Chapter 150

"It's part of the job," Lillian murmured, rubbing her temples. "But exhausting. So, seriously—what's so urgent? You sounded frantic on the phone."

She sighed, fingers tangling in her hair, tugging lightly at the ends.

"My mom is selling the house," she blurted.

Beatrice gasped. "What? Why would she do that? She adores that house. Your parents worked their asses off to get it. She used to tell us all those stories about how they saved for years!"

"I know," Lillian muttered, squeezing her eyes shut. "But somehow, Donovan’s parents convinced her to sell and move in with them until she 'gets back on her feet.'"

"Those scheming snakes," Beatrice hissed. "They planned this!"

"Trust me, I’m aware," Lillian said dryly, rolling her eyes just thinking about it.

"So, what are you going to do?" Beatrice pressed. "You can’t live there. Is your mom really that naive?"

"Apparently," Lillian sighed. "She told me we’re moving in a few days."

"You cannot be serious, Lil," Beatrice groaned. "Living under the same roof as Donovan’s family? That’s emotional suicide."

"I can’t stay there, Bea," Lillian whispered, voice dropping lower. "But Mom’s dead set on it. She said if I don’t agree, I can find my own place."

A heavy silence settled between them before Beatrice exhaled sharply.

"Okay. So what’s the plan?"

Lillian chewed her bottom lip, hesitating.

"I was hoping… maybe I could crash on your couch? Just until I figure something out?" She held her breath, waiting.

Beatrice hesitated, then sighed. "Oh, Lil. I’d love to have you, but my landlord’s a nightmare. My lease says no long-term guests. I’m so sorry…"

Disappointment crashed over her. Beatrice had been her last hope. Now, the only option was moving in with Donovan’s family. Her stomach twisted into knots, and she fought back the sting of tears.

"It’s okay. I get it," she said softly.

"But listen—I’ll ask around, see if anyone’s looking for a roommate. There’s gotta be something," Beatrice assured her, voice warm with sympathy. "We’ll figure this out. Don’t panic yet."

Lillian forced a smile, even as her throat tightened. "Thanks, Bea."

After a quick goodbye, she hung up. Turning to head back to Oliver, she froze—

Sebastian's piercing dark eyes locked onto mine, sending a shiver down my spine. I had been dodging him all morning, the memory of last night's abrupt departure burning with shame in my chest. An apology perched on the tip of my tongue, but the words tangled before I could speak them.

"Hey..." I managed, my voice awkwardly soft. "About last night—"

"Forget that," he cut in, his tone sharp. "Did I hear you say your mother is selling your house?"

My breath hitched. The color drained from my face.

"You were eavesdropping?" I shot back, a mix of defensiveness and embarrassment flaring inside me.

His jaw tightened. "Not intentionally. But is it true?"

I bit my lip. No point in lying now. With a reluctant nod, I admitted, "Yes. It's true. I'll probably have to stay with Donovan's family for a while."

A low, almost imperceptible growl rumbled in his chest. His energy darkened, the air between us thickening with something unspoken. I blinked at the unexpected reaction, and just as quickly, he shook it off, his expression smoothing back into its usual controlled mask.

Silence stretched between us before he finally spoke again.

"There's another option."

My pulse stuttered. "And what's that?"

His gaze held mine, unwavering.

"Move in with me."