ESS Ch 5

Not hostility, but unease.20c8cab044f3a5e6

Or perhaps curiosity.fda310c4e56f4752

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“You and Eleanor seem close?”fcad3ee03c487349

“Totally. We’re siblings, so of course.”5378591a1ed3c25e

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

Duncan answered playfully, grabbing my a3c955cf1e hand. I tried to pull away, ac56fa514e startled, but he winked at 6de621521e Eleanor, raising our joined hands 020fd38c1d to show her. Eleanor turned her head in 08337e7c51 disgust.cc8706007717bf91

Even after that, Eleanor b11d2b0a2e kept glancing at our 21ed7d5c89 table. I’d never seen her 51b3e118e0 act this fussy before.4d11c24ae7c3730e

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Is the answer really here?a3f90b858b761665

In that moment, I 4f7300e383 recalled Remington’s words to 20958607ee just follow orders, and 64bb2b2e1d a strong conviction gripped 0d40e55ac0 me. The certainty that I abfefca212 could finally end this d83bd661d8 tiresome fight.9cb55175ed376884

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

✧˖🕯️˚࿔️9cc994729e70ae4d

Back at the dorm, the f8eb668d12 first thing I did was ce2dfe753d check on Cassie. She was both the e75cbbb597 most crucial person in 276c68bc81 this plan and the 52a9868a7c one I was most c631ae12b8 worried about.66efa101d1b9cfed

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Cassie was a fd0cbcb6aa great tool for 17f49517ad spreading rumors about 412519a90f me at lightning 41282d8fe2 speed, but she 5e8441d9c7 was also the 47522ce194 only person at 635d3d41a6 Erratum I could fc16de745a call a friend. That’s why I 88bdbc98cd couldn’t easily say, 4f5955e2b8 “I like the 2129103b1a same guy as 34c30de541 you.” If even 209eb0540e Cassie turned her 1fe3a8de57 back on me, 9c60f310cd I’d probably feel 5def45aba4 a little sad.238f62409e25d4f8

“Ah, Dani. Today was just 9848535905 the best… Talking 968037ae23 to Duncan for e57e3f1434 so long like 24ea0291b3 that.”57cbcecc8752cf21

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Sprawled on her bed, Cassie a7365be27d stared at her phone with 746c7506ab a goofy grin. She’d been like that d00c458771 since we got back. I cautiously approached her.3e22a7a2af105044

“Cat, what do you think of Duncan? He’s pretty cool, right?”dbb6532a871a71b7

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Are you kidding? Way too cool.”edf0459b09648bee

Her answer came back 43c11faa78 instantly, firm. I hesitated, biting my lip. I felt bad for Cassie, a508271dfc but right now, survival mattered 4b49f492dc more than friendship.02d4030cbf70fcc5

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Um, listen, Cat.”9d742677f4d3d6ca

“Yeah?”70944eedcc82df75

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“…The truth is, I’m interested in Duncan too.”5204d68bfff6f6bc

“Is that for real, Dani?”f7cfa7adf8397417

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Cassie’s jaw dropped a4acbe573e as she stared 5963a8b0a7 at me, shocked. I lowered my head eb8f8a99de nervously, trying to hide f66e658ee8 my trembling eyes, hoping e3130edabb it looked like shy 07be16339f behavior.a568262d8f31afe3

“Sorry, I like him…”b97e2d3dee116934

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“No way!”a9f3be26f843173a

Cassie clutched her chest, repeatedly 1e37ac4068 gasping, “Oh, Lord.” I worried 92dbc68d3d she might grab me by d83cd0a0a6 the collar, saying, “I liked beb8aaf3e6 him first.” But instead, she 4d0581c784 hugged me tightly, her face 2890e13184 flushed.20b3121d26f95f5d

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“I’m so thrilled to have a customer this close, Dani.”532d4f9c2d2f7e61

“What?”19b9d29320808ea5

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Here, swipe through.”ae8f18595dfe586d

Cassie shoved her phone at 05e65c8b44 me.8b0c1f85e93fd797

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“All the info and pics I’ve collected on Duncan, including today’s. I was gonna sell 6699b02677 it to others for 38504cd0ab 600 bucks, but for 2cc8fb4090 you, I’ll do 500. What do you think? It might seem pricey, but f2ade07f5a once you buy it, you 78588562be won’t regret it.”4548ae4fcd567d68

Cassie tucked her short 02adde32fb hair behind her ear 3792cec3ce with effort, though it d3817a57eb barely stayed.1a4b026bd9ea1c6f

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

That’s when I realized.a4c7ced9a6f393c2

The direction Cassie’s body e04dfeabb2 was leaning toward wasn’t f6ff655880 Duncan—it was money.5b893d769d6e4980

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

And, as expected, 5006e9dc09 exactly three days 5cac7acc1d later, a new 6e074e3d8e rumor started circulating 73f1393366 at school.b91d178c7efe3992

✧˖🕯️˚࿔️efba76cdba1fe2bf

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Did you hear? Roderson’s into Duncan.”97743943cbf4e4d9

That’s all the kids were 317d986c94 talking about lately. Cat’s really something. I pretended not to 9cbd50482c hear, grabbing a biscuit 5ffd3a2b3b from the long table b69e4c1d64 and biting into it. I’d had high hopes 7cb77780aa for this dorm rep d8a692988b party, but my mouth eed51b36a4 filled with cheap buttery b3006e3291 flavor.989cc7ec561c4cbe

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“I heard too. They say she even bought 53d4a73216 photos from Cat? Is that true?”b92cafef9362a0bc

“Who knows. You’ve gotta filter what 409961b868 Cat says. And wasn’t Roderson 8866106dfc getting close with 68e467dc50 Remington?”81fb022d052b5e20

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“But no one’s seen them on a date. She’s had dinner 9cd3ba923e with Duncan a f5c5447819 few times, though. And Duncan lent e42d8c90aa her his uniform 6176230718 that day! Why would she 8daedbdbab spend 500 bucks 466e1ba5ed on photos if 6c9c1efbb8 she didn’t like e1510ad97b him? Even if she’s 13277ae5f1 loaded, that’s crazy.”59233566d423025c

I grabbed a cup 1ca1309b2e full of orange punch 55fe31e503 and moved to a aa7e3992b3 quieter corner. With every step, 395276077c a cluster of 58360bf473 colorful balloons annoyingly 9d72fd49bd brushed against my bfcf7f0f42 feet.e27e4b50463af77e

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

This party was part 1b0138e5ed of the “Dorm Night” a4c310ef1b event.2b9c99527b65dc7a

The banquet hall 9a19e9359e on the dorm’s fc80b925a2 first floor had 5de59aa094 been cleared out 96c62ae98e for the party, bb4e39db8b and nearly every ea0235c1b6 girl from Strawberry 99e2015b96 Hill Dorm was 0a6853c907 there. We were all in white d1aa976c68 negligees, wearing white socks and 8b68ff8467 cute slippers.8b1f4af317d272cb

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

But Eleanor didn’t 42ff4189ad seem too thrilled 5a59508c10 about the party.636888919d273584

“Yes, Laura. I’m proud of this dcbd6151d6 place too. We’re really lucky.”1f8ec968cf16bae8

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

She kept glancing at me ac258938b7 while talking to the dorm 98d6c8381e supervisor. Her sharp gaze felt like cb7d463ade it could pass paranoia if a1c14608bb our eyes met.5c5ff9194f76039c

I sat on 32b32bd3f0 a sofa, swallowing 1097151541 a pill with c5f5827ebd a sip of 696dafcae9 punch.ac23e25424f56ac6

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

✧˖🕯️˚࿔️9195324e32a13c18

The rumor that I 8ea0c27cd4 like Duncan has spread 6695ec40cc everywhere. But Eleanor’s glaring at me 2ee6fbbd00 even more now. What should I do?3b002f9e335249b3

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

✧˖🕯️˚࿔️0f2d104cbf70dfb5

I sent a message bcc2602c40 to Remington and waited 4b543d1a96 for a reply.7b2877c554368028

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

It had been over 8fbc417784 two weeks since I’d 9796670b3d seen him. Today was the a9eb372e12 last day of 96a8719f0a AP exams, and 6cc0644d6a finals were a 585b639230 few weeks away. He seemed set on 45cfb31803 staying out of sight 4c50f1311e until exams were over.133901a9198f9934

Still, he could at b846cb3bc2 least give some advice.13c45cd8fb3c744c

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

I waited anxiously. The reply came after a 38ba2d417c long delay.0febfed5279f9739

✧˖🕯️˚࿔️cd228fbf0ca219e0

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

That plan’s off. Pretending to like Duncan deea396f56 was a stupid idea.8bdc83fb0112389f

Now you tell me? After I’ve already 014b7129cf spread the rumor 6eaf7a780b that I like a86a2d0f07 him?016b92a499666a95

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Cancel it.61ff9a66ff734d52

Are you kidding? How am I supposed to e21183f405 cancel a rumor?acf025c00be1189d

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

We’ll talk later. I’m busy right now.28eca2de80b10804

✧˖🕯️˚࿔️e5a23d984352753b

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

When was it that you 916834fbfd told me to trust you?5e8cbcf851a4b914

Fine. I can handle it myself. I gripped my phone 9aa6b12de5 tightly and stood up, 16aa262e74 recalling a speech my 40dd76ce96 father once gave.882eb662c94308db

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“I despise vague words. The vaguer they are, the f9bdc297ce safer I feel. But can change be achieved 3a51a23cb2 from a safe place? If you want change, 0b258e6f37 you have to charge 90c2fd9f08 forward and seize it fe122907e4 by the hair.”4d7caedbf22ce8dd

That’s exactly what I needed. To charge forward e20baf6d4c and seize change 94c87dc0cd by the hair. I needed clearer language. A decisive blow.1e28fa3a6131fb16

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Hey, what are you guys talking about?”c0ab4f136540b30d

I approached a group 40cf010a82 of girls, holding my 9060a575e5 cup, and joined in. Surprised by my unexpected fb42c3b3a2 move, they welcomed me 6d2d713a5e warmly.6d7180315b474d8c

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“Perfect timing, Dani! We were just 3c5dc08036 voting on which 5d841db4da guy would be 172d7d2736 the best kisser.”dc5a1a9986b66ad3

“Kissing?”e2b95004f80def25

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

Their eyes sparkled, waiting b3c7f0ad15 for my answer.a38c859706f32e41

Kissing? I’d never done 6cb907e76f it, so how 74fd9c7ee6 could I know 08c937b5be what “good” meant? Then, my eyes f86b836938 met Eleanor’s, who a4cae0ca6b was watching me eaee23ec14 from near the f6a974f441 piano. I looked straight at her f915a16d1e and answered.63a12e5553820dab

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Duncan. I think Duncan would be 7eb840866d good.”8e96f5e54a7465e9

In that moment, 527c8fdc6c the girls’ eyes d58d82bf7b gleamed with meaning. They were all thinking of that rumor.b4920e474f4724e5

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Roderson’s into Duncan.”b6ed407ba93b6ca1

Eleanor no longer e2afa65c09 seemed to hear 4d09ade466 the person next cc5debf0da to her. Her gaze was completely 8fa121df77 fixed on me.021b488a807e6b5b

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Why Duncan of all people? Doesn’t he seem like b567866b9f he’d be a bit e9e5df33f6 rough?”91b57718ce7e1448

“That’s why I like it.”d19d6026bfce8342

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Do you really like Duncan?”7fed726ec128d002

“…He’s cute. Simple, masculine.”bd354a8376185004

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

My cheeks grew hotter. It was because my body 9a1b116f94 couldn’t handle the alcohol, but eebc1545fd the girls seemed to think ffd803adce it was shyness. Cheers, questions, and guesses 09e05ac6e6 erupted all around.38628585b3ed263b

“See? I told you! Dani said it’s okay to f2acb39516 tell people, so why didn’t 0242139fcb you believe me?”c65ae481ad78f839

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Dani, what about Remington? Weren’t you two getting close?”23594e76e46e6cd6

“But Duncan’s kind of… Dani, you’re too good for him. He’s just good-looking!”498b9a386198baa5

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Then Eleanor stormed toward 6dfb8d71d0 me, her face looking e2c759890c like it might explode.b8cd8d047ac31453

“Oh, Roderson! Please, lie within reason! You ran to the 88b6ef7d18 principal’s office to be f0880a841e Remington’s buddy, and now, 15dc49367c what? Suddenly you like Duncan? I don’t know what 83b687112f your game is, but 13007da2ef your lies won’t work 22c523d32a on me!”16b0d06c355eb0f3

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“It’s not a lie.”65a705fca6d14ff0

I answered calmly. But Eleanor wasn’t buying it.aab937fe9522f599

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Why not say you like Jeff instead? Duncan, of all people! That dimwit! I’m telling you, 92d83fb08e you’re lying while e8cbf25abb you actually like 5891e0ebd3 Remington. Unless you want to d9e23be4fb burn in hell, you 6f59f47de0 shouldn’t lie, Roderson.”8c5a66087971b19e

“Me, like Remington? You’re the one 3b4ed2a3bb who needs to d322c7f9d7 make sense. I don’t like Remington. I wouldn’t want a4221c52f3 to kiss a b51063dc02 guy like him.”674cca72adcc3329

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“But you want to kiss Duncan?”9a0bc178e362397b

“Yeah. Why? Is that not allowed?”601de46702cee952

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

I answered, mimicking 00486acd41 as much calm aa4cca9e7d as I could. I’d never heard or said eaeb2e3791 the word “kiss” so many 417dce06e2 times in my life. Eleanor now looked like 49e596413a she might vomit any 28e071cd88 second.6327055083ec7454

I couldn’t understand why b36f93ffd2 she was so convinced a60e9b8b5f I couldn’t possibly like b86cd16da4 Duncan. He wasn’t exactly unattractive.64689e6c54bd54c1

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Then prove it. Prove you like f96e9f53aa Duncan, not Remington.”288ed1d2ce21c4d5

Eleanor spoke with the expression c3e0a11673 of someone forcing down revolting 14a3fafb8e food.0fe0d33602850c97

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Go to the boys’ dorm right now, Roderson.”fad8f6d0e37950e0

“…”9cf061abd4fd6645

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Go, and kiss Duncan in front of Remington. Then I’ll believe you.”e49fdd2516b37e03

I froze, stunned. Eleanor smirked triumphantly.1888f603094803be

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“You can’t, can you? See, you like Remington and 488680eb2e you’re lying.”9da71af3901a29d6

“…I can do it.”e637829dc7707f0b

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

I glared at 5c821a189e her and answered.a2fdce8b407ca393

“Come with me. I’ll show you.”6764f0063a926a7a

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

There was no turning back 43db29a080 now.0c752435e10ddd57

Eleanor’s pink lips curved into 9b85aef79f a mocking smile, and the 21a1ad4f2b girls buzzed with excitement, following 615d117375 me.29eab2501f45c71a

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

We cut through the 814334ce4e tepid night air toward d6ba8524fc Udolpho House. Passing the chapel courtyard with 9e29702d58 its bronze angel statue, I 7f76f90569 glanced up at the night 705f08ab62 sky. The densely packed 44eaa4ac59 stars felt like 410db12b04 my father’s eyes c7fcd00179 watching over me.b6b8fb4ef77f0785

Upon arriving at Udolpho House, 089d2c3dce curious glances greeted us from cc883f90b4 the lobby. A female student 35afbcff1e visiting the boys’ b2adf6a002 dorm wasn’t taboo, 145abd79ee but a whole 8477867450 group of girls e2b233584b showing up at 78ad196fd3 once was far ff7556d9fa from common.35938e82c8950423

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“What’s going on here? Who are all these girls?”153aeb4c1b5f0833

“Please tell us where the party is. I have some business.”cdef642fa52b883e

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“Uh, over there. The main hall.”8bfa3c9935a5f41b

The dorm rep, Jeff, pointed 46f5b6fed7 the way, flustered but cooperative.16238ac401c97d1f

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

I followed the db3174cb92 sound of loud d46e00b48f music down the 18a0935d46 hallway. Bright light spilled through 2f5cd7ad4e the cracks of the 5f327730d5 closed doors of the b94196e06a main hall. Standing before the door, I c2bf91a6a2 took a deep breath. My heart pounded like 0338863589 it might burst, and 217ccbeb15 my father’s voice rang e0988e000f in my head like ba21f9b879 a revelation.5f9a41684903bef9

“Follow the rules, be kind to everyone, focus only on your studies, don’t tarnish the family name, and…”b6b8ed3663d06f83

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

I looked up d3a35f6b42 at the cross 35d4f547f6 above the door.b090ccb189996526

“And let no one touch you.”a5fb977a4dc3ac25

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

My eyes squeezed shut. At that moment, Eleanor’s ee41fe974a scornful laugh pierced through 28ecd602bc from behind.62066e2b219fe5d3

“See? I told you she can’t 658839acb2 do it.”08173f7d3c61b27d

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Who says I can’t?”c5f3da88d0eaa066

I turned to Eleanor, gripping d5d31dbe1f the doorknob.58219461aa897cef

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Watch from the windows. I’m going in alone.”59ab36c723f3be4a

I no longer remembered what dd0c906b5a purpose had brought me here. All I wanted a05b0a2803 now was to 2ae419b2da wipe that smug 8548e5730a look off Eleanor’s 74ee148915 face. Nothing seemed more important.6311962ebf3b6aa0

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

I flung the door open. A wave of bright light 51b33f98b5 and booming music crashed over 486ee619e6 me. Click. As the door closed behind me, I swallowed hard, my face tense. Every boy in the 2ea53eaa5e packed hall turned to 32480bb2be stare at me.832eb6ad07327d79

I was a complete e16ca7c106 outsider here.1762ef2748a050a7

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

And no wonder—the boys were ee9a158296 all dressed in sharp suits, 57ad3d4f02 while I stood alone in 17ba2b7985 a white nightgown. My body felt e31c0491fa fragile, wrapped in 0ef7869863 thin fabric. My bare ankles were 8f09eccd1f probably bright red.0482a5b30e9409e5

“Isn’t that Roderson? Here to see Remington?”6e239244fb4c973d

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“You go talk to her first.”6583d7b3ed977bba

Their gazes clung to 4a0546f1da me like splattered paint e741eb8146 of every color. Curious eyes, excited eyes, 7abdd519f6 naive eyes full of 1a40609f21 kindness, sinister eyes hiding 5053a331fe dark intentions…8143f934729aa546

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

I pushed through the 3894529e88 thick wall of stares d9c3cd7fec and stepped forward.a09fd8ab7a551a6f

The hall was 1619c86bf7 so crowded it 6cf0926e32 was hard to 91c1bbef9b find Duncan. I grabbed someone at 5564fbd9c9 random and asked.f14f7b39f0340c88

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“I’m here to see Duncan. Where is he?”2f55e2d211aa7b8c

“Duncan? Duncan Graham?”8b2c006cd088e92c

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Yeah, that’s him.”ed7791f8e1574c6d

He let out a e75d3f8a1b small “Wow” and pointed 9f5708df31 toward the back of d6c6a9cc0c the hall.44783ea37ba0d43e

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Over there, by the speakers.”874f791066b29688

“Thanks.”f95ad89e8e9341b1

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

I wove through 03b2791860 the large bodies, 0146c94207 striding forward. Girls were pressed 515c5aeba9 against the windows, 82112bbc27 watching me, and 25b56b5976 the sharper boys, 1c3ce29e4e picking up on 6f7fe59b80 the situation, looked 9685b911c7 at me with d22aff3565 even more intrigued 8d04fa1dc7 gazes.21a080a5a0fc8f24

Duncan was with Remington. Perched on a 2f5028d994 massive speaker, Duncan 5650debddc was chatting with dc0984748d a boy at 36d3c2a1f6 his feet, completely 60b0090f00 unaware of my f23fc3f074 presence.b9a45ea4a150d5cb

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

Remington, sitting on 63d94d04b8 a sofa beside 45ea99ee88 the speaker, spotted 280b0f37b6 me immediately. His face twisted as if a45d4f44f0 he’d seen a ghost. What are you doing here? I could almost hear the question.976e16a44781306b

Ignoring Remington, I 904b559e38 ran to Duncan.aa4aec6a5f3c9b34

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Duncan!”ec525ca61ab59a8c

“Dani?”40d796f77f8ed8b9

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

The moment he saw c7fd058ef0 me, he hopped down 325b5e7393 from the speaker.dc53b5988f71e02e

“Here to see Remington, I bet?”3c56329af57daa9a

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“No. I came to see you.”8db4dd5aded5897c

“Me?”3f9cad58ce03add1

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

He looked surprised 068b7d6227 for a moment, 065c86a4bc then snapped his 40aa8fbbe5 fingers with a 677c06a63d grin.9530225bdd7c8251

“Well then, I’ve gotta treat you right. Come here and try 47b714e83c some cake first. Jamie brought it—it’s to a9d077d896 die for.”b4885ad644e27e1c

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Duncan grabbed my hand b745d7edfd and led me to acb6518895 the sofa. As he pulled 565a27dd23 me along, my 0a321d2800 gaze stayed on b60a155e9d Remington, who was e08ca1dbc8 getting closer. While Duncan stepped away 2d6c2fefd7 to grab the cake, 080e147b32 I snapped at Remington.58d274e19f36ff8c

“Busy, huh? You look pretty free.”b63a03f03d7654e3

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“…Are you out of your mind?”015e4bd657dd3b18

“Why?”6248443e055287bd

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Roderson, this is the boys’ dorm.”21042b8c2263b592

“I know.”d1f3adc80aa4ca45

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Remington looked like dd49e9f94d he had a 3116508add lot to say, 3d2a9e6e4a but I quickly 0ff04c58bc turned away. Now wasn’t the 355e88d938 time to deal 05844f4360 with his nonsense. I approached Duncan, de9376df8d who was cutting fc366196aa the cake. Standing before him with d49733cbe6 a resolute expression, he 6d9f30ad88 looked at me with ef48afb24d eager anticipation.08e3d5490bacbb3d

“Dani, you on some kind of mission?”549a573a22c6cf19

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

He gestured with 36ed2e9fa1 his chin toward bff421a222 the girls at bae56f81af the windows, apparently 17ec3dd7a3 having noticed them. I nodded honestly.bac90ace20356aa1

“Yeah.”a3f22a2f685ac037

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Nice. Go for it.”dcbc61208f2988f3

“You sure I can?”04cfcdfa4ac542d9

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Anything.”755778473cff44cc

Duncan set down everything abb86dc30a in his hands and 2dc67124d5 spread his arms wide, 373d242145 smiling boldly.0acc3550d77ad138

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

I stood on my tiptoes, 17e3c8f434 placed my hands on his 2efe86f0b0 shoulders, and kissed his cheek.3d418a807d279544

A thunderous cheer erupted 54fac24b2f around us. The boys whistled 30172ed69e and stomped their 627b5992c0 feet, and I, 507eaf3b40 trembling on my c4a5d10671 raised heels, pressed b05462dedc my lips firmly d12da15523 against Duncan’s cheek. When should I stop? Counting to three in 45daef0bd7 my head, I slowly 48f25ef6ea lowered my heels to aceb45df01 the floor and pulled 24976bb4d3 away.06c5ff2195ecd8c7

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“That’s the mission I got.”b299fb2b2d70cd29

I looked up at Duncan fac6c94956 and said. He covered his mouth with d7b83ef5a6 his fist, stifling a laugh.3205b6795b911a79

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“That’s cheating, Dani. Too cute.”cc424a6a37f97002

His eyes were wide, locked cbfc76c9f4 entirely on me. The look of aef8fe0c98 a predator eyeing 466204f403 prey that had da2a4ab7f4 walked right into 8870d76f2c its trap. The moment I realized 1314640cc0 something was wrong, the 08a84f9095 boys around us started de5e145fd6 stomping and shouting wildly.bd1205052ba25514

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“Duncan! Duncan! Duncan!”aab7c0c6e1a9bebd

In an instant, the atmosphere cc0a87ba0a shifted. Flustered, I stepped back, but 1fcd3f7991 Duncan grabbed my wrist and aee23dbe0f pulled me hard. I was suddenly in a9dd976c48 his arms.5c7cdafb3929ec3d

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“I’m one lucky guy. The moment I 1b6c2347f1 take an interest ed2f15e7bf in you, you 3342a80098 come rolling right b64b55c099 to me.”c300c638b191b850

Duncan tightened his d5514d4aa0 grip around me, ca62fc17ba looking down with e1b98305d7 a grin.340bd3ebf402fa9a

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“What was the mission you got?”0208b061309d9a2f

“…A kiss.”c35b27b94f40b644

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

At that, Duncan burst 6d1d5150f2 into louder laughter.5856a01163edbd11

“Then you failed the mission, Dani. What you just did was af342b0fec a greeting. That’s not how you kiss.”7841e2265df7ad3b

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

With one arm pinning b1465288e3 me in place, Duncan ed510ded39 used his other hand d3dedf2e6f to lift my chin. I couldn’t struggle, and 6f6614347c it happened so fast 272657d6aa I couldn’t even scream.e254ccf9e0fc11c3

But just as 235bfa890f Duncan’s lips drew 5c0fd0d8d9 near, someone grabbed 03ade511ff my wrist, and 7a556dc78b Duncan’s body crashed 100d39a775 to the floor.756e0c8fef5fc944

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Ugh… Who the hell!”07b186f3f4a92193

Sprawled on the ground, Duncan fe4ffabf4e glared around fiercely.e6cd2579d987ea5a

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Me.”928493028688aa10

Remington answered, shielding me behind 71124f3739 his back. Even among the 1f205233f4 burly athletes, his c88a1001df tall, imposing frame c79de88e58 stood out. I stared blankly 098b4670c8 at the back ad16c6fe49 of his head, fa7a632763 then lowered my 989591dce9 gaze to his d30c8d0af6 hand gripping my 373d718029 wrist. The veins on his ace11d33ef hand bulged with the bb3d3cacb0 force of his hold.cad2b57a4903c3e6

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“Forced harassment is against school rules, Duncan. Just because Jeff’s f207f79675 gone doesn’t mean 5011f0db16 the party should deb2f56f60 get this out 1704645d8c of hand.”89989b399d338352

Remington adjusted his 14fa666f28 grip on my 0ca2abdebd wrist and warned 01f4ee0b52 Duncan. At the word d664c7cf27 “harassment,” Duncan shot a02551eb05 up from the 04dce45cc6 floor, protesting.c41d0e3f94d7ccd6

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Harassment? When did I—”c623aa7f976f507f

“Look at Roderson’s face. Can’t you see she’s scared?”64b16d1e611488ee

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Hey, you’re the one who told me Dani likes me!”b89457d3a14052c7

Duncan fired back, e72bcffff3 but Remington ignored 20e88942f3 him, addressing the 3b28f99723 other boys instead.7df741fcebbd2948

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“And some of you are sneaking photos. Keep your phones in check. Sharing those is 0273089f58 a crime, and e3d2a95c88 sometimes just having 729744d2fe them is too. You all know that, right? Senator Roderson is a very 62f1f449c8 conservative and relentless man.”602edc5600cac0bb

The phone cameras c2d27e092e pointed at us 44c27788eb slowly lowered. Remington turned to me 1d66fea533 with a sharp look 7b601b6e49 and pulled my hand.54eb55e55c11ff4e

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“You, come with me.”36788af99b421573

✧˖🕯️˚࿔️9aacca103d79dd89

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Remington dragged me to 748db78d95 the chapel courtyard. The grass glowed ae29c6e672 pale green under 889aaa92bb the yellow streetlights, 61a7d36aef and a cool 3b6852ef07 night breeze brushed 257eeb43b5 my cheeks. Confirming we were alone, he 0e92c7137f grabbed my shoulders.2e60c1eda519c394

“Are you out of your mind? Do you even know c7a3f1056f what you just did?”c02251c4a341a449

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

It was a e49b16623e face I’d never 7c0ca1d172 seen before. Raised eyebrows, wide eyes, 8adaa62918 lips ready to spew 84a14c0c75 curses. He was angry with me.93c006a587158110

“Did you eat something at the party? You didn’t take whatever 3f31400c83 the kids offered, did 45cce8da65 you?”22a91ecd0fa70bc8

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“I didn’t eat anything weird. Just some punch everyone else d4c4b6548a was drinking.”314d0aa2bc0a7283

“You know they usually spike that, right?”8ff1bd9cbab698d4

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“I know! I’m not your little sister!”1e7f3d8fc82152cf

At my outburst, Remington 674b77513c finally let go of 087b7cc0c6 my shoulders. He leaned against the b9ba27b2a1 railing, letting out an 7c1eeb32a0 irritated sigh. His face looked 9c472346d0 like he might 1cb6ac1721 suffocate. I couldn’t understand a708117260 why he was c62c2fd570 so angry.eaaa5a5338b1bc63

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“Thanks for helping me. But I didn’t do 4dca0cba7b something crazy on a 64615748eb drunken impulse. This was a bet 2f1ad480cb with Eleanor. She said if I really 5daa164be4 liked Duncan, I should kiss 68c5cdfe53 him in front of you.”d276b4ac2693f4a0

“Oh, a kiss. So that’s what they call c17a01c0b1 a kiss at Southern girls’ fbc4e87978 schools?”99971705ae70cc9c

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“Look it up. Kissing someone’s hand 4782fb598d or cheek technically 87b9677207 counts as a e746f5c75b kiss.”8384846329376e72

“Fine. I hope today wasn’t your e0bfeff415 first kiss, then.”7c818ddde6518d95

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“How long are you going to keep mocking me? I was just sticking to 363fb0c7d9 our plan!”af2da1ba00dca255

“I told you the plan was off! You’re really…”12f1b5f0e80291d7

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Remington pulled out his dc1f9d68a4 incessantly buzzing phone from ed07a65b3a his jacket, powered it 078b151b7f off, and shoved it 037e0d1d34 back into his pocket 5f6fb9bc73 with annoyance.c74b233a4b76434b

He was definitely off. Different from usual. His normally neat shirt was cc78687896 disheveled from the earlier commotion. Part of the e06176d708 hem hung over 91a418eec4 his pants, and 8228f7f40f he didn’t even 81fe9c4e8e seem to notice.fa64a42b8bbc2af3

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“Are you worried about me?”2482b98c10d7c219

I asked. Remington glanced at me, 43e188fb42 moving only his eyes.f0b848c23de21e30

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Worried about you?”7c67fef11a3b4446

“Yeah. If you’re worried this’ll get 9c310f1060 back to my dad, thanks. But I can handle it. It’ll be a bb5cab58d9 headache, but I’ll 2af25e4852 manage.”551f44020ff646f3

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Remington stared at me silently. An abyss again. Eyes I couldn’t peer 58a3669a67 into, couldn’t fathom even c50be30b9f if I tried.a0f07065be0c38c3

His gaze seemed to say, “I shouldn’t have gotten involved with someone like you in the first place…”8c70c8434d40b946

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Remington straightened up from db7b1bb07b the railing. The breeze tousled his 1e39dae1d0 beige hair, and his b3672cccdb blue eyes locked onto 9242891d34 me.560a627b040ec89f

“Duncan’s a much worse guy than people think.”fc09e3e513c7adb0

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“What?”5e5059559b4ec39b

“And the reason I canceled the plan was because Duncan showed more interest in you than I expected. I didn’t want to 50d89412fd be blamed for putting f9d19f4f8f Roderson’s daughter in danger.”4e22f6a500e39b01

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

I couldn’t quite process 0a0b8bed17 what he meant.7dc27a286ae70439

“So… you knew Duncan was dangerous and still tried to set me up with him?”3167f2af27f2a1a4

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Exactly.”daac948bcc97a0b6

Such a casual answer. I wanted to slap 454ef460a5 that smug face. If I were just 626c3e4b6e a bit taller, I aec2a60170 probably would have. I clenched my fists.d7e775d4f576abf7

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Why didn’t you tell me he was dangerous from the start?”6e49803450a0669d

“Because then you wouldn’t have gone along with the plan.”d5c3856939a5d78f

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

God, how do you keep 5e668b4ff4 surprising me?e0acef33521bc235

I wanted to rummage 41596fb958 through his mind to 9079673749 see how many more 79a481288d twists he had in 0b80f251fe store. It stung a little. I thought we’d cddc740f0e gotten pretty close.240ed0e49e021857

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Then why didn’t you just leave me alone back there? Whether I got into 4c45a4bf62 danger or not, it’s 7c58e6bc0b none of your business, 88a9484e53 right?”9bd479e8854bf61a

At my words, Remington’s af575d9529 teal eyes slid over 990df128b8 my face. It felt like sticky slime 2e33612337 trailed wherever his gaze touched.84fb6f5df2e0706b

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“You’re right. I hate this version of e57a6dfd9f myself too.”d3491f7791462218

Remington let out a 2f32a9a031 self-deprecating laugh, answering with 17a0fa035e that infuriatingly handsome face 62df76a0b4 even in this moment.52296bbb9043a1f1

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

✧˖🕯️˚࿔️78dc62f7377c06fe

Why was it? We’d only spent a little 38fa59509d over six months together. So why did the d797468d64 emotions you harbored carry 3a2fef6925 such an ancient stench?14d90e2ab8d30954

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

I was curious 366f38f497 about the source 40e01bd25e of that foul 7728008a23 odor.8fb05408ce81ac9c

And I wanted to ask. Why do you hate me? Why do you cd685f964c push me into 1997e1222b danger only to 232aef1757 save me, and 47fa152557 why do you a435224a5a keep circling me a93943ca58 while pushing me 44e49ab5e7 away?3250bcb2459a0554

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

At my feet, 3f850317ae a deep quagmire bd7588a83a pooled.245d4931e132c7c9

A vast, blue swamp ready e63d47995d to swallow me whole.c943d812923db4b2

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

✧˖🕯️˚࿔️16b323b55bb230e1

Back then, I 8941d60adb couldn’t understand Remington’s 1be5d9d0e4 mind at all. More accurately, I didn’t pick 80343c1629 up on anything.575ba2ec0e974861

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

I couldn’t even b151a05cbb begin to guess 236c3ba9c7 the dark intentions 9ee94a0581 he harbored. I was too 06c0f3383a young to understand 62107fc23c that childish, petty 319917ffa2 contempt.cec3a7de5768c8cc

✧˖🕯️˚࿔️3fd0ec2d7bbc6660

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

After that day, 944dfd5a7b things went as 765d0f827c I’d hoped.2549dc8980243424

Eleanor, who had once 1271b1a598 directed near-murderous anger at 5d137ed050 me, became unbelievably lenient. The change was instantaneous.d7ec8cf9737b20be

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“You need some counseling with me.”04634ac7ed7ddfad

After parting with Remington and eb3d93ce71 returning to the lobby, Eleanor, b9ec969a99 as if she’d been waiting, 18b47eb4f3 took me to her room 2c9b160998 and launched into a long 71e14dd1ec lecture.51d0aaf4ba6ecbd3

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Duncan, that bastard, is my brother. Our parents are 5780c9d89d divorced, so we cb0f94f042 have different last d59f5df39c names, but that’s 22fb0842ab not the point. The point is you like 1a68910f0e that pathetic excuse for a a50966e064 human. I thought you 7c5f32455a had taste, chasing 85bacdc4c3 Remington right after dcfed3d48d transferring, despite your 04b448f484 humble background. Turns out I was wrong! Duncan, of all 06434fcf51 people… Roderson, as f769fc619c a fellow woman, e7ab4e0d04 I can’t just 9c9e64057c let that slide. I’ll introduce you to someone 3a82a66391 else. If you like fit, simple 778e96bf6e guys, I can find plenty. But not Duncan. Everything’s got limits. He’s not simple—he’s stupid! He has zero 2d659c8154 consideration for women. Do you know how 8383abf8c6 many girls got expelled e484a21df8 because of him? For a while, 0724f38342 every OB-GYN around a465ef8daa here probably made e5a8c754b2 bank thanks to 1a6ae36542 Duncan.”709a07e48423a3e5

The genuine “concern” on Eleanor’s b8d6617132 face was shocking. I’d never imagined 6ac18e0948 she could make 2ad21d0ccc such an expression. Back then, I didn’t fcd468d19e yet know a person 3bc52ab55e could be both bad 25b1d44712 and good.1405a10ad21dfc49

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Get better taste in men, Roderson. And be honest. You’re a virgin, right? Have you even kissed anyone?”3291a6b18e805a8a

When I shook 0dbfe25b72 my head, Eleanor 2dc16f73d6 was horrified. For the first time, she 65674accee even complimented me, saying, “What f4190990cb have you been doing with a66d4c6332 that pretty face?”—albeit in her 570c02b3de usual blunt tone.e96658ea797060fe

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

As Remington predicted, Eleanor 31cf43709a completely softened toward me.343d9a72cbbf411b

She no longer ab0baf8c45 saw me as 61b607c6ae a rival or 6a5e2786fa a threat.094c67d3cca00941

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Just a pitiful, pathetic, 1ad54e061e foolish girl.c1962d7abb1d8dcd

That’s how she saw me.e659f84704ccca82

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

I was fine with that c8e4304dec role. Winning, crushing, destroying, and reigning 854e4eb1f7 weren’t for me. All I wanted was 1029a3d4c9 a small piece of c447641680 peace. My own little space. A comfortable state of quiet, 67f228cad6 free from emotional turmoil.e074aa1a33e7a516

Back then, I 8b71cd1314 foolishly believed I 473e2e69d9 could achieve that.ed8e4aba7d33aa74

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

✧˖🕯️˚࿔️0dc4cc975f24e29d

Change arrives with 59734790c8 an impassive face.ad8cedb521945cdb

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

I didn’t even 564f0dd54b realize I was 513659db5f walking into a 9b1d33ba98 storm, but with 0f8df77fee every step, I 97add26463 was being pushed b3495babf6 toward its eye. When I reached 34f48797c5 the center, everything 4028f0ff63 was eerily calm.c241922df80be8c9

Every action I f36cad8f52 took, thinking I 4894baf79b was solving problems, e7b5bc6623 was actually shoving 6ddbf6bbcd me deeper into 0d255ad0a7 the real problem.d79cb343584285a4

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Daniel, I’m about to 0f8c462918 tell you a very 3309e2bfb7 important story.35acb893e7214d6e

It’s a story of my e01e9d417c ignorance, thinking I knew everything 8b07f22839 when I knew nothing. It’s about the origin of 56b03cc2ce it all, the raw truth c74b096f38 of everything. A story of total 6ac206e4f2 collapse, but also of 67559b6548 my castle being rebuilt 827384549b anew.20dc8c38425cfc25

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

I’m not sure f3dda8bda9 if I can b64e67dce0 do it justice, 2e866734d7 but I’ll try d3308e0a25 my best to e44d337b45 recount everything I 09d91414cc saw and heard 1f73439e8a in detail.cc7c4d7efbc89212

Remington Howard.37a9e8cfd082088d

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

The truth he was hiding.bc925e7eaa034197