Chapter 2 The Weight Of Secrets

"I told you she isn't as innocent as she seems, didn't I?" Mira said, her laughter echoing in the room. Ava joined in their mockery cutting through the air like a knife.

James stood still, his eyes fixed on Lilly, who was trembling and crying in the corner. His frown deepened, a mixture of disappointment and curiosity.

"Who is he?" he asked suddenly, his voice calm but laced with a dangerous edge.

Lilly froze, surprised. She had expected him to yell, to throw her out of the house, just as he always warned. "Don't you dare get pregnant and come in here," he'd often say. But this? This was unexpected.

"I-I don't know," she stammered, barely able to meet his eyes.

Ava laughed harder. "Seriously? You don't know him? How interesting," she sneered, her tone dripping with malice.

James's expression hardened. "Bring him to me before tomorrow," he said coldly, "or consider yourself out in the street." He didn't wait for her response, turning on his heel and leaving the room.

As soon as he was gone, Mora stepped forward and slapped Lilly hard across the face. "Look at you, bringing disgrace to your father. You're nothing but a prostitute," she spat.

Lilly's hand flew to her cheek, the sting of the slap amplified by the harshness of Mora's words. Tears streamed down her face as she pleaded, "I'm sorry, Mom."

"Don't you dare call me 'Mom' with your filthy mouth," Mora snapped. "I pray you don't find that man and end up where you belong-on the street." With that, she stormed out, Mira and Ava following close behind, their laughter echoing in the hallway. Lilly sank to the floor, sobbing uncontrollably.

---

The next day at Royal High Majesty, Lilly sat in class, her face pale and her thoughts far away. The lecture was a blur, her mind consumed by the events of the previous night.

"Have you called him?" Montana's voice broke through her haze.

Lilly blinked, startled. "What?"

"She's in deep thought again," Savannah said, snapping her fingers in front of Lilly's face. Lilly flinched, looking at her friends with wide eyes.

"Oh, guys," she muttered, scratching at her neck nervously.

"Again, have you called him?" Montana repeated, her patience waning.

Lilly sighed heavily. "I can't. I'm scared."

Montana handed her a handkerchief. "Here," she said gently.

"Thanks," Lilly whispered, dabbing at her nose.

"You can't hide it forever, you know," Savannah said, her tone serious. "Or don't tell me you're thinking of getting rid of the baby. I'd be really disappointed, Lilly." Her frown deepened, her disapproval evident.

Lilly didn't answer, her silence speaking volumes.

"You guys aren't saying anything?" Montana asked, looking at Reen and Cameron, who had been uncharacteristically quiet.

"Speechless, I guess," Reen said with a shrug.

Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of Lecturer Shawn, whose presence instantly commanded the room. The students erupted into whispers and giggles, their admiration for the young and handsome lecturer evident.

"Take your seats, everyone," Shawn said, his voice firm but kind. The class quieted immediately.

His eyes scanned the room, landing on Lilly's pale face. His brow furrowed slightly in concern, but he pushed the thought aside, deciding to address it later.

Just then, a commotion erupted outside the lecture hall.

"What's happening?" someone asked.

Savannah, Lilly, Cameron, Montana, and Reen exchanged curious glances before rushing out with the rest of the class.

The source of the chaos became clear as soon as they stepped outside. A tall, striking man stood in the middle of the crowd, his presence commanding attention. Shane.

Lilly's heart sank as his gaze locked onto hers. He was looking directly at her, a small smirk playing on his lips.

"Isn't he so handsome?" a girl whispered.

"More handsome than Samuel," another argued.

"Wait... doesn't he look a little like Lecturer Shawn?"

The guards surrounding Shane began clearing a path through the students, making their way toward Lilly. Shawn emerged from the lecture hall, his expression darkening when he saw Shane.

Ava watched the scene unfold with amusement, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction.

Shane stopped in front of Lilly, his smirk widening. "Come with me," he said, his voice low and commanding.

Lilly narrowed her eyes, crossing her arms defensively. "Do I know you?" she asked coldly.

Reen moved to stand by her side, but a guard pushed him back.

"Tell your guards to leave my friend alone!" Lilly snapped, her voice trembling with anger.

Shane leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. "You might not know me," he said, "but you're carrying my child."

Lilly's eyes widened in shock, her breath catching in her throat.

From the sidelines, Ava clenched her fists, jealousy and frustration burning within her. "Why does she have to have everything good?" she muttered under her breath, her glare fixed on Lilly.