Her Heart Her Terms (Lily and Xavier) novel Chapter 311

"She's not coming back because she's married!" Hazel shot a glance at Lily. "Once a daughter is married, she's like spilled milk. Where she spends the holidays is entirely her choice."

Her tone implied that if Lily wanted, she could return to the Fulton Manor, resuming the life of a pampered and respected Mrs. Fulton.

Lily ignored her, focusing instead on Hayden. "You go ahead. I need to head back to the Fulton Manor too."

Hayden walked back to her side, his expression serious. "Really?"

"Really." Lily smiled at him. "There are some things I need to take care of. Once they're resolved, I'll let you know what happens."

She couldn't deceive Hayden. His sharp mind would see through her lies.

"Alright. We can continue next time. Your dad's waiting!" Hazel grabbed Hayden's arm. "Go get in the car."

Lily gave him a warm smile to reassure him. Hayden didn't want to worry her, so he got in the car the next second.

Only after he was inside did Hazel let out a sigh of relief.

She turned her attention back to Lily. "I heard from your dad that you and Xavier haven't divorced yet. Since it's been so long, there must still be something between you two.

"You should take advantage of the holidays to have a good talk. As long as you're still Mrs. Fulton, your dad will acknowledge you as part of the family…"

"But I don't acknowledge him," Lily interrupted firmly. "Whether I'm Mrs. Fulton or not, it has nothing to do with you anymore."

"Why are you so stubborn?" Hazel's face flushed, her expression a mix of anger and pity. "How can you be content with this little rundown apartment? Don't you feel sorry for yourself, staying here alone instead of returning to the Fulton Manor?"

Lily remained calm, her gaze indifferent. "No, I don't."

She thought living in a grand villa with no dignity and no place in her husband's heart was far more pitiful.

"Give the bags to them and come and help me," Edith said with a smile, narrowing her eyes as she reached out her hand.

At her request, the driver and Emma took the bags from Lily and walked inside with her. Unable to refuse, Lily stepped forward to support Edith as they entered the building.

Edith gently touched the marks left on Lily's hands from carrying the heavy bags and sighed. "If you're not bothered by living here, how could I be?"

However, Edith fell silent when she saw the tiny one-bedroom apartment. It looked pretty shabby to her, and she didn't even know where to sit.

"Grandma, please sit here. I'll get you a glass of water." Lily helped Edith onto the sofa before heading to the kitchen to pour three glasses of warm water. "Sorry, Grandma, but there's no tea. Please make do with this."

Edith gestured for her to sit beside her. The small sofa barely accommodated both of them. Lily didn't know what to say for a moment, and the living room fell into a quiet silence.

"Originally, I wanted to intercede for Xavier," Edith began. "But seeing that you'd rather endure here than go back, I couldn't bring myself to speak."