Chapter 18 The Favorite Of Shelby
The car accident back then had been carefully orchestrated by Lila–her plan was to stage a heroic rescue and win Donovan
Over
But the driver had been careless. He had actually hit her. Now, her body was frail, weakened by both her injuries and the lingering illness that followed.
Lila gritted her teeth in frustration. No matter what, everything I’ve suffered was for Donovan. Is it really so unreasonable to want him to take care of me for a lifetime? Why was Shelby always the lucky one?
Donovan sneered. Best friend? What a dangerous friend. Lila should consider herself lucky–she carries Shelby’s heart inside her. That’s all she is. A vessel.
Lila remained oblivious to Donovan’s thoughts.
In the days that followed, he had people deliver health supplements to her daily. Before her discharge, the doctor conducted several more examinations, noting that her new heart was adapting remarkably well.
Lila considered berself incredibly fortunate to have found a perfect heart match, and the transplant had gone smoothly from
start to finish.
When Donovan brought her home, her gaze fell upon a memorial photo of Shelby displayed in the living room.
Her eyes widened in surprise, but a surge of secret delight flickered in her heart. Is Shelby really dead? Does this mean I car become Donovan’s wife? Because of him, I ended up like this. He feels indebted to me–I’m sure he’ll marry me.
“Donovan, where am I going to stay?” Lila asked, clinging to his arm and looking up at him expectantly.
“Where do you want to stay?” Donovan’s gaze met hers–calm, cold, unreadable.
A shiver of unease ran through Lila, but beneath it, a thrill of sweetness bloomed. “If it weren’t for this man’s captivating presence, would I have stood by him so unwaveringly during his bankruptcy?”
She tiptoed, looping her arms around his neck. “I want to stay in your room.”
Beneath her delicate beauty lay an evil heart, and Donovan knew that. He pinched her cheek lightly, his voice a low murmur. “Do you wish to die in my room?”
Heat rushed to Lila’s face. Flustered, she buried her head against his chest.
What’s he talking about?
She mistook his words for something else entirely. If only she knew what he truly meant.
“Olivia, please take good care of Ms. Brock, Donovan said, gently pushing Lila away before turning and disappearing into hist study.
Olivia reluctantly stepped forward, leading Lila to the guest room on the first floor.
This arrangement had been decided by Donovan in advance, and Olivia had no choice but to comply–even opposed Lila staying here..
wen if she
she strongly
Lila was nothing like Shelby. She lacked Shelby’s kindness, her pure love for Donovan. There was always something calculating in Lila’s gaze, as if she were constantly scheming, making her look repulsive.
Jonly Mrs. Mayer hadn’t passed away so soon. Olivia sighed.
Messages flooded into Lila’s group chat with her friends.
Friend A: Lily, I heard you’ve moved into the Mayer residence!
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Friend B. Are you about to become Mrs. Mayer soon!
Friend C: Lila really has the look of a wealthy lady. She’s so lucky–marrying Donc an, the man in charge of Mayer Group!
“The chat refreshed rapidly, new messages popping up one after another.
Lila smirked, basking in the attention.”
She typed a response, feigning modesty: Nothing’s been decided yet, so don’t jump to conclusions.
Her friends responded eagerly.
Friend A: So, you’re saying there’s a chance, right? When the wedding happens, you have to invite us! And don’t forget about future gatherings–tee’re counting on you to introduce us to high society, I bet even the air they breathe is sweeter than ours! Who knows? We might just snag a wealthy catch ourselves.
Lila smirked. These country bumpkins… They aren’t even worthy of being my servants, yet they waste their days fantasizing about snagging a wealthy husband. Do they really think it’s that easy?
Bored, she tossed her phone aside. But soon, excitement flickered in her eyes as she took in the details of the room.
Shelby probably never imagined in her lifetime that her man, her possessions, would ultimately belong to me.
Knock Knock!
A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts. “Ms. Brock,” Olivia’s voice came from the hallway.
Lila opened the door, her expression laced with arrogance. “What is it?”
“Mr. Mayer had me prepare the soup you’re fond of,” Olivia said evenly.
Lila was thrilled inside but kept up her act. She poked Olivia’s shoulder. “Next time you knock, do it gently. I have a hear condition, you know–I scare easily.”
Olivia tolerated Lila’s rudeness as she stepped aside, allowing her to pass first.
Lila strutted forward with the pride of a peahen, head high, relishing the sense of importance.
“But when she reached the dining table, her expression soured. Beef stew.
Her stomach churned at the sight of it. She had always despised beef stew–too greasy, too heavy. And worst of all, it would make her gain weight
Her gaze snapped toward Olivia, eyes narrowing. “Did you get it wrong?” she demanded, irritation flaring in her voice.
Didn’t this old hag just say Donovan asked her to make my favorite soup? Then what is this supposed to be?
“Get what wrong?”
Donovan’s voice cut through the room just as he descended the stairs.
Lila’s demeanor shifted instantly. She turned to him with a coy smile, her tone soft and sweet. “Donovan, I don’t really like beef stew. It’s too rich for me.”
“You don’t like it?” His voice was cold, sending a shiver down her spine.
His expression was unreadable, but the warning in his eyes was clear–if she dared to complain again, there would be
consequences.
Lila’s face paled. Forcing a smile, she quickly shook her head. “It’s not that I don’t like it.”
“Beef stew is good for your health,” Donovan said, his gaze steady and piercing.
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Lil’s displeasure faded instantly.
Donovan’s just a typical guy. He probably asked someone what’s good for health, hea a beef stew wo: beneficial, and had his servant make it for me. He’s worried about me, after all. But does it have to be such a huge portion?
Unbeknownst to her, the stew had been prepared to serve three.
Meanwhile, Olivia remained silent, her heart heavy with resentment. Beef stew was Shelby’s favorite.
