ask Shane for his recipe. However, she only asked about Xavier's favorite dishes.

One time, Shane had said, "I'll teach you how to make beef stew."

"Shane, Xavier didn't eat much of the beef stew tonight. I think he prefers your mushroom soup," Lily had remarked.

"He doesn't like it, but you do." Shane was always observant, and he cared for her like a father. "Don't always cater to his tastes," he'd said. "What you like matters too."

Lily absolutely loved Shane's beef stew, but no matter how hard she tried, she could never replicate it.

In fact, she never truly cared about her own preferences-all her efforts went into accommodating Xavier's.

"Don't mention it. We're family, after all," Shane replied, pulling out a chair for Tamara to sit down while he stood behind her and Edith.

Though he gazed at Lily warmly, the complicated look in his eyes was unmistakable.

This sight made even Maryanne,

who was usually carefree, flustered. She could tell that Lily was torn between a husband who she loved but who had hurt her so deeply and her in laws, who treated her

better than her own parents ever had.

It was a dilemma.

"If only a woman could 'marry' her in-laws instead," she thought. "Who wouldn't want to marry into a family like the Fultons?"

The only one in the room without mixed feelings was Tamara. She did feel sorry for Lily's miserable state, but she was much more rational.

"Are you and Xavier divorced now?"

Silence enveloped the room.

The warmth that had filled the room earlier vanished without a trace.

Clearing his throat, Shane nudged her shoulder. "Tamara, didn't we agree that we'll only visit Lily today?"

Meanwhile, Edith shot a glare at Tamara.

Lily's face immediately paled. She froze, the spoonful of stew she had taken earlier lingering in her mouth.

"Xavier hasn't been exactly clear with me, and you don't let me ask her either. As their elders, don't we deserve the right to know the truth?" Tamara snapped, her patience already running thin. noveldrama

"Of course we do," Shane replied in a hushed yet gentle tone. "But not now. Or

we can go ask Xavier instead."

"She's literally right here. Why can't we ask her?" Tamara insisted. She could no longer wait for Xavier's explanation.

Seeing that Shane was still trying to patiently explain to Tamara, Edith could no longer bear it.

"Lily's sick and uncomfortable! Not

everyone is like my son, tending to your needs every single time. Lily

doesn't want to answer your questions right now!"

Lily was rendered speechless.