9: Duality Revealed

In the grand hall of the Everett estate, Michael faced his mother, Amelia, with a steely gaze that masked his internal conflict. "Michael, have you forgotten who she is? She's your wife, not a prisoner to be starved in seclusion," Amelia matched Michaal, steely gaze with one of her own. "This is no way to treat Lily. She might have overstepped, but this... this is excessive." Michael's response was curt, "Lily breached my trust. That cannot be overlooked, even if she is my..."wife". She's of no consequence to this family's legacy." Amelia's voice softened, pleading with her son. "But she's more than just a wife in name. You can't just discard her for a single mistake. Think of what this will do to our family's reputation. Moreover, she was never informed about the need not to invade your privacy. She had a good reason to use your computer." The tension between them was palpable. Michael, torn between his principles and his mother's pleas, struggled to find a middle ground. In her room, Lily lay on the bed, her mind a maze of worry and regret. Her eyes, once full of life, now stared blankly at the ceiling, reflecting her sense of entrapment. Martha knocked and entered the room with a tray of food. "Mrs. Everett, please eat something. Lady Amelia is trying to reason with Michael." Lily's response was a mere whisper, "Martha, what does it matter? I'm a prisoner either way." Martha sighed, her eyes full of sympathy. "Lady Amelia won't give up on you. She sees the good in you, as do we all." As Martha left, Lily's eyes flickered with a hint of resolve. She couldn't let this situation define her. She had to find a way out, for her own sake. Downstairs, Michael was deep in conversation with Martha after she exited Lily's room. "Is she alright?" he asked, his voice betraying a hint of concern. Martha hesitated, then replied, "She's unwell, sir. Physically fine, but her spirit seems broken." Michael's jaw tightened. "You may leave," he commanded. Martha nodded and retreated, leaving Michael to confront his inner turmoil. Entering Lily's room, Michael found her standing by the window, her figure a silhouette against the fading light. "Lily, we need to talk. This situation... it's not sustainable." He ran his hands through his hair. Lily turned, her voice laced with a mixture of defiance and despair. "Then let's end it. I'll leave the Everett estate tonight. You'll be free of me." Michael was taken aback. "Is that what you want? To run away from everything?" Lily's eyes welled up with tears. "What choice do I have, Michael? You've made it clear I'm not wanted here." The air was heavy with unspoken words and emotions. Michael struggled to find the right words, his own feelings a tangled web of duty and regret. "Lily, I...," he began, but his voice trailed off, the weight of their fractured relationship too much to bear in that moment. Several days later, Lily, having regained some semblance of strength, ventured out to the clinic for her regular check-up. She had been feeling under the weather lately, even before the study computer fiasco, and she had no idea what to think. Perhaps, this pregnancy was responsible for making her feel shitty. But the news she received after completing the health check-up was unexpected and life-changing. "Congratulations, Mrs. Everett. You're expecting twins," Doctor Stevens announced with a smile. Lily's world spun. Twins. The news brought a flood of emotions, each more overwhelming than the last. What did this mean for her future, and for the legacy of the Everett family?