Rebirth After Being Betrayed by My Husband (Lily and Ryan) novel Chapter 23

Chapter 23 

“Ahickey!” 

finished 

Rose froze, her hands instinctively flying to the spot on her neck where the mark was visible. Panie flickered across her face as she realized she hadn’t concealed it properly. She had been too careless, assuming everyone knew Ryan was her boyfriend. Lily’s unexpected presence and all the chaos had thrown her off, making her forget such a crucial detail. 

Ryan standing beside her, felt his stomach twist. A flash of irritation passed through him as he mentally cursed Rose Before they had come down, he’d reminded her multiple times to hide the mark, warning her not to leave room for suspicion. Yet, here they were. If Lily grew suspicious, it could jeopardize everything he’d worked so hard to maintain. 

Rose quickly composed herself, though a hint of embarrassment lingered. She offered a nervous laugh before speaking. “Elder Sister, this isn’t what you think. It’s just… a mosquito bite” 

“A mosquito bite?” Lily asked, tilting her head as if genuinely confused. 

“Yes, Elder Sister,” Rose confirmed, nodding firmly. 

Ryan smirked slightly, watching the interaction. This was what he appreciated about Rose–her quick thinking and ability to spin a situation to her advantage. She could be quite crafty when the moment called for it. 

However, Lily shook her head and let out a small chuckle. “Rose, that’s not a mosquito bite. It’s unmistakably a hickey.” 

Rose’s composure wavered as her face flushed. “Elder Sister, you’re mistaken!” she insisted, her voice a bit sharper than intended. 

Lily raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. “Oh, I know what a hickey looks like, Rose. There’s no mistaking it.” 

That statement hit Rose like a slap. Her grip on Ryan ‘s arm tightened, a surge of anger and jealousy coursing through her. How does she know what a hickey looks like? The thought sent her mind spiraling. Could she and Brother Ryan.? No, that’s impossible. He couldn’t possibly like her, right? 

Ryan wasn’t faring much better. His eyes widened as doubts began creeping into his mind. Does Lily have another man in her life? Is she cheating on me? 

Seeing their reactions, Lily calm exterior. 

almost laughed aloud. Their discomfort was satisfying, but she maintained her 

“How do you know?” Rose finally asked, her tone laced with irritation. 

“Oh, I’ve seen it in movies,” Lily replied casually, a playful glint in her eye. 

Both Rose and Ryan visibly relaxed at her explanation, speaking in unison, “Oh, you’ve seen it in movies!” 

Rose let out a relieved sigh and nodded, choosing to confess, “Fine, Elder Sister. You’re right. It’s a hickey. I’m sorry for lying to you.” 

Lily waved a hand dismissively, her smile warm but unreadable. “It’s fine, Rose. But tell me, who’s the lucky person that managed to win your heart?” 

A faint black im Do 

a Lowaved harassa 

Wed, 5 Mar 

Chapter 23 

man. He loves me deeply and would do anything for me.” 

Finished 

Lily laughed lightly. “That’s good to hear. It’s important to be with someone who treats you well. So, who’s this amazing man? 

Rose giggled, her coyness returning. “It’s a surprise, Elder Sister! I’m not telling you just yet.” In her mind. she thought smugly. If I told you, Lily, you’d be too shocked to handle it. 

Lily smiled indulgently. “As you wish. But do be careful, Rose.” 

Rose’s brows furrowed in confusion. “Careful? What do you mean, Elder Sister?” 

Lily’s expression turned serious, though her tone remained light. “Rose, you have to understand–many young men today aren’t as loyal as they seem. Some are skilled at weaving a web of lies, trapping innocent, naive girls while keeping mistresses on the side. They hide their true selves so well that you wouldn’t even know when you’re being betrayed. Not every man is like Ryan–so faithful and loyal. Isn’t that right, Ryan ?” 

“Huh? Oh yes, of course… You should definitely be careful, Rose,” Ryan stammered, trying to mask his discomfort. Lily’s words had struck a nerve, leaving him with an uneasy feeling he couldn’t shake off. 

Rose laughed lightly, her voice tinged with nervousness. “Don’t worry, Elder Sister. He’s not that type of person.” 

Lily gave her a small nod. That’s good to hear. But it’s always better to stay cautious. You know, I once came across a story about two stepsisters who fell in love with the same man. The guy was infatuated with the younger sister, but the older one–who was quite cunning–seduced him. She managed to carry on an affair with him right under her sister’s nose. And as if that wasn’t enough, the man turned out to be a complete scoundrel, wanting to have both sisters for himself. Can you imagine, Rose? Situations like that can be so messy. You really have to be careful” 

Rose froze, her laughter dying in her throat. 

Ryan’s face turned ashen, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. “…” 

Both stared at Lily, their expressions betraying their inner turmoil. The story sounded eerily familiar. Too. familiar. It was as if she was talking about them. 

“Lily, where did you come across that story? Ryan finally asked, his voice strained. 

“Oh, it was from a novel, Lily replied nonchalantly, a faint smile playing on her lips. 

Ryan forced a laugh. “Lily, you shouldn’t compare fiction to reality. Stories like that are just made–up 

nonsense.” 

Lily tilted her head slightly, her eyes glinting with amusement. “Is that so, Ryan ? Don’t you: know that many stories are inspired by real–life events? I’ve even heard of countless tales about sisters betraying each other for the same man. Some men are so vile they toy with both siblings without a shred of remorse. Don’t you agree, Rose?” 

“Hehe… Of course. Elder Sister. But I would never do something like that!” Rose forced an awkward laugh, her voice quivering slightly. “You’re my real sister, after all.” 

“Of course, I know that, Lily said with a sweet smile. “I wasn’t talking about you. You shouldn’t take it so seriously. I just wanted to remind you to stay vigilant so no one takes advantage of you,” 

08:21 Wed, 5 Mar 

Chapter 23 

“Yes, Elder Sister. I understand, Rose replied, nodding quickly. 

Finished 

Lily’s gaze shifted across the room, landing on their father. “It looks like Dad wants to talk to you both,” she said, gesturing towards Mr Morgan. 

Grateful for the excuse to leave, Rose smiled stilly. “We’ll go see him then. Enjoy the party, Elder Sister!” Grabbing Ryan ‘s arm, she hurriedly dragged him away. 

As they disappeared into the crowd, Lily let out a quiet sigh of relief. Finally, those two scums are gone. 

Looking around the room, she saw groups of people engaged in their own conversations, some laughing, others gossiping. Despite the lively atmosphere, an overwhelming sense of loneliness washed over her. 

Picking up a glass of wine, Lily made her way to the balcony. The cool night air greeted her as she stepped outside. The sky was a deep shade of indigo, with the moon casting its silvery glow over the city. The gentle breeze brushed against her skin, carrying with it a sense of calm and introspection. 

She stared at the vast expanse above, her thoughts drifting to questions that had haunted her for years. Who are my real parents? Where are they now? Will I ever get to meet them? If I do, will they accept me? Are they even thinking about me? 

Her grip on the glass tightened as emotions welled up within her. She tried to push the thoughts aside, but they lingered like shadows in the corners of her mind. 

With her low tolerance for alcohol, even the single glass of wine was beginning to affect her. A light shiver ran through her as the cold wind picked up. She decided it was time to head back inside, turning to leave- when she felt a sudden warmth envelop her shoulders. 

Startled, she looked down to find a man’s coat draped over her. The deep, velvety voice that followed sent a shiver down her spine. 

“I never imagined that the mastermind behind Miller Corporation could also be this breathtakingly beautiful, the man said, his tone low and hypnotic, his presence looming just behind her. 

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