webnovel

IT'S ALWAYS BEEN ME

[WARNING ⚠️ MATURE CONTENT] Lillian Quinn An orphan from a neglectful home who was exploited by her mom most of all. She ran away from home after fifteen years of mental and physical abuse. She sought asylum with her boyfriend at the time who made her feel safe and loved as she pursued what she really wanted to do with her life. Everything looks like it’s finally falling into place but someone has other plans for her. Duke Dixon In a towering skyscraper, far removed from the humble corners of her newfound haven. He watched the city with an insatiable hunger. A man of immense power and influence, Duke had built his empire on the cutting edge of robotics, his ambition knowing no bounds. Yet, amidst his conquests, a chance encounter at a school sponsorship event five years prior had ignited a different kind of obsession. He had seen in Lillian not just a talented artist, but a muse capable of stirring his soul.

O_Evelyn · Urban
Not enough ratings
5 Chs

CHAPTER TWO

I've been walking for a while now, not sure where I'm going actually, all I know is that I can't get these tears to stop. It made it harder to see because this rain was not letting up. I was the only one on the streets, the downpour was so heavy that I was soaked down to my underwear.

If he even cared a little bit he'll come after me but no, he didn't. He was the only person, only person in my life who didn't make me feel like a disappointment, he supported me when my parents didn't, he helped me find myself. So why would he go ahead and betray me like this? If he didn't like me anymore he could have just said so, I would have been sad but better off than I am now.

I slipped on a puddle and landed on my butt, ruining the dress I wore for the show even more. I screamed in frustrated and pounded the ground with my fists, I did so repeatedly. It hurt but not as much as my heart did.

I realized the street I was on was not far from the gallery. It was quiet and the lights were turned off except for the security ones outside.

Drenched and broken I walked up to the front gates, I banged on it multiple times before a middle-aged man walked up to me with an umbrella.

"Hey Milo" I said sadly.

"Miss Lily what on earth are you doing out in this?" He opened the gates up for me. I passed by a black car on my way inside, he led me in through the back door and gave me a towel. "I'll find you some clothes you wear" he hurried off somewhere.

After cleaning the water off my face and squeezing the excess off the ends of my dress, I wondered into the main hall.

My mind was not really focusing on anything just the immense pain I'm feeling, then I saw it my painting of him. My everything or was my everything.

Seeing his face made mine twist in anger because I don't deserve this, any of it. I've taken enough shit in my life as it is. I forced the protective glass open with so much force it cracked when it hit the wall beside.

I raised my hand ready to rip this painting to pieces but wasn't able to budge it.

"Why would you do that?" a voice spoke behind me and I looked up to see that my hand have been held in place.

"I'm the owner of the painting, I'm not committing vandalism" I said to clear out any suspicion.

He chuckled before continuing. 'I'm well aware of who you are Lillian Quinn" I finally turned back to see the face of this man, it was dark but little moonlight peeking in through the windows let me get a good look at his face. He was the same man I spoke with during the show.

"You… what are you doing here?" the show was over a while ago and everyone was supposed to clear out.

"Stopping you from doing something atrocious to a beautiful painting like this"

"I hate it, I want it destroyed" I cried out.

He clicked his tongue with an unimpressive frown ."What have you done now boy?"

I scrunched my brows in confusion.

"Miss Lily" Milo jogged to where I was with the spare clothes in hand. "You're not supposed to be here- Sir!" he saluted at the man beside me. "She came in seeking shelter from the rain sir"

He raised his hand to silence him. "At ease I understand the situation perfectly, but-" he cocked a brow at the clothes in his hand. "She is not wearing that"

He proceeded to the front door my wrist still firmly in his grasp.

"Where are you taking me?" I asked confused as to who he is and why Milo treated him like that.

"Those clothes are soaked and you'll catch a cold if you keep wearing them"

I let him lead me to his car. Milo held the umbrella for us to pass safely without the rain's interference. There was a driver in the front seat while we sat at the back.

The car was spacious and fancy, I felt guilty for staining it with my wet clothes.

"I'm sorry for my state" I apologized feeling ashamed.

"Don't worry about it, I'll just get a new one" I pondered not really understanding what he meant by that.

The car ride was silent the whole drive, it wasn't until the driver parked the car at the entrance before I realized where we were. It was the head branch of a famous clothing store.

"It's after closing hours" I said noticing the dark building and eerie silent atmosphere. Despite all that he exited the car, there was a shade over us so we didn't have to worry about the rain.

Sensing I'm to follow him, I too left the car and followed after him. "There's nobody around" I said to him in case he hasn't noticed yet.

Then I noticed two girls and a guard standing by the grand doors.

"Welcome Sir" they spoke harmoniously and the security held the door open for us.

He walked into the building like he owned it. The girls followed in after him and I reluctantly followed as well. I heard a click and the light bulbs came to life and illuminated the grand dark room.

He walked off to the women section and we three followed behind him like lost puppies.

"Pick this, take this and that" he pointed and the girls rushed to pick them off. He walked further inside and used only those words while the girls picked clothes, then another one. "Come"

The elevator we took led us to the last floor, we followed him again until we reached a pretty room with lounge chairs, a little bar and huge curtains strung up secluding a section of the room off.

"Change her" he ordered and the two girls led me away.

"Hold up what is going on? I can not pay for these" I picked up a tag with an outrageously expensive amount.

"Don't worry yourself love" he gave me his reassuring smile. "This is only the beginning"

I wanted to ask him what that statement meant but the girls already pushed me behind the curtains.