Her Heart Her Terms (Lily and Xavier)

The atmosphere in the hospital ward was tense-there was no warmth or any sense of family coming together. In fact, it felt completely forced, like they were just awkwardly stuck in the same space.

Not long after, Bobby arrived.

As soon as they sat down, they started eating. Hazel shot Lily several meaningful glances, but the latter ignored them, refusing to initiate conversations with Bobby.

Thus, the tension in the ward grew even more.

After only a few bites, Bobby put his fork down. The stainless steel cutlery clinked sharply against the plate, a clear sign of his displeasure.

"Lily, quick, get your dad a tissue!" said Hazel.

Lily was farthest from the tissue box, so Hazel grabbed it and placed it directly in front of her.

Lily was struggling to hold the fork with her left hand, a piece of pie freshly speared on the tip.

"I'll get it," Hayden said, pulling out a tissue and handing it to Bobby.

The fact that Lily was giving him attitude made Bobby's expression darken further. He accepted the tissue with a scoff and said, "She's the esteemed Mrs. Fulton after all, so how could I dare to trouble her?"

"It's good that you know." A cold, low voice suddenly came from the doorway.

Everyone looked up to see Xavier standing there, his tall frame accentuated by his tailored coat. He carried a thermal food container in one hand, and the chill of winter seemed to cling to him, breaking through the stifling atmosphere in the ward.

Bobby immediately stood up with a smile. "Xavier, you're here! And you even brought food for Lily."

"If I didn't, you would've forgotten she's my wife. Lecturing her as you please is one thing, but to also set her up for blind dates?"

It was rare for Xavier to speak so much, but every word struck a nerve, leaving Bobby shaking with panic.

Hayden had never liked Xavier. But at this moment, Xavier was speaking up for Lily, so Hayden suddenly didn't find him so detestable anymore.

Given how busy Xavier was, Lily had assumed he wouldn't be back until later. She sat there in a daze until her fork was taken from her hand.

Xavier sat down beside her. He then opened the thermos and laid out several foods and a bowl of soup before finally placing a spoon in Lily's hand.

"Have some bone broth. It'll help with your recovery."

He clearly disapproved of the drynoveldrama

pies that her family had brought.et

they truly cared, they would have prepared a proper meal for Lily, not just a plate of pie.

Having been married to Lily for over two years, Xavier knew exactly what kind of person Bobby was.

"We're so happy to see how much you care for Lily, Xavier," Hazel said

awkwardly, trying to salvage the situation before it spiraled further.

Bobby hesitated, wanting to bring up the troubles Joyner Group was facing but sensing that the timing was far from ideal.

"Well, we've eaten, so let's go," Hayden said.

He felt that his parents' awkward small talk paled in comparison to the simple

gesture of Xavier helping Lily feed herself.

When Xavier wasn't around, Hayden had thought there might still be a chance for Bobby and Hazel to slowly mend their relationship with Lily.

But now, seeing the stark contrast, he felt like Bobby and Hazel would only embarrass Lily in front of Xavier if they stayed any longer.

While Hayden worried about Lily's dignity, Bobby was thinking about Joyner Group. After finally getting the chance to meet Xavier, he had to seize the moment.

Forcing himself to push through the awkwardness, he said, "Xavier, since you and Lily didn't go through with the divorce, do you think you could

lend Joyner Group a hand Could