Chapter 1497

Lily missed him terribly. She was also deeply worried. Her anxiety had morphed into a gnawing worry, tears welling in her eyes. Suppressing her tears, she pressed, "Talk to me! What's wrong? What happened? Why haven't you called in a week? Do you know how much I've missed you?"

"Lily, listen."

After a deep breath, he managed, "I'm back!"

"What?!"

Lily was stunned. "What do you mean you're back? Are you home? Why didn't I see you? Are you at the company? Where are you? I'll come find you!" She sprang up, ready to leave. He's in Kingsland, but not home? I need to see him!

"No, listen!" Alex inhaled sharply, struggling for breath. Lily sensed his discomfort, his effort to speak. Something's wrong! Her grip on the phone tightened.

"Tell me. I'm listening!"

"I can't meet you now, but I'm safe. Don't worry. I knew you'd be concerned, so I called. Don't worry." Despite the choppy connection, Lily understood.

"Why can't you meet me? Did something happen? Galen and I miss you terribly, and we're worried sick! So much has happened. I have so much to tell you..." Anger and anxiety warred within her. He was in Kingsland, yet unreachable. But she sensed his distress and composed herself. Something serious must have occurred. His evasiveness only fueled her desire to see him.

"I know, I know everything!" He coughed, his voice hoarse. "I can't meet you now. Just wait a few days. Don't worry. I'll be home soon."

"How can I not worry?! I know you're sick, but you won't let me see you! What's wrong? You used to tell me everything!" Rage coursed through her. They always faced problems together, always honest, always there for each other. Now, Alexander was silent. Her worry intensified.

"Listen!" Even a few words triggered another coughing fit. His breaths were shallow and labored. "I'm better, but still a little sick. I need time to recover. I'll come home as soon as I can."

"What's wrong? A cold? Shouldn't you recover at home?" Lily asked. "Why can't you come back? What happened?" She paused, remembering Olivia's visit two days prior. "By the way, how's Edward? Did he come back with you?"

Silence. A chilling premonition gripped her. Then, his voice, strained, "No, Edward didn't come back. Something... something happened to him."