Alpha King Chases Abandoned Luna novel Chapter 178

ahead. The colored photograph of Lily embedded in the stone seemed to watch me, her

innocent smile a reproach to my failures.

“Ethan!”

Victoria’s voice startled me. I hadn’t heard her approach. She rushed to my side, her face a

mask of concern.

“King, let me help you,” she said, reaching for my arm.

3/5

< Chapter 103: Lily’s Death

I turned to her, my expression hardening. “Why are you here?”

+15 Points >

My tone was low with displeasure. This moment was meant to be private–a father’s belated

tribute to his daughter.

Victoria’s eyes widened with practiced innocence. “Ethan, don’t be angry, I’m just worried about

you. You’re not fully recovered yet, and you insisted on coming to see Lily.”

She stepped closer, her hand still on my arm. “I know I can’t persuade you, but I’m really afraid

that something might happen to you if you come to the Cemetery alone…”

Her voice broke, tears filling her eyes. “And…I’m really guilty! Knowing that Lily died on the day

Emma fell ill, I really…”

Seeing her tears, I felt a pang of sympathy. Victoria had always been emotional, her heart easily moved by others‘ suffering. She felt as guilty as I did, though her guilt was misplaced.

“You were also worried about Emma,” I said, patting her hand reassuringly. “You couldn’t have

known about Lily.”

Victoria leaned into my embrace, sobbing with convincing despair. Her body trembled against

mine, her tears soaking through my shirt.

“But I really feel guilty… That was Lily… Your daughter…I really wanted to treat her as my own.”

(Victoria’s POV)

I sobbed against Ethan’s chest, my tears flowing freely. Years of practice had made me an

expert at crying on command.

I had worried when Ethan first mentioned Lily’s death. Had Olivia told him everything? Did he know about the kidney transplant that should have gone to Lily but went to Emma instead? Did he suspect my role in redirecting that donor?

+15 Points >

The words tasted like ash in my mouth. I had never wanted to treat Lily as my own. I had

wanted her gone, out of the way, no longer competing with Emma for Ethan’s attention or

resources.

I glanced at the Crystal–Embroidered Ice Princess Gown Ethan had brought. I remembered how

Lily had begged for that exact dress–the same one I had bought for Emma. I had delighted in

her disappointment, in the tears she had tried to hide from her father.

Now Ethan was bringing it to her grave, too late for her to ever wear it. The irony was delicious.

I pressed closer to Ethan, making my body tremble with false grief. He held me tighter, his

strong arms offering comfort I didn’t deserve or need.

Over his shoulder, I stared at Lily’s tombstone. The colored photograph showed a smiling child

with Olivia’s emerald eyes. Those eyes had always unnerved me–too observant, too knowing.

Even at four years old, Lily had seemed to see through my facade.

Good riddance, I thought, even as I continued to sob dramatically.

“But I really feel guilty… That was Lily…Your daughter…I really wanted to treat her as my own.”