Episode 27

Whitaker remained hidden in the shadows of the garden, watching as Gabriel stormed out of the house, his steps brisk and heavy with frustration. The earl descended the steps without even looking back, his shoulders tense, his hands clenched into fists.

Whitaker smiled. The lie had poisoned Lilian’s heart, just as he had anticipated. Now, all he needed to do was solidify his position.

He waited until Gabriel disappeared down the street before making his way back to the entrance of the house. This time, he knocked without hesitation, wearing the expression of a concerned man.

Lady Penelope answered, her gaze icy as she saw him. "Lord Whitaker."

He inclined his head politely. "Lady Penelope. Forgive me for returning, but I could not help but worry about Lady Lilian. May I see her?"

Lady Penelope crossed her arms, blocking his entrance. "I imagine you know exactly why Lilian is distressed."

Whitaker sighed, assuming a regretful expression. "Unfortunately, yes." He paused before lowering his voice slightly. "And I fear she is suffering more than she deserves."

Lady Penelope remained unmoved. "Lilian needs time to process her emotions. I’m afraid she cannot receive you right now."

"But she needs support," Whitaker added, leaning slightly forward. "I don’t wish to be intrusive, but perhaps a few kind words could help her see that there are people who truly care for her."

Before Lady Penelope could dismiss him, Lilian’s voice rang out from within.

"Let him in, godmother."

Lady Penelope pressed her lips into a thin line but stepped aside, allowing Whitaker to enter. He walked into the sitting room, where Lilian stood by the fireplace, her face still marked with the anger and pain she carried.

"Lilian," he greeted gently, maintaining the posture of a concerned friend. "I’m so sorry you have to go through this."

Lilian let out a hollow laugh. "And I’m sorry I was so blind."

Whitaker stepped closer carefully, keeping a respectful distance. "You weren’t blind. You were simply honest with your feelings. But unfortunately, some people know exactly how to take advantage of that."

Lilian closed her eyes for a moment, drawing in a deep breath. "I don’t want to talk about him anymore."

Whitaker nodded slowly, keeping his voice soft and reassuring. "Then let’s not talk about him. What matters now is that you are not alone, Lilian. You never will be. I will always be here for you."

Lilian looked at him with scepticism and pain. "Do you really think I’ll ever be able to forget this?"

He maintained his expression of concern, feigning understanding, but allowing a touch of authority to seep through. "Perhaps you won’t forget, but time teaches us to move forward. To see that some pains exist only to show us who truly cares for us. And who deserves our future."

Lilian furrowed her brows but did not respond, and Whitaker saw the doubt creeping in. It was the perfect moment to solidify his position.

He took a step closer, reducing the distance between them without forcing it. "I understand your pain. And I don’t blame you for trusting Sinclair. But I also want you to know that it changes nothing for me."

Lilian took a deep breath, her lips pressed together. "What do you mean?"

Whitaker sighed, as if confessing something difficult. "That nothing that happened would make me want this future for us any less. I only want to protect you, Lilian. And when you’re ready, I will wait for you. You will learn that you can count on me. And in time… you will learn to care for me."

Lilian remained still, her eyes locked on his. Those words fell over her unexpectedly, like a shadow silently creeping into her heart. A promise. A warning.

"I need to be alone."

Whitaker nodded, controlling the urge to smile. "As you wish. But remember… I will never let you face this alone," he murmured, lightly placing a hand over hers before stepping back, casting her one last look filled with false tenderness.

Outside, the smile returned to his lips. The game was unfolding exactly as he had planned. Now, he only needed to secure his position in the eyes of everyone else. With one last look of feigned concern, he left the room and made his way to the door.

Before leaving, he briefly glanced at Lady Penelope, who watched him with icy disapproval, her eyes filled with suspicion.

As the door closed behind him, Whitaker allowed a small smile to escape.

Lilian was exactly where he wanted her—hurt, vulnerable, and filled with doubt.

Now, all that remained was to make the lie impossible to contest.