Sweet Vengeances
Chapter 60: A Risk Worth Taking

Chapter 60: Chapter 60: A Risk Worth Taking

As Ethan steadied his hands on the wheel and maneuvered through the twisting route, the automobile hummed softly. Lily sat quietly next to him, staring at the passing landscape. There was a noticeable tension between them, but it wasn’t based on mistrust or rage. It was the weight of all that was not said, the unspoken realities and unresolved feelings that boiled beneath the surface.

"Where are we heading?" At last, Lily inquired in a calm yet gentle tone.

Ethan’s jaw was clenched as he looked at her. "Somewhere secure. I know someone who can assist us safeguard the ledger and ensure that it ends up in the proper hands.

Lily felt a knot in her stomach. The stakes had never been higher, but she still wanted to trust him. And what comes next? Should we simply leave?

Ethan took a while to respond. She thought for a second that he might not answer at all as his hands clenched over the steering wheel. Then he spoke in a measured, low voice.

"Everything changes after this. For us both.

Lily looked at him, looking for answers in his profile. "What is meant by that?"

With an unreadable tone, Ethan stated, "It means you’ll have a choice." "You have the option to return to your previous life and reconstruct what Daniel destroyed. or you can begin anew.

With her heart racing, she said, "With you?"

Ethan’s quiet said more than words could.

The air was heavy with anticipation as they reached a remote home tucked away in the woods. The wooden facade of the simple but well-kept building blended in perfectly with the surrounding deep woodland.

"This is where it is?" As she got out of the car and looked around, Lily questioned.

Ethan took the ledger and the duffel bag and nodded. Here, my contact will meet us. He is reliable.

Nervous, Lily trailed after him inside. With a little kitchen, a stone fireplace, and a table that appeared to have witnessed innumerable late-night discussions, the cabin’s interior was simple but practical.

"Are you certain that this is secure?" With a hint of uncertainty in her voice, she questioned.

After putting the bag down, Ethan faced her and met her gaze. "As secure as possible. However, Lily, safe does not equate to risk-free.

She nodded and swallowed hard. "I understand."

They waited for Ethan to get in touch for hours. As each minute dragged on longer than the last, the tension in the air only increased. Lily paced the cottage, ideas buzzing through her head. Could this be a trap? But what if it was too late already?

Ethan whispered, "Lily," jolting her out of her reverie.

He was standing by the fireplace when she turned around, and his face was softer than she had ever seen it.

He called out, "Come here."

After hesitating, she walked across the room and stopped a few steps from him. "What is it?"

Ethan’s hand touched hers as he extended his arm. "I have something I need you to know. You’re not alone in this, regardless of what occurs next.

His comments made Lily’s heart tighten. "Ethan, you’re not by yourself either. I’m with you here.

The world outside the cabin vanished for a second as their eyes locked. Only the two of them remained when the danger, the uncertainty, and the treachery vanished.

Ethan took a step forward her and cupped her cheek. "I didn’t realize you were doing the same for me because I’ve been so focused on protecting you."

His words sank in, and Lily’s breath caught. "Ethan."

He leaned in and planted a sweet yet frantic kiss on her lips before she could say another word. All the feelings they had been suppressing—fear, longing, and an unsaid promise of something more—were expressed in that kiss.

Ethan pressed his forehead to hers when they eventually separated. "Whatever occurs, I want you to know that I—"

The moment was cut short as he heard a harsh knock at the door.

Ethan tensed up instantly, lowering his hand to the revolver holstered beside him. His voice was low and authoritative as he continued, "Stay behind me."

Lily followed him to the door and nodded, her heart racing.

Carefully opening it, Ethan saw a man in his late forties with a sharp eye and a wrinkled face.

The man nodded and replied, "Ethan." "It’s nice to meet you."

Ethan said, "Marcus," and moved aside to make room for him.

Marcus walked into the cabin and looked at Ethan and then at Lily. "When you stated that things were becoming hotter, you weren’t lying. Half the city is searching for you.

"Have you got what we need?" With a tight tone, Ethan inquired.

Marcus took a tiny gadget out of his pocket and placed it on the table. The ledger will be encrypted and sent straight to the authorities as a result. Once posted, it cannot be undone.

Lily took a step forward and spoke firmly. "And then what happens to us?"

Marcus gave her a quick glance before turning back to Ethan. It depends. You’ll vanish if you’re intelligent. Until the dust settles, anyway.

Ethan’s jaw was fixed as he nodded. "We’ll take whatever necessary action."

Lily couldn’t get rid of the feeling that something was going awry as Marcus struggled to protect the ledger. She looked to Ethan, who was tensely observing Marcus like a hawk.

"What happens if they discover us before it’s finished?" She muttered.

"They won’t," Ethan stated, but his tone was less assured than usual.

But as if on cue, Lily felt a chill go through her when she heard footsteps outside the cabin.

Her voice was hardly heard when she said, "Ethan."

He was already on the move, reaching for his rifle and gesturing for her to keep her head down. Marcus quickly typed on his device while muttering curses.

Marcus advised stalling them if necessary. "Two more minutes, please."

Ethan stood near the entrance and narrowed his eyes at the increasing volume of footsteps. Lily ducked under the table, braced for the worst, her heart pounding.

Anarchy broke out when the door flew open.

There was an uncanny silence in the cabin following the altercation. With their weapons strewn all over the floor, the guys who had stormed in lay unconscious.

Marcus grinned triumphantly as he stood over his invention. "It is finished. The ledger has been posted online.

Lily let out a shaky breath, the adrenaline making her body tremble.

Ethan steadied her with his hands as he assisted her in standing up. "It’s over," he replied with a tone of relief.

However, Lily recognized that their battle was far from done as she met his eyes. Although they had prevailed in this battle, the struggle for their future and their love was only getting started.

"Not yet," she answered quietly, her eyes fixed on him. "But it will be."

And she actually believed it for the first time in what seemed like an eternity.