Chapter 55
Allison shot a quick glance at Lillian before turning to Joshua, her face a portrait of calm. “If I told you Lillian was lying, would you believe me?”
Joshua blinked, momentarily taken aback, and didn’t answer right away.
Allison let out a small, self–mocking laugh. Why had she even bothered asking? It seemed obvious.
One was his sister, practically family since childhood, and the other was just her–a partner in a marriage of convenience, someone he hadn’t seen in three years and barely knew. Anyone could guess whom Joshua would side with.
However, then Joshua, after a brief pause, said with certainty, “I believe you.”
Allison was floored.
Did she hear that right? Joshua was actually choosing to trust her?
Then what about Lillian…
Allison watched as Lillian’s face drained of color. “Joshua, she’s making things up! How can you take her word over mine?”
“Enough.” Joshua’s gaze was icy as he looked at Lillian. “From the moment you met Allie, you’ve had this strange hostility towards her. When you claimed she kicked the horse when you weren’t looking, I already suspected you were lying.”
Joshua’s expression hardened. “Allie isn’t like that, and I know it. She has no reason to harm you.”
Allison watched Joshua closely, her emotions swirling.
Why was he so unwavering in his choice to back her? Why would he trust her without a shred of doubt?
She had figured he’d side with Lillian without a second thought.
Allison felt a sting of emotion, her eyes misting up. In that moment, she was hit with a wave of gratitude she couldn’t quite put into words.
Joshua’s gaze on Lillian was as cold as winter. “Lillian, remember your last name is Evans.”
The message was clear: you’re not a Fisher by blood, so don’t act like you have that privilege.
Lillian’s face, already pale, turned ghostly. Her lips moved, but no words came out, only tears.
“Get some rest. I’m leaving,” Joshua said, turning on his heel.
Allison stood by, watching Lillian sob uncontrollably, and sighed, “Why are you putting yourself through this?”
Outside, in the open–air parking lot, Joshua walked beside Allison, his eyes full of apology. “Allie, I’m sorry.”
Allison turned to him. “Why are you apologizing?”
“We didn’t raise Lillian better,” Joshua sighed. “I don’t even know why she’d lie about you. But I’ll get to the
bottom of it.”
Allison chuckled softly. “I know why.”
“Huh?” Joshua looked puzzled.
Allison’s lips curved into a knowing smile. “Joshua, can’t you see what’s going on with Lillian?”
Joshua asked, “What do you mean?”
Allison spoke slowly, “She’s got a problem with me because of you.”
Joshua frowned, staying silent.
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Chapter 55
Allison met his eyes, saying, “Lillian has feelings for you, so she sees me as competition. She’s trying to drive a wedge between us.”
Joshua’s brow furrowed as he thought it over.
Allison kept walking.
Joshua caught up, “Allie, hold on.”
Allison opened the car door and slid into the driver’s seat. Joshua settled into the passenger seat. As he buckled his seatbelt, he said, “I get it now. I’ll keep my distance from her.”
Allison paused, “Why?”
Joshua replied, “Didn’t you say she likes me? I never saw her that way, only as a sister. Now that I know, I’ll keep my distance.”
He added earnestly, “Allie, I want to give you security.”
Allison asked, “Why are you trusting me so completely? Lillian’s known you forever; shouldn’t she have your trust? Why me?”
Joshua looked at her, his eyes soft with emotion. “I told you already, you’re not the type to do something like that.”
“Is that the only reason?”
Just because he trusts her character?
The dim streetlights cast a warm glow through the windshield. The love in Joshua’s eyes was unmistakable. He spoke each word with conviction, “Also because I love you, and love means trusting without question.”
Allison’s heart skipped a beat. She turned away quickly, her cheeks flushed, words failing her.
