Her Heart Her Terms (Lily and Xavier) novel Chapter 409

Maryanne knew better than to openly show her disdain toward Xavier in front of the Fultons.

Smiling, she helped Edith sit on the chair beside the hospital bed. "Mrs. Fulton Senior, I'm more considerate. I'm a woman, after all."

She was only a few words away from chastising Xavier for his lack of conscience. How could someone like him possibly take care of anyone?

Edith flashed her a smile before turning toward Lily. Every time Edith saw her, she looked different—she was thinner, more haggard, and more battered.

She had lost so much weight that even her round face had become gaunt.

"Does your hand still hurt? Tell them to use the best medicine on you. If it's unbearable, get some imported painkillers. You must take good care of yourself," Edith said, her voice tinged with distress.

Shane placed a thermos he'd brought on the table. Opening the lid, he poured out a bowl of rich, milky broth.

"I told the kitchen to make this according to my recipe. Drink more—it'll help you recover."

The broth had cooled to the perfect temperature. As he handed it to Lily, she took it with her left hand. She felt her heart ache as a wave of emotions overwhelmed her.

"Thank you, Edith and Shane."

Shane was an excellent cook. Whenever she visited Fulton Manor, he would personally prepare the meals.

She would always pay special attention to what Xavier liked and then ask Shane for his recipe. However, she only asked about Xavier's favorite dishes.

One time, Shane had said, "I'll teach you how to make beef stew."

"Shane, Xavier didn't eat much of the beef stew tonight. I think he prefers your mushroom soup," Lily had remarked.

"He doesn't like it, but you do." Shane was always observant, and he cared for her like a father. "Don't always cater to his tastes," he'd said. "What you like matters too."

Lily absolutely loved Shane's beef stew, but no matter how hard she tried, she could never replicate it.

In fact, she never truly cared about her own preferences—all her efforts went into accommodating Xavier's.