THE RETURN HEIR

Chapter 02

Max stood outside the Sky Golden Hotel, the grandeur of the place pressing down on him like a weight. Gleaming marble floors, crystal chandeliers, and a valet line filled with luxury cars—it was a world far removed from his. He’d come here for answers, but just standing in front of the hotel made him feel as if he didn’t belong, like an intruder in a place meant for people who had everything he didn’t.

As he stood, taking in the sight, his heart clenched at the sight of David Lesley stepping out of the hotel lobby with Lily on his arm. David was laughing, whispering something that made Lily giggle—a carefree, dazzling smile lighting up her face. Max couldn’t remember her looking like that with him. She’d always seemed happy, but this… this was different.

Was I never enough for her? he thought, the question heavy in his chest.

Gathering his resolve, Max moved forward, his eyes focused on Lily. She froze as she spotted him, the smile slipping from her face, replaced by a look of panic. She glanced quickly at David, who noticed her discomfort and then followed her gaze, landing on Max with a dismissive smirk.

“Lily,” Max began, his voice thick with confusion and hurt, “why did you do this to me?”

David’s eyes narrowed as he took in Max’s worn-out jeans and plain shirt, and he sneered, pulling Lily closer. “Darling, do you know this… peasant?” His tone was dripping with disdain, and the way he tightened his hold on her sent a clear message—Lily belonged to him now.

Max’s fists clenched, his heart pounding with anger, but he held back. He wasn’t here for David. He needed answers from Lily.

Lily shifted uncomfortably, glancing at Max with a mix of embarrassment and annoyance. The way he looked, standing there in such an opulent setting, was like a stain on the image she had carefully built for herself. She regretted ever letting him into her life.

Why did he have to follow me here? she thought bitterly. She remembered the thrill she’d felt when he first pursued her, drawn to his good looks and hardworking nature. But those feelings had faded fast. Max was a constant reminder of a life of struggle she wanted to escape. She couldn’t deny his sincerity, but sincerity couldn’t buy designer bags or fine dining. It couldn’t buy her a life of comfort.

Seeing the pain in his eyes, she felt a pang of guilt but quickly buried it. She couldn’t let emotions get in the way of her future.

“Max…” she sighed, her tone distant. “I… I don’t know what to say.”

“Then say the truth,” Max said, his voice trembling as he held her gaze. “Was I never good enough for you?”

Lily shifted, her eyes darting to David, who watched the exchange with an air of bored amusement. “It’s not that, Max,” she said, her voice growing colder. “It’s just… you don’t have what I need. Look at yourself.” She gestured to his clothes, her expression one of pity mixed with contempt. “I mean, how could we ever be happy?”

Max’s face fell, the weight of her words hitting him like a blow. “I thought… I thought we had something real, Lily.”

Lily sighed, irritation flashing in her eyes. “Max, you barely make ends meet. You can’t even take me to a place like this. I’ve spent months hoping things would change, but… look around you. You’re not part of this world.” She looked at David, her eyes softening. “David is.”

Max’s anger bubbled up, his heart shattering as he struggled to keep his voice steady. “So that’s it? You’d choose him because he can throw money at you?”

David chuckled, stepping between them. “Listen, ‘Max,’ right?” he said, his tone patronizing. “It’s not about ‘throwing money’ around. It’s about knowing what she deserves. And she deserves more than you could ever offer.”

Max ignored him, his gaze fixed on Lily. “You told me… you told me you loved me.”

Lily scoffed, rolling her eyes. “Did you really believe that, Max? Did you really think I could be happy living like… like that?” She gestured to him again, as if he embodied everything she wanted to leave behind. “David… he gives me what I need. We had our fun, but it’s over.”

Max’s chest tightened, his voice barely a whisper. “I trusted you, Lily.”

Lily crossed her arms, her expression hardening. “Trust doesn’t pay the bills, Max. And it doesn’t get me anywhere in life.” She glanced away, her voice cold and final. “I’m done with you.”

For a moment, Max felt like he couldn’t breathe. The woman he’d spent months caring for, the woman he thought he loved, had discarded him like he was nothing more than a temporary amusement.

David smirked, wrapping his arm around Lily’s shoulders. “I think you’ve heard enough, haven’t you?” he said, his voice mocking. “Maybe it’s time you ran along, Max. I think you’ve overstayed your welcome here.”

Max’s fists tightened, and for a split second, he thought of fighting back, of throwing every ounce of his frustration and betrayal into a single punch aimed at David’s smug face. But he knew it wouldn’t solve anything.

He took a shaky breath, his voice calm but laced with pain. “I hope you’re happy, Lily.”

I was a fool, he thought bitterly, wiping away a tear that slipped down his cheek.