Her Heart Her Terms (Lily and Xavier) novel Chapter 323

Lily didn't return his call but instead sent a message. "Is something wrong?"

Xavier didn't reply, and her attention shifted to the raised voices from the balcony. The door was slightly ajar, and she could hear Hayden speaking frantically.

"Isn't she your daughter? No matter what you say or think, she's still my sister! Wherever she is, I'll be there!"

The wind outside howled, and the phone was on speaker.

Hazel's voice, full of sorrow, came through. "Did she say something to you? Son, I'm your mother! Do you have any idea how hard I worked to raise you?

"You've completely sided with her! And now you're not coming back—how am I supposed to explain this to your father?"

Hayden scoffed. "So, who exactly doesn't want my sister to come back? Is this your idea?"

There was a brief silence before Hazel sighed, her voice heavy with sadness. "What's the point of asking all this? It's the holidays. We should be together as a family. Don't you understand that?"

"She is part of our family, too!" Hayden insisted. But Hazel didn't seem to agree with him throughout the conversation.

After a long pause, he finally asked, "Was this my father's idea? Give him the phone, I'll talk to him!"

This wasn't the first time Hayden tried to mediate between his parents and his sister. However, the situation had escalated to the point where both sides were ready to part ways for good.

Hazel grew even more frustrated. "Stop worrying about her for once! What about me? You're always at odds with your father. How am I supposed to live like this?"

"If you stand with us, the three of us can handle him together!" Hayden said firmly. "Give him the phone!"

There were faint sounds on the other end of the line, but no response. A few seconds later, the call ended with a sharp click.

Hayden stared at the screen and started to dial a number again.

"Hayden." Lily opened the balcony door and pulled him back inside. "They've been like this for over 20 years. Don't expect to change them. You might ease things temporarily, but you can't change them permanently."

"But if you get divorced, you won't have a home anymore!" Hayden's voice was filled with concern. "What will you do then?"

Lily's heart sank, and her face paled slightly. She couldn't hide her reaction. She had always dreamed of a happy, complete home. What others found easy somehow seemed so difficult for her.