The Wife He Never Meant to Love (Lila and Damon) novel Chapter 36

Chapter 36

Chapter 36

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Lila slid into the sleek black car and leaned back against the seat, her body still humming with the day’s exhaustion.

“Take me to a restaurant,” she told the driver, her tone firm. “And don’t wait for me.”

The driver hesitated, eyebrows knitting in concern. “Are you sure, Ma’am? It’s late…”

Lila pulled out her phone. “I’ll handle this,” she said, tapping Margaret’s number. Within moments, the call connected.

“Mother,” she began calmly. “I won’t be coming home tonight. I’ll stay at Ina’s place instead.”

There was a pause, then Margaret’s voice softened but remained composed. “Very well, Lila. Make sure you’re careful.”

“Of course,” Lila replied before ending the call.

The driver exhaled and started the engine, glancing at her through the rearview mirror as they merged into the evening traffic.

An hour later, Ina arrived, stepping out of her car with a bright, familiar smile. Lila greeted her with a hug, the tension of the past week momentarily easing.

They settled at a cozy corner table in the restaurant, sharing a simple dinner as they recounted the past few weeks—the teaching schedules, the charity event, the little annoyances and triumphs that made up their routines. Laughter came easily between them, a welcome contrast to the strict, polished world of the Blackthorne estate.

When dinner ended, they returned to Ina’s home. Lila sank into the couch, finally allowing herself to relax.

“Ina,” she said, her tone casual but deliberate, “I’m staying at the Blackthorne estate now… with Damon.”

Ina raised her eyebrows, leaning back slightly. “Wow. That’s… big. How’s it going?”

Lila shrugged, a faint smile tugging at her lips. “It’s… different. Expensive dinners, cold air conditioners, and a very controlling dog. But I’m surviving.”

Ina laughed softly. “That sounds exactly like you, surviving anything.”

Lila let the warmth of the room sink in, feeling the weight of the day lift slightly. Even amidst the rigid rules and calculated performances at the estate, she had moments like this-moments where she could simply be herself, and no one’s expectations mattered.

Lila sank deeper into the couch, rubbing her temples as she let out a weary sigh.

“Every day feels like I’m shooting for a TV drama,” she admitted to Ina. “It’s… very exhausting.”

Ina raised an eyebrow, a teasing glint in her eyes. “And why did that dog decide you two would stay at his

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Chapter 36

parents’ estate?”

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Lila shrugged casually, taking a sip of her drink. “I don’t know. Maybe Maddy. He probably figured she’d stay at Forest Villa anyway.”

Ina leaned back, smirking. “Hmm. Sounds convenient for him.”

Lila waved a hand dismissively. “Whatever they do is none of my business,” she added, her tone flat but firm.

Ina tilted her head, shooting her a playful look and grinning. “Are you sure about that, Mrs. Blackthorne?”

Lila blinked at the nickname, a small, almost imperceptible smile tugging at her lips. “I’m very sure,” she replied, though her eyes betrayed just a hint of amusement.

Ina leaned back, her eyes locking onto Lila with a mischievous glint. “So… on a scale of one to ten, how would you rate Mr. Blackthorne’s performance in bed?” she asked bluntly, leaning forward as if she expected Lila to spill a secret.

Lila’s reaction was instantaneous. She grabbed a nearby pillow and threw it at Ina, glaring daggers at her.

“What?!” she snapped.

Ina caught the pillow effortlessly, grinning. “I’m just asking for research purposes! You know the girls in Blackthorne Industries are drooling over him-they’d wear the shortest skirts just hoping to get a taste of Mr. Blackthorne.”

Lila raised an eyebrow, narrowing her eyes. “Are you one of those girls?”

Ina laughed, tossing the pillow aside. “You know what my answer is.”

Lila smirked, leaning closer. “Well… on our last day of the contract, I might just let you have a taste of that dog.”

Ina shot her a playful glare. “No thanks. I don’t like filthy dogs.”

They both burst into laughter, the sound filling the quiet room. For a few minutes, the tension of the estate, the contracts, and the carefully maintained facades melted away.

For Lila, it was a rare moment of freedom-just her, her best friend, and a shared sense of humor that had nothing to do with money, power, or Mr. Blackthorne.

Ina jolted awake to a loud, impatient knocking at the front door. Groggy and annoyed, she stormed over and flung it open, ready to shout-

-but froze mid-sentence.

Standing there, calm and commanding, was her boss… and Lila’s contract husband, Damon.

“Not a good morning, huh, Ms. Miller?” Damon asked smoothly, a faint smirk playing on his lips.

Ina instinctively stepped aside without a word. “Mrs. Blackthorne is still sleeping in the room, sir,” she said

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Chapter 36

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politely, keeping her tone respectful.

Damon didn’t respond. He simply walked past her, his presence filling the hallway, and headed straight toward the bedroom.

Inside, Lila lay sprawled on the bed, sleeping peacefully, the morning light spilling softly across the room. Damon paused for a moment, admiring her calm, unguarded posture, before pulling out his phone.

He dialed her number, and when his name appeared on the screen-Dog Damon-he chuckled softly, his eyes glinting with amusement.

Without even opening her eyes, Lila reached for the phone and answered, her voice husky with sleep.

“Hello?”

Damon’s chuckle came through the line again. “Good morning, Mrs. Blackthorne,” he said, low and teasing.

Lila mumbled something unintelligible, still half-asleep, hugging the blanket closer around her.

“Sleeping in, I see,” Damon continued, amusement evident in his voice. “I could hear you snoring from the doorway.”

“Damon…” she groaned softly, voice muffled. “It’s… too early…”

“Too early for me, maybe,” he replied, calm and teasing. “But I had important business… making sure my owner is awake.”

Even half-asleep, Lila felt the familiar tug of annoyance-and something else—stirring quietly in her chest.

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