?


    The swans extended their wings, abruptly sending ripples across theke''s surface.


    Lily''s gaunt face tightened. Her reddened eyes widened as she stared at Alyssa''s unwavering expression. "You''re already married? You have a husband? When was this? How could this be?"


    ''There''s no need for me to lie to you, Mrs. Schmidt. It''s true," Alyssa replied, trying to maintain a warm tone without faltering. "My husband and I have known each other for over ten years. I''ve loved him since I was young. I was simply waiting for the day I could be his wife.


    "We''ve faced countless challenges together. My dream has finallye true-we''re finally together. I''ll never love another man. I''m sorry to disappoint you."


    ''That''s impossible... It''s impossible!" Lily''s emotions surged. Her grip on Alyssa''s hand tightened until it turned red. "You grew up with my Jimmy. You''re so kind to him, and he loves you. He only wants to marry you.


    *Jimmy has told me about you both but never mentioned you were married!"


    Alyssa''s heart pounded with a chilling realization. Jameson had been weaving a fantasy for Lily. A casual mention might have sufficed tofort her, especially considering her Alzheimer''s and fluctuating mental state. Often, she didn''t even recognize Jameson-her own son. Yet, he''d constructed a colossal lie.


    Jameson was cunning and maniptive. Everything he did served a purpose. What was his intention to weave such a lie?


    "Lyse, you''re the only one my son loves and cares for. He treats you so well. How could you do this to him?" Lily''s eyes were bloodshot, her body trembling. "What does Jimmy mean to you? No, you cannot be with someone else! You are my daughter-inw. You are Jimmy''s. You cannot be together with another man!"


    Critically ill, Lily was stubborn, unreasonable, and emotionally vtile. She could lose control at any moment.


    Yet, Alyssa refused to participate in Jameson''s lie to appease Lily. Even a white lie was uneptable. She would never betray her love through words, actions, or heart.Update first atN?velDráma. Org.


    ''I''m sorry, Mrs. Schmidt. I won''t choose Jameson, no matter what you say. It''s not just because I don''t have feelings for him; wee from entirely different worlds," Alyssa said, her eyes dimming with a sense of detachment. "Your son has hurt my family and the man I love."


    Lily froze, looking as if her soul had been shattered.This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    Alyssa continued, "He has done many unforgivable things. More than that, I cannot ept how he uses his love for me as an excuse to hurt those around me."


    Images of Jameson''s victims shed through Alyssa''s mind. Pain surged as she clenched her fists. "So how can I be with a man like that? I live in the light and will never sink into darkness.


    ''Mrs. Schmidt, if you truly favor me and want to do right by your son, please convince him to surrender to the police and confess his crimes. Tell him not to delve deeper into evil. Otherwise, a horrible death awaits him."


    "No! Jimmy is a good son and a kind man. He''s not like you say... He''s not!" Lily screamed, her wail piercing the air as she red through bloodshot eyes.


    Lily crumbled. Despair, fury, and sorrow twisted her face. Even Alyssa, who had witnessed all sorts of difficult times, felt a chill in her heart.


    Suddenly, Lily, still in her wheelchair, seemed to convulse like she had an electric shock. Gasping for air, she opened her mouth wide.


    "Mrs. Schmidt!" Alyssa turned pale with fright, rushing to hold down Lily''s convulsing body. "Mrs. Schmidt... What''s happening to you? Where does it hurt?"