Her Heart Her Terms (Lily and Xavier)

Chapter 215

"This is my daughter's house. Why can't 1 be here?" Hazel declared brightly as she maneuvered past Maryanne and slipped inside.

Upon hearing the commotion, Lily came over but was too late to intervene.

"Lily, I bought some bread. Just a little something tor breakfast. You don't need to worry about me. Go ahead with your plans,"

Hazel camed her bags of instant food straight to the kitchen Inside, she opened the fridge and filled the empty shelves with her favorite snacks and meals as if settling in for the long haul. Maryanne's eyes widened, darting to Lily in silent question "What is happening?"

"It's fine." Lily muttered, glancing at Hazel

She could feel the frustration rising inside her, yet she was at a loss for approaching the situation,

Despite her anger, Lily felt a pang of pity for Hazel. Even as her patience wore thin, she couldn't bring herself to react too harshly.

Once the bags were unpacked, Hazel gave them a triumphant smile before retreating to the guest bedroom, shutting the door behind her.

"She's really staying?" Maryanne whispered. "Won't that make it awkward if we eat here?

It seemed impossible to speak freely with Hazel lurking in the background.

"How about we go out for barbeque instead?" Lily suggested after a moment's thought.

"Perfect!" Maryanne grabbed her bag from the sofa, threw on her coat, and was halfway out the door when it opened again.

Standing there was Terence, holding two heavy grocery bags.

"Terence, you're here?" Maryanne froze, glancing back at Lily with a hint of guilt.

Lily quickly stepped forward, reaching for the bags. "Terence, let me help."

"I've got it," Terence replied, his knuckles white as he gripped the handles tightly.

Inside the bags were an assortment of barbeque ingredients and a few bottles of cocktails, light enough for casual sipping.

Terence then carried them into the house and set them on the dining table.

Finally, be turned back to face the two women, now awkwardly dressed for an outing. "What's going on? Where are you headed?" Maryanne gestured vaguely toward the guest bedroom and then at Lily. "Mothe..."

"No insults," Terence wamed, furrowing his brows.

"It's not like that!" Maryarine protested.

Lily felt her cheeks flush. "My mom's here, so we thought we'd grab the groceries and head to Maryanne's place instead. That way, we're not in her way." Hazel's voice suddenly cut through the conversation. "Going to Maryanne's place again? What a hassle." The door to the guest bedroom creaked open, and Hazel poked her head out, eyeing Terence appraisingly. "Let's just eat here. I'm not eating, so you won't be bothering me."

"Mrs. Joyner," Terence greeted politely, but his gaze flickered with mild discomfort as he glanced at Lily. His timing couldn't have been worse, arriving just before their escape.

Lily's smile was strained, unsure whether to leave or stay, as the atmosphere became awkward.

As it sensing their hesitation, Hazel stepped fully into the room.

"I'll help. Don't stand there, make yourselves at home," she said, strolling into the ditchen as if she owned the place.

She began rummaging through cabinets, bowls and plates clinkding as she searched.

Lily had no choice but to take off her coat, roll up her sleeves, and follow Hazel into the kitchen. "I'll take care of it."

She bent down to retrieve the grill from the lower right cabinet.

Hazel let out a dry laugh and hurriedly pulled open a cupboard to get the bowls. "I low where everything is I'm just... a bit forgetful-ah!" She accidentally dropped three or four bowls onto the floor with a clatter,