Sweet Vengeances
Chapter 96: The Heart’s Dilemma

Chapter 96: Chapter 96: The Heart’s Dilemma

Beyond the rooftop windows lay the city, a huge sea of whispered secrets and flickering lights. Inside, there was a heavy strain that persisted like an unbreakable storm. With his whiskey glass still in his hand, Ethan remained still. With every thought, a new chain tightened around his chest, adding to the night’s oppressive weight.

Lily sat on the couch behind him, silently observing him. She’d seen Ethan like this before, far away, confined to his own thoughts, planning moves like a chess player facing a checkmate. However, planning wasn’t the only factor here. It was a personal matter.

With a sigh, she got up and moved across the room to stand next to him. "You’re overanalyzing once more."

Ethan smiled, but he kept his gaze fixed on the city. "You are also worrying excessively."

She folded her arms. "You just proclaimed war on one of the city’s most dangerous guys. I apologize for my concern.

At last, Ethan looked in her direction. We won’t have to deal with Damien for a while. He is aware of our advantage.

Lily gave a headshake. "I’m not talking about that." As she moved closer, her voice became softer. "What happens next, Ethan?"

He clenched his jaw. "We prevail."

"That isn’t a response," she insisted. "I mean, us. Where do we go when this is all over?

Ethan gazed at her, the question pressing down on him like an unwelcome burden. He had lived his entire life seeking survival, vengeance, and power. He’d never let himself consider what may happen next.

Before he could answer, Lily went on. "I’ve fought with you and put my life in danger for you." But I must know. Am I still only a participant in the conflict when it’s all over? Or do you genuinely care about me?

Something constricted in Ethan’s chest. She was pleading for his heart, not only an answer. And he was uncertain about how to provide that.

He said, "You understand how much you mean to me."

Although Lily’s face softened, she remained firm. "Then demonstrate it."

Ethan paused, but his phone chimed before he could say anything. The moment broke like a piece of glass.

With a quick breath, he looked at the television. A call from an unidentified number.

When you got the chance, you ought to have murdered me. It’s my time now. - D

Ethan gripped the phone more tightly.

Lily saw the change in his face. "What is it?"

Ethan’s jaw tightened. "Damien."

A Risky Idea

Ethan and Lily met Jacob the following morning in a safe subterranean place, out of sight. Leaning against the wall with his arms folded was Jacob, the informant who had previously worked with Moreau.

"So, you let Damien walk?" Jacob murmured without admiration. "A bold move. Brave, yet reckless.

Across from him, Ethan sat with an inscrutable face. "I prevented him from walking. I offered him an option.

Jacob gave a gloomy laugh. "And he’s making his own now."

Ethan displayed the message on his phone as he passed it over the table. "Damien will arrive. When and how are the questions.

After examining the screen, Jacob raised his head. "He’s not aiming straight at you. He is too intelligent for that.

Lily scowled. "What is his play, then?"

Jacob let out a breath. "He’ll go after the one thing he knows will shatter you."

Ethan’s eyes grew gloomy. "Lily."

She tensed up a little, but her face didn’t change. "I am capable of managing myself."

Jacob gave a headshake. "You won’t be the only one. Everything will be dismantled by Damien. He will target your resources and supporters. Until you are left with nothing, he will isolate you.

Leaning back, Ethan pondered. "We then push his hand."

Jacob’s eyebrows went up. "How?"

Ethan’s lips formed a menacing grin. "On our terms, we give him what he desires."

Lily’s eyes narrowed. "You don’t really intend to fall into another trap?"

Ethan looked her in the eye. "No. I’m considering putting one up.

War or Love

Ethan and Lily went back to the penthouse later that night. Something else hung between them, something deeper, yet the weight of the chat with Jacob was still there.

With her arms encircling her body, Lily stood close to the fireplace. "This is what you always do."

Ethan let out a sigh. "What do you do?"

"Stop me," she said. "You allow me to fight with you, but you push me away when it comes to decisions that truly impact us both."

Ethan raked his fingers through his hair as annoyance began to set in. "Lily, I’m attempting to keep you safe."

She gave a headshake. "No, you’re attempting self-defense."

He stopped.

Lily moved in closer. "You fear that I will leave you. I understand. However, you have no authority over how I conduct my life. You don’t have the authority to decide for me.

With his barriers faltering, Ethan let out a breath. "I’d rather not lose you."

She said, "Then stop pushing me away."

They were silent for a while. Ethan eventually moved forward and cupped her face. His eyes were filled with something unsaid as he ran his hand over her jaw.

He said, "I don’t know how to do this."

Lily covered his hands with hers. "Then allow me to demonstrate."

And for the first time, Ethan gave in to the one thing he had been too scared to embrace, not to strategy or to battle.

She.

He gave her a slow, passionate kiss, putting all of his unspoken words into it. And for that instant, there was just them—no betrayals, no threats, no conflict.

However, the weight of reality returned as the night became darker.

The fight had not yet ended.

A Last Decision

Long after Lily had gone to sleep, Ethan was still awake, his arm wrapped around her as she lay against him. His mind was racing through all the possibilities.

He was troubled by Damien’s remarks. When you got the chance, you ought to have murdered me.

A caution. A problem.

Ethan has been on the verge of catastrophe for years, struggling to keep ahead. For the first time, however, he was battling for more than himself.

Lily had turned into both his greatest asset and his worst vulnerability.

Damien was aware of it.

He brushed a lock of hair off her cheek and gazed down at her sleeping face.

This has to stop. For good and all.

And that required decision-making.

To triumph, would he risk everything, even her?

Or was he at last prepared to abandon the war?

The endgame was imminent, one way or another.

And there was no space for doubt this time.