FATED TO BE WITH YOU

"Michael, wait up! Mum says we need to come home together."

"I know, Lily, but you need to keep up."

"I'm trying, but you're way too fast. And besides, why didn’t Dad pick us up today?"

"Because it’s your birthday. Dad is helping Mum at home—I’m sure of it."

"Are you sure? Or is he just in another meeting?"

"I don’t know, Lily. But Mum wants us to take the bus home."

"This birthday is going to suck if Dad isn’t around."

"You invited your friends, right?"

"I’m not like you, Michael. You have friends. You’re smart and cool. But no one wants to be friends with a freak like me."

"That’s not true, Lily. And you need to stop saying things that are way beyond your age."

"Way beyond my age? Michael, I’m turning eleven today. I’m not a child anymore. Complaining about not having friends isn’t something beyond my age."

I sighed in frustration. *Why does she always have to be so sharp?* It had always been like this with Lily, but honestly, that was one of the things I loved most about her.

"I’m not saying you can’t talk about school being tough," I explained. "But sometimes, the way you speak makes me feel like I’m talking to an older sister, not my little one."

"Fine," she huffed. "I’ll try to sound my age next time."

I glanced at her, and for the first time today, a smile tugged at my lips. Without a word, I extended my hand toward her. She took it immediately, and warmth filled my chest. She was the best little sister—I honestly didn’t know what I’d do without her.

"Want me to carry you like I used to?" I teased, a grin spreading across my face.

Her eyes widened in horror. "What? Hell no! I’m not seven or eight anymore! Besides, the kids at school already pick on me enough."

"Who cares? And they’re not your real friends if they pick on you."

"You’re right," she murmured.

Without another word, I scooped her up, laughing as she squealed in protest. But she didn’t fight it—she never really minded. We played all the way home, the worries of the day momentarily forgotten.

The moment we stepped inside, Mum’s warm smile greeted us.

"Hi, sweetie. Happy birthday!"

"Thanks, Mum," Lily beamed, pecking Mum’s cheek before handing over her school bag.

"How was your day at school, dear?"

"It was fine, Mum," she answered, but I caught the flicker of doubt in her eyes.

Not wanting her to dwell on it, Mum distracted her with her favorite cookies and a milkshake. Taking the chance, I asked quietly, "Is Dad joining us for the birthday party?"

"I don't know… He said he would be here, but you know how it is—he rarely makes it."

"She really wants him here today," I pressed. "She said it doesn’t feel like her birthday if Dad isn’t around."

"You know how much Lily loves her father," Mum sighed. "We’ll just have to wait and see. Go get ready and come down for some snacks."

"Did Lily invite anyone?" Mum asked softly.

"No… She said she doesn’t have any friends yet" I replied. Mum let out a quiet breath, a trace of sadness in her expression. "Don’t worry too much. I’m sure she’ll come around in time." She said.

"I don’t know, Mum. Most of her classmates pick on her. I’m worried. I’ll be leaving high school for college soon. How is she going to cope without me looking out for her?"

Mum's eyes softened with concern. "I don’t know, son. I just don’t know."

Looking into her tired eyes, I realized this was just as hard on her. My gaze drifted to the dining table, where Lily was happily shoveling cookies into her mouth, completely oblivious to our heavy conversation.

"You want some?" she asked, noticing me staring.

I forced a smile. "No, enjoy yourself."

She grinned and kept eating.

Mum touched my shoulder gently. "Go get ready. We’ll wait a little longer for your dad. Lily, come with me—I have a little gift for you upstairs."

As Mum led Lily away, I headed up to my room to change.

**Lily’s POV**

Mum held my hand as we walked up to my room. I could still hear Michael and Mum whispering before we left, but I tried to block it out. Today was my birthday, and I just wanted to be happy.

When we reached my room, Mum pulled out a carefully wrapped box, and excitement bubbled inside me.

I tore off the wrapping paper quickly, gasping when I saw what was inside.

"Oh my God! A blue ball gown! Thank you, Mum!" I hugged her tightly, my heart swelling.

Mum chuckled, gently stroking my hair. "I’m glad you love it, sweetie. Now, go take a bath so we can get you ready."

Nodding eagerly, I ran into the bathroom. The warm water soothed me as I imagined myself twirling in my new dress. By the time I stepped out, I was glowing with excitement. I dried off quickly and slipped into the gown, loving how soft the fabric felt against my skin.

Mum smiled as she sat me down to style my hair. Her fingers worked gently, twisting and pinning my curls in place. She had always been amazing at styling my hair, and today was no different.

"There," she said softly, tilting my chin up. "You look like a princess."

I beamed at her. "Thank you, Mum."

She leaned down and kissed my forehead. "I love you, sweetheart."

"I love you too, Mum."

Mum reached into her pocket and pulled out a small velvet box. "I have one last gift for you. Guess what it is?"

I grinned, my heart racing. "A tiara to match my dress?"

She chuckled softly. "Close. It’s a necklace." She opened the box to reveal a delicate silver chain with a tiny pendant. "And no matter what happens, Lily, you must never lose it, okay?"

Something about the way she said it made me freeze. Her voice was calm, but there was an unusual, heavy seriousness in her eyes. It made my stomach twist into knots.

Before I could ask her about it, a frantic voice interrupted us.

"Mum! Mum!" Michael’s voice rang through the hallway before he burst into the room. His face was ghostly pale, his eyes wide with terror.

Mum stood immediately. "What is it, Michael?"

He rushed over, grabbing her arm as he whispered something I couldn’t make out. I frowned, my fingers tightening around the necklace. Whatever was happening, it was bad.

"What’s going on?" I asked, my voice trembling.

Mum turned to me briefly, but she didn't answer. Instead, she rushed out of the room, leaving Michael and me alone.

I turned to my brother. "Michael, what’s happening?"

"Nothing, Lily. Mum just got an urgent call from work, that’s all."

He was lying. I knew he was. Michael never met my eyes when he lied.

Still, I didn’t push. "Okay." I twirled slightly in my dress, trying to break the tension. "Are you ready for the party?"

"Oh… about that." He hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck. "Mum and Dad need a few minutes to talk to some business partners."

My heart leaped. "Dad’s back?"

The flicker of hesitation in Michael’s eyes made my stomach sink all over again.

"Yes," he said carefully. "But he brought a few colleagues over for business. Mum wants us to stay up here until they’re done talking."

"Okay… I can’t wait to see him!" I forced a smile, trying to shake off the cold fear creeping into my chest. I ran my fingers over my dress, then touched the pendant around my neck. "Did you even notice my gown and necklace? Mum gave them to me!"

Michael finally looked at me, forcing a small, tight smile. "They’re beautiful. The necklace matches your eyes."

I twirled once more, letting the fabric flow around me. "Michael… you don’t look happy. You look terrified. What’s wrong?"

He hesitated, his jaw clenching. "It’s nothing, Lily."

I frowned. He was pacing back and forth, his entire body stiff. Something was terribly wrong. The silence between us stretched, thick and suffocating.

Then—

A blood-curdling scream echoed from downstairs.

My heart stopped.

"What was that? Was that Mum?" I whispered, my voice barely audible.

Michael didn’t answer. Instead, he lunged forward, grabbed my wrist, and shoved me toward the wardrobe.

"Stay in here. Don’t come out. No matter what you hear, do you understand?" His voice was low, frantic, and desperate.

Fear coiled inside me like ice. "Michael… I’m scared. What’s happening?"

"I don’t know, Lily," he admitted, his voice cracking. "There are strange men downstairs. Just stay hidden. I’ll come back for you."

Then he slammed the wardrobe door shut, leaving me in the pitch-black darkness, trembling as tears spilled down my cheeks.

Something was terribly, terribly wrong.

Michael left, shutting the wardrobe doors behind me. The space was too small, too tight—I could barely breathe. My knees were pressed to my chest, and the scent of wood mixed with my own sweat filled my nostrils. Time dragged on, stretching into what felt like forever. My heart pounded so loudly I was afraid someone outside might hear it.

I wanted to stay hidden like Michael told me, but fear and curiosity gnawed at me. I couldn't take it anymore. With shaky hands, I pushed the wardrobe door open and climbed out. My feet barely made a sound as I crept toward the bedroom door, every step feeling heavier with dread.

Slowly, I opened the door and stepped into the dimly lit hallway. My body trembled, but I forced myself to keep going. I had to know what was happening. I had to see.

Reaching the top of the staircase, I gripped the railing and peered down.

Mum and Dad were on their knees, their hands restrained by two men. My breath caught in my throat. A woman I h