"Are you cautious because you're supposed to be on house arrest?" Lucas said once they were out of earshot.

Although it was a light punishment, it is the first order by the Empress, so he knew that people would fuss over it.

"They can't do anything to me even if they find out."

"Then what was that back there?"

Lilian rolled her eyes. "I wanted to act cute and see how you would react."

Wait-huh?

Indeed he noted that her behavior was rather strange, but he did not think she would admit it. Lucas awkwardly scratched his face. "Is this about those rumors?"

Lilian nodded. "Since people think we are a couple, I thought I would go along with it."

Lucas slumped to the ground when he heard her say those words. He knew it, and there was some catch to her behaviour earlier. Since Lilian spends so much time focusing on war and torture, he almost forgot that she has this playful side to her.

"Is something wrong?" She reached her hand out towards him, a concerned look in her eyes. "Did you get hurt?"

Lucas moved her hand away and backed away quickly, causing her to laugh.

"Apologies, but I did not think this matter would get you so flustered."

Indeed this isn't the first time there were such rumors about them, but that is precisely why he is more self-aware? No self-conscious towards her. In the past, he never confronted those rumors or consulted with anybody. But after the talk with the child and the therapist, his thoughts are going out of control.

"I know it is unpleasant having relationship rumors with somebody like me, however-"

Lucas sighed deeply as he interjected. "I never said it was unpleasant. Im just a bit nervous."

"That almost sounds like you like me."

Does it? Maybe he should stop talking. Lately, he does not know what is wrong with his head.

His thoughts broke off when she directly appeared before him. "If I am wrong, you can correct me?"

Does she expect him to answer her right this very second? This woman is driving him crazy.

Why does she keep acting like this? What does she expect to come from this? Even now, why does he not understand her?

__

It was late when Lucas and no when she returned back to the mansion alone. Lucas rushed off earlier since he saw an acquaintance. The moment she stepped into the foyer, however, she sensed a familiar dark presence.

"Are you done playing romance, sister?" A familiar voice said.

Lilian's lips curve to a smile. "Who says I was playing around?" She turned to the source of the voice and found her brother sat on the couch.

"In the years since you brought that man, nothing like this has happened before."

"Like this?"

"Skipping out on your duties."

Lilian laughed. "It was a few meetings, besides big brother, you were there too? I knew I could leave it with you."

Eric pointed to a box on the table, and she walked over.

"Indeed, this is what I wanted. But," Lilian trailed off as she smelled the faint scent of familiar blood on him. "-- did I give you the right to touch what is mine?"

"If he is a servant of yours, then you should carry himself properly."

"Just because you can't harm Natalia, you lashed out on the guard I assigned her?"

Lilian knew he would end up getting mad if she sent Natalia over to examine the dresses. But even then, she thought he would restrain himself.

"Why did you not go yourself?"

"I had an engagement with sir Lucas."

She watched as anger flashed through his eyes and walked over until she stood directly in front of him.

"Since it bothers you that much, should you not do something about your behavior, my dear brother? It seems you focus on making me angry."

"I want to see you suffer."

"You're a twisted man."

"But if somebody hurts you, I will kill them."

'Indeed, he takes after their father. What a twisted man. He only desires to take control of those strong individuals.' Suppose she didn't have the power she did, then this man would not pay any attention to her at all.

"So, my dearest brother, how do you expect me to interpret those words of yours?"

At that comment, she felt him brush his hands across her cheek. "You call me brother faithfully. But Lillian, you are aware that I am not blood-related to you."

Lillian's lips curved to a smile, and she laughed. "What are you talking about, brother? You already have the ageha family in stigma on you. Blood relation or not, you cannot escape from here."

"Did I ever say anything about escaping?"

Lillian sighed when she heard those words. "Then let me rephrase that question, what is your purpose for staying?"

When she first learned that he was not blood-related to her, she was no more than ten years old. At the time, she did not pry too deeply. But as she grew older and after the events the past year, Lillian became open about her knowledge on this subject. How can a man that does not have ageha family blood resemble her father so much? There has to be some type of trick somewhere?

She could not miss his gaze on her and immediately understood. She took a deep breath before she leaned forward. "To have somebody like you desire me under these circumstances. Blood or not, your blood is as vile as father and his many women."

So it seems like her going along with the rumors and flaunting her relationship with Lucas was not wrong. She can use this person more than ever. "For somebody who claims to like me," Lillian trailed off and pointed to her arm, which now bled due to his tight grip. "—are you not too aggressive?"

".."

"I guess you do not consider the possibility that you are the person who disgusts me the most."

Even more than father and this terrible family, the one who bothers her more than anybody in this vile world is her so-called brother Eric.

He did not seem surprised by those words. No, it was more like she could not tell what he was thinking. The same ruby-colored eyes and black hair, but he is not one of them. Then which family does he belong to, and why does father keep him so close to his side if he is a mere stranger? There are still too many things she has to find out.

"Even if I am, I will be the one you come to when you realize how everything you have done until this point is meaningless."

Lilian frowned when she heard those words escape his lips.

He wore the usual blank stare on his face, but she could tell he was serious. How can he say those words confidentially?

Lilian was about to say something when a guard rushed into the room. "Miss Lilian, we caught—"The guard paused upon seeing Eric and her so close.

"It seems you must go." He brushed his lips against her hair. "Think carefully about my words Lili."

The moment Eric left the room, she felt the anger she held back this entire time come out. But unlike before, where she threw objects, instead, she released the poisonous lilies. Since the only food source in the room was the guard, the lilies headed straight towards him. The man tried to escape, but it was futile, and soon she hears the sound of familiar screams and flesh torn apart.

If there is somebody she wishes to kill and end their life, it would be that man.

For as long as she could remember, she has had a strong dislike for him.