Echoes of a Shattered Vow

Lillian lifted her suitcase and faced Elton calmly. "I know you're worried that Bruce and Alice would be upset if I left, but you heard what people said at the gala. Our situation's too messy. My stay isn't good for anyone."

Elton didn't seem to hear her. He reached out a hand to block her.

"You've lived here two lifetimes," he muttered. "Where else can you go?"

Lillian closed her eyes, then let it all out. "I talked to my uncle. He's got a place ready for me abroad. I can move in as soon as I get there."

Elton's eyes widened in disbelief. The room fell silent, only their breathing audible.

Finally, he found his voice. "Is this really necessary? You know how far that is? Who permitted you to leave the country? Just because I brought Jill here, you're running off? I said we could be siblings. I can give you everything except love. Jill never asked you to leave. What are you even thinking?"

Jill, standing nearby, froze.

She'd been thrilled to hear Lillian was leaving, but Elton was trying to stop Lillian.

'Since when did Lillian mean so much to him?' Jill wouldn't allow it.

Oblivious, Elton kept barking orders. "Put the suitcase down. You're not leaving this house without my say-so."

Lillian laughed, raising an eyebrow. "What, can't bear to see me go?"

Elton's face darkened. His fists clenched, his knuckles cracking.

But instead of exploding, he sneered and stepped aside. "You're reading too much into it. Go as far as you like. I'll even drive you."

He reached for her suitcase, but she stepped back. "Don't bother. I'll visit my parents' graves first, and then I'm gone."

Elton softened at the mention of her parents, who died saving him. He'd respect them forever.

"I'll go with you."

"No need."

Suddenly, a cat darted out of the shadows toward her.

Lillian, severely allergic to cat fur, panicked and raised her arm to shield herself, which startled the cat.

She stumbled and fell to the floor, clutching her itching throat as she coughed violently.

"Tubby!" Jill rushed to grab the cat but got scratched, her arm bleeding.

Elton scooped her up. "Don't worry. I'm taking you to the hospital."

As he moved to leave, Lillian weakly grabbed his pant leg. Her chest heaved, her face twisted in pain. She could barely breathe, not to mention speak.

"What's wrong?" Elton crouched to check on her.

Jill let out a soft cry. "Ow, it hurts."

Elton hesitated, then carried Jill out without another glance at Lillian.