The Wife He Never Meant to Love (Lila and Damon) novel Chapter 173

Chapter 173

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Chapter 173

The elegant lady didn’t sleep that night. The darkness outside the hostel felt alive, each shadow a conspirator in her plotting. She reviewed every detail in her mind again-Lila’s routines, the boy’s habits, the positions of the adults on the island. Every tiny piece of information she had gathered became a potential key, a way to exploit weaknesses and create the leverage she craved.

By dawn, her decision was made. Waiting and watching had gone on long enough. She would act-but carefully, methodically, to ensure Damian became the anchor that drew Lila into her control without alerting the others.

She dressed in muted colors, clothes that would let her blend into the early morning mist. Her movements were deliberate, controlled, each step measured. She carried nothing overt, only a small bag with items she might need-documents, subtle tools of persuasion, and, hidden beneath the fabric, the seeds of coercion she intended to plant.

Hours later, she arrived near the secluded island. From a distance, she observed the shoreline, noting the movement of the waves, the scattered footprints in the sand, and, most importantly, the small figure of Damian building a sandcastle. Lila was nearby, sitting on a chair, her posture calm, her gaze occasionally flicking to her son. Ina and Mark were also present, their presence a reminder that any move would require careful planning.

A thin smile curved the elegant lady’s lips. Perfect. She whispered to herself. Everything is as expected.

She waited, letting the early morning sun cast long shadows across the beach, timing her approach so that she could observe reactions and gauge the defenses before making a direct move. Her eyes lingered on Damian, on the innocence that made him the perfect leverage. If Lila falters, if she hesitates… he becomes my power over her, she thought, a cold thrill running through her veins.

Finally, she stepped closer, using the cover of a dune and low shrubs to conceal herself. Her heart beat steadily, her composure intact, but the tension in her body was palpable. This was the moment she had been preparing for. The boy, the mother, and their protectors-all would feel the first ripple of her intervention.

From her hiding spot, she watched Damian lift his little shovel and pat the sand into place, his focus complete. Lila’s eyes softened as she observed him, speaking to him in gentle tones. The elegant lady’s lips tightened. He is hers, yes. But he will not remain hers for long, she thought, her mind already calculating her next words, her next action, the subtle ways she could insert herself into the island’s carefully controlled

peace.

She took a step forward, letting the small sound of shifting sand carry toward them, careful not to alarm anyone just yet. The tension in her chest coiled tighter. One small word, one gesture, and I can disrupt everything. One moment, and the balance shifts in my favor.

Her mind raced with contingencies. If Lila reacts aggressively, she would retreat, observe, and plan again. If Mark or Ina approaches her, she would feign coincidence, innocence. But if Damian looks up, smiles, or speaks to her, she would use it-soft words, gentle gestures, planting seeds of trust, planting doubt in Lila’s mind.

The first step was always observation, the second was influence, and the third-the final step-would be leverage. Damian was not yet aware of the danger, and Lila’s protective instincts, though sharp, could be tested and stretched if approached with cunning precision.

15:34 Mon, May 4

Chapter 173

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The elegant lady’s eyes lingered on the mother and child. A single thought burned hotter than any fear or doubt: I will make them bend. I will claim what is mine. And no one-no Lila, no Marlou-will stop me.

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Her fingers curled around the strap of her small bag. Every detail mattered: the timing of her approach, the soft tone of her voice, the subtle cues to manipulate perception. She inhaled deeply, the salty sea air filling her lungs, and prepared herself.

The island, tranquil and seemingly safe, was now a stage. And she-the elegant lady, calculating, obsessive, relentless-was about to step into the scene. Damian was the key. Lila was the obstacle. Marlou-though absent-was the prize she sought through the leverage of mother and child.

And in that moment, watching the boy’s tiny hands shaping the sand, she whispered to herself again: Soon, very soon, they will see. Nothing is untouchable. Nothing is safe. And he-this child-will bring them to me. She stepped lightly from her hiding spot, beginning the first phase of a plan that would test every instinct, every loyalty, and every ounce of courage Lila and her allies possessed.

The island was silent, but the tension was now thick enough to choke. The first move had begun.

Lila leaned back in her seat, her fingers tapping lightly against her knee as she stared out the car window. The town blurred past them, familiar streets suddenly feeling unhelpful and too vast all at once.

“I’m trying to look for Maelou’s former lover,” she said, breaking the silence. “I need to explain what happened. She totally misunderstood what I said when she came to the house.”

Ina glanced at her, amused, one brow lifting slightly as she steered the car down the quiet road. “And you don’t even know her name?” she asked, almost laughing. “Maybe we should make it a habit to actually ask for

names.”

Lila groaned, rubbing her forehead. “Yeah… we totally forgot.”

“Why don’t you just call Marlou?” Ina suggested casually.

Lila blinked, then let out a laugh at herself. “Wow. I completely forgot about that.”

She quickly pulled out her phone and dialed. After a few rings, the call connected.

“Yes, Lila?” Marlou’s voice came through, relaxed but curious.

“Hey, I’m sorry for calling while you’re on vacation,” Lila said, sitting up straighter.

“No problem,” Marlou replied. “We’re just hanging out with Jenny’s family.”

Lila hesitated for a second before speaking again. “Um… can I ask-what’s your former lover’s name?”

There was a long pause on the other end.

“Why?” Marlou finally asked, his tone shifting, more serious now. “Is there a problem? Did she bother you at the coffee shop?”

15:34 Mon, May 4

Chapter 173

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“Yeah… actually,” Lila admitted. “She came and asked if Damian was yours. I misunderstood what she meant. and I said yes. I’m trying to find her so I can explain.”

Another pause. Heavier this time.

“Oh… no worries,” Marlou said at last. “Honestly, it’s better if you just let her misunderstand. You don’t need to explain anything.”

“But-” Lila started.

“No, Lila,” he cut in gently but firmly. “There’s no need to clear it up.”

She exhaled softly, her shoulders dropping. “Okay… if you say so.”

They exchanged a few more polite words before she ended the call.

Ina glanced at her again. “So? What did he say?”

“He didn’t give me the name,” Lila replied, slipping her phone back into her bag. “He said it’s unnecessary.”

Ina nodded, then smirked slightly. “Alright then. Let’s head back to the house. I’m honestly more afraid of what Mark has been teaching his nephew.”

Lila laughed at that, the tension easing for a moment.

But as the car turned back toward home, her thoughts drifted elsewhere-far from the quiet town roads and light conversation.

They settled on Damon.

Out there, somewhere, he was doing everything he could to make sure Bjorn ended up behind bars. And Margaret-his mother-was right beside him, using every ounce of her legal knowledge and skill to ensure that Bjorn would face justice.

This time, there would be no escape.

And somehow, Lila couldn’t shake the feeling that everything was about to change.

15:34 Mon, May 4