Chapter 9

Lily sat across from Hazel, who usually spoke to her with a reprimanding tone and a sharp look. She asked, "What if this has something to do with Xavier?" "Don't be childish." Hazel stood up, speaking authoritatively. "I've told you countless times, men have it hard out there. You need to be understanding and considerate. Stop throwing temper tantrums every time." For two years, Lily had silently endured Xavier's indifference and coldness. She'd complained before, but each time, Hazel would shut her down with words like these. What had kept her going for these two years was her first love for Xavier—an emotion that had only deepened with time. Lily found herself wondering—if Xavier hadn't cheated on her, would she have fallen into the same mindset as Hazel, becoming a submissive wife in an unequal marriage? Hazel, nearing 50 but looking like she was in her 30s, was the epitome of elegance. Many high-society women envied her youthful appearance and perfect figure. But that was how things looked from the outside. Back in the Joyner residence, Lily saw a different side to Hazel—one where she was the most powerless, having to tiptoe around the rules in her own house. Lily never envied Hazel's public glamor, knowing that Hazel struggled to stand tall behind closed doors. "Go back home and apologize to Xavier. Don't let him stay angry," Hazel said, sitting back down. She looked at Lily with a mixture of frustration and concern. After all, Lily was her daughter. She softened her tone, "A woman's life depends on her man. Haven't you been living well because of Xavier?" Her words reminded Lily of Xavier's disdainful eyes. "I'm giving you 500 thousand dollars a month as your pocket money, and all you have to do is water the plants and sleep with me. Are you not happy with that?" Every time she remembered this, it felt like a sharp pang in her heart. She didn't mind being Xavier's housewife and tolerating his superior attitude, but she would never stay with him if she knew he didn't love her. Lily bit her lip, clenching the hem of her shirt, her eyes hardening with resolve. "Mom, do you really think so little of women?" Hayden's voice rang down from the stairs. He rolled up his sleeves and casually strolled down. "Doesn't everyone talk about equality between men and women now?" Hazel's tone softened when speaking to him, with a hint of affection. "Hayden, this doesn't concern you." Lily's brother, Hayden Joyner, was two years younger than her. He was the apple of the family's eye. Lily had heard Hazel say many times that the whole family was disappointed when she was born a girl. Hazel was so upset that she didn't even breastfeed her, and only one month after delivering Lily, she immediately began preparing for another pregnancy. Thankfully, after a year and a half, she gave birth to Hayden, and that was when she finally secured her place as Mrs. Joyner. Lily felt the sting in her heart, but she could see no trace of regret in Hazel's words or expressions. Instead, there was pride—pride that Hayden was a son who could carry on the family name. Lily and Hazel's values didn't align, and even if Lily revealed Xavier's infidelity right now, Hazel wouldn't be on her side. "What did Dad want me for?" Lily stood up, tired of the conversation. She feared if Hazel spoke any longer, she'd be forced to tell them all that she was going to divorce Xavier. "He brought some local specialties from his trip. You're heading back to the Fulton Manor today, right? Take them with you for your in-laws." Hazel saw through her attempt to leave and sat her down to lecture her again. "You've been married for two years, and there's no sign of a baby yet. Your father thinks it's time for me to take you to see a doctor." A few days ago, Lily's father, Bobby Joyner, saw the news that Xavier was throwing a big birthday bash for Sarah. He had grown concerned that Lily's position in the marriage might be unstable. Mentioning pregnancy, however, made Lily feel like a part of her soul was being torn open, a raw wound. Xavier had given her birth control pills and watched her take them every time after they had sex, saying he was too busy to have a child right now and wanted to wait a few more years. Looking back now, though it was painful, Lily felt relieved—at least there would be no children tying her to him if she ever decided to leave. "We'll talk about it later," Lily said, standing and urging Hazel to hurry with the gift. Hazel continued her endless chatter as she gathered the items. "Don't take this too lightly, Lily. Xavier is so outstanding. He's always surrounded by women trying to get close to him. If you had a child, you'd secure your position and make him publicly acknowledge your marriage. It would stop other women from trying to get in the way!" Lily remained silent, but Hazel, seeing no response, pulled the gifts back. "I'll find a reliable doctor and have you checked out. You can't say no!" "We'll arrange when I have time," Lily said, hoping to escape. Hazel refused to hand her the items if she didn't agree to attend the doctor's appointment. Reluctantly, Lily agreed, "Okay, once you've made the appointment, let's talk. I'll leave now." Hayden, ever the opportunist, grabbed his jacket and followed her out. "Didn't you drive here today, Lily?" Hayden asked as he climbed into his black sports car. Usually, when she came back to the Joyner residence, Lily parked her car next to Hayden's. But today, not only was the usual spot where she parked empty, but the driveway was completely clear. Lily walked to the passenger side and opened the door. "I'm not driving. Just drop me by the bus stop." Hayden revved the engine and glanced at her out of the corner of his eye. As the car rolled out of the driveway and into the traffic flow, he asked, "Lily, did something happen?" "Why would you ask that?" Lily responded, trying to sound nonchalant. "What could possibly happen?" Hayden, though carefree, had a sharp instinct. "Normally, when Mom nags, you'll argue a little but end up agreeing with her. Today, you're avoiding everything. The more you try to dodge it, the more I know something's up." Lily had never realized she was so transparent. Regret surged within her as she sat there in the confined space with her brother. A sense of being unable to hide anything settled over her. Seeing through her, Hayden didn't press the issue, but his words still stung. "Remember when you graduated from college and landed a job at a top design firm? I was so happy for you. But then you chose marriage and became a stay-at-home wife. Even though you didn't say it, I could tell you weren't happy." Hayden scratched his head, trying to be subtle. "I don't know what's going on, and I'm not trying to make you talk about it. I just want you to know—there's more to life than just your marriage." Lily understood what he was trying to say. All her energy had been focused on Xavier, and her sour mood had everything to do with him. Hayden was encouraging her not to make Xavier the center of her world. "Wow! Look at you with all this wisdom, Hayden," Lily said, trying to deflect. "Have you figured out your own future yet?" Hayden leaned back in the seat. "Dad wanted me to join the family business, but I'm not into it. I've been working with some friends on developing a game. Don't think I'm not serious about this. "The gaming industry's booming, and I'll have your back once we hit it big. We won't have to deal with Xavier's nonsense. Why should you give up your dreams just because of him?" Hayden spoke passionately, his eyes shining with the same energy Lily had once had when she received her job offer. The gender bias in the Joyner family had always been evident. Lily had always been treated as the inferior child. Nonetheless, she shared a strong bond with Hayden. Bobby had only ever brought Hayden his favorite snacks growing up, leaving Lily out. Hayden didn't understand what that meant back then, but as he grew up, he started secretly asking Lily what she liked to eat, then asked Bobby to get it for him. That was why Lily told Hayden many things, including her dream to become a renowned designer. As they drove, Lily felt the weight of Hayden's words lift her spirits. She smiled softly for the first time in a while. After reaching the area near Maryanne's apartment, Lily got out of the car and watched Hayden drive off before heading toward Maryanne's place. Just as she was walking up, her phone rang. It was the Fulton Manor calling. "Mrs. Fulton, something's wrong. The Fulton Manor is on fire... Mrs. Fulton Senior, she—" A panicked voice came through the line. Lily tightened her grip on the gift box. "What happened? Didn't Grandma go up the mountain?" "Please don't ask, just… Oh, please contact Mr. Fulton and have him come back quickly!" Mrs. Fulton Senior was Xavier's grandmother, Edith Miller. Lily hung up quickly, hailed an Uber, and then dialed Xavier's number while waiting for her Uber to arrive.