3: The Burden of Lineage

In the opulent drawing room of the Everett estate, a heavy silence lingered, broken only by Daniel Everett's anxious voice. "Mother, it's been an eternity since Michael has shown any sign of life. Is it even conceivable for him to father a child now?" His tone was laced with a mix of concern and a thinly veiled thirst for the family's fortune. Amelia gave a knowing, almost sardonic chuckle, her eyes glinting with the wisdom of years. "Worry not about such trivialities. The Everett legacy must endure, and it will, through Michael's offspring, be it son or daughter." Her declaration echoed like a thunderclap, silencing the covetous murmurs that had been simmering among the family members. Even Daniel, with his barely contained ambition, dared not counter his mother's word as he was shocked into utter silence. All eyes turned to Lily, who was seated like a deer caught in the headlights, feeling the weight of their gazes like physical chains. She felt trapped, a pawn in a game of power she never wished to play. Camilla Wells, Amelia's daughter-in-law, spoke up with a voice dripping with false empathy. "But Amelia, Lily is barely out of her academic robes. Isn't this demand too premature, too harsh for her young shoulders?" Amelia's gaze sharpened, cutting through the room like a blade. "Lily, my dear, the question falls to you. In the unfortunate event of Michael's departure from this world, his wealth and titles would be yours. Are you prepared to carry this responsibility? To bear his child?" Lily, sensing the weight of her new role within the Everett family was not going to be an easy one to bear, felt a storm of emotions brewing within her. With a solemn nod, she affirmed, "For the family's sake, I will shoulder this responsibility." Amelia's lips curled into a smile of approval. "I always knew you had the foresight and wisdom to see the bigger picture. Your child will lead the Everett name into the future." As the gathering dispersed later in the day, Lily stepped outside, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts. Martha, the loyal housekeeper was about, instructing other maids to clear the tables and do other essential house chores. Daniel approached Lily, a look of desperation etched on his face. "Can I have a word with you, in private, please Lily?" Lily handed a velvet box to Martha with a stoic expression. "Please, Martha, wait here for a moment." Martha nodded, her eyes flickering with concern as she glanced at Daniel. Lily and Daniel retreated to a secluded alcove. "Why would you agree to this, Lily? To bear his child? Does your heart no longer beat for me?" Daniel's voice was strained, a mixture of disbelief and pain. Lily's eyes turned icy as she retorted, "And why shouldn't I agree, Daniel? This child will cement my position in the Everett legacy. It's a decision any rational person would make." Daniel, visibly shaken, struggled for words as his face turned ashen. "Why not bear my child instead? It would still be a Everett. Our grandmother will understand in time," he pleaded, his voice breaking. Lily's patience thinned. "Daniel, let's be clear: we...are over. Your delusions of grandeur won't change that. The Everett name isn't a plaything for your selfish and greedy ambitions." Daniel's façade of confidence crumbled, revealing his true fear....fear that was almost palpable. "You see the truth then," Lily said, a note of triumph in her voice as she saw Daniel's face go pale. "I'll save you from all this, Lily. When Michael is gone, we can be together," Daniel insisted, his earnestness failing to mask his true intentions, his voice sounding lame even to his own ears. Lily smirked, a flicker of defiance in her eyes. "I rather look forward to the day Michael returns to us." Leaving a dumbstruck Daniel behind, Lily walked back to Martha. "The doctor is ready and waiting for the health examination," Martha informed her softly, gesturing to one of the many rooms in the Everett mansion. Lily walked into the room and was greeted respectfully by Doctor Steven. She cooperated with the examination, her thoughts a tangled web of apprehension and determination. "How soon will we know if I'm carrying Michael's child?" she asked, her voice betraying a hint of vulnerability. The primary aim of the medical examination was to confirm whether or not she was physically and emotionally fit to carry a pregnancy to term. If Michael did not come out of the coma, the only option was to carry out in vitro fertilization repeatedly until Lily takes in. Doctor Steven smiled at Lily.