Her Heart Her Terms (Lily and Xavier) novel Chapter 161

Chapter 161 

The room was dimly lit, with the curtains tightly drawn. A long and slender figure lay on the bed, and the sound of Xavier’s steady breathing could be Taintly heard. 

Lily stood at the foot of the bed, barely able to make out his outline under the sheets. His eyes were half–closed, and his lips were pressed together. Even in his sleep, Xavier exuded an aura of authority. 

Whenever he worked from home, although only occasionally, Xavier would take an afternoon nap. Lily would get excited and lay next to him, unable to sleep. She would watch him have his siesta. 

In the two years since their marriage, Xavier only came home at night, had dinner, then went to bed. 

They spent less than ten hours a day together, and six or seven of those hours were spent asleep. She never had the chance to really look at him or get long peacefully for the rest of the time. 

There were even nights when, even though she was exhausted, she couldn’t bring herself to sleep as she wanted to see him a little longer. 

Lily had always been the subservient one from the very start of this relationship and marriage.. 

She couldn’t say she felt wronged, as she was the one who didn’t realize Xavier didn’t love her. Lily could only blame herself for not being clear–headed enough. 

She had thrown herself headfirst into the relationship and became trapped in the chaos and torment he had caused. 

Her emotions fluctuated from chaotic confusion to a slow retum to a sense of fcalm 

Lily told herself to hang on a little longer. She could leave once Hayden had gotten better. It was going to be difficult no matter what, so there was no need to upset Xavier. 

After all, if Xavier was unhappy, she would be the one to suffer. 

She turned around and headed downstairs to prepare dinner. As she hadn’t eaten lunch, she made a sumptuous dinner. There were a few dishes and some soup, all cooled according to Xavier’s tastes. 

Her phone rang jast as she placed the last plate on the table. It was a call from an unknown caller, and she swiped the screen to answer it 

“Lily, you need to go to the hospital tomorrow and pay Hayden’s medical bills.” 

It was Hazel. Lily had blocked her number, but Hazel called from another one. 

Lily pinched the bridge of her nose at the mention of the medical bills and lamented internally that she shouldn’t have argued with Xavier earlier. Why aren’t you saying anything?” Hazel asked when Lily remained silent, her tone turning unpleasant. “Even if you have strong opinions of us, you can’t just leave Hayden be! Your father’s business is a mess right now. 

“It doesn’t matter if you won’t help, but now you won’t even take care of Hayden? Then, we have raised you for nothing!” 

Bobby was furious as his business was still going downhill, and there was no end to Hayden’s medical bill. He believed it was all because Navier hadn’t stepped in 

Bobby blamed Lily for Xavier’s inaction. In his eyes, she hadn’t done enough of her duties as Xavier’s wife. He could only pressure Hazel, and Hazel in turn would call Lily and guilt–trip her repeatedly. 

Lily had heard the same thing so many times that it was starting to wear on her. 

“Since I was a child, you raised me with the same basic care as an average family would. I worked during college to make ends meet, and I married Xavier after graduation,” Lily said. 

“The benefits he brought to the Joyner family are enough for you to support me for a few lifetimes. Did you really raise me for nothing? 

“You only measure our relationship in terms of money. Do you really not care for me as a family?” 

Hazel was stunned, and she glanced at Bobby, whose expression had turned sour. 

Bobby angrily snatched the phone from Hazel and questioned Lily, “If you really cared about family, would Hayden be in this situation? Would our family be in this sorry state? How dare you bring up your time during college?