36: Veiled Intentions

Daniel's words tumbled out, a mix of confession and deflection. "My uncle Michael... Our relationship is far from perfect. We've had our clandestine conflicts." Lily's expression hardened. Daniel's attempt to evoke sympathy seemed a desperate ploy to rekindle a past that was best left forgotten. "Why have you asked to meet? Our paths diverged long ago." Daniel, taken aback by Lily's icy demeanor, reminisced about a time when she was more accommodating, more pliable. "Lily, I admit my faults. I faltered at our wedding, succumbed to cowardice. But haven't we moved past that?" Lily's laughter held a tinge of bitterness. "Moved past? You seem to forget your affair with Ivy, my sister." Daniel winced, caught off guard. He intended to share his suspicions about the true parentage of Lily's children, but her mention of Ivy derailed his thoughts. "I was wrong about Ivy, but my feelings for you... they were always real," he said, reaching out to her. Lily recoiled from his touch,