Speak To Me
Chapter 168 –

(Rylan)

I went to walk forward, not realizing everyone had stopped but me as I pulled Tilly's arm before looking back in confusion.

"What's wrong? Why did we stop?" I asked curiously, peering down into those blue/green eyes as I realized they were locked onto something across the room. And then I turned to look what it was.

That's when I saw him..Bruce Remington. I didn't know the guy well, but he frequented the restaurant that my parents owned. He and my dad also attend the same country club together as well.

I never personally interacted with him..but I have heard the rumors about his sons..they were a piece of work, that much I know. At least that's what mom says..apparently he has been married a few times, each providing him with a son as they fight for the position of who will inherit Bruce's fortune when he passes.

"Well, Rylan Walters, is that you?" Bruce suddenly stated, his eyes locking onto me as I suddenly realized something else..

That's when a weird feeling of familiarity began to wash over me.. did he always have eyes like that? Eyes just like...Tilly.. Fuck..

Wait..this can't mean what I think it does, right?

I quickly glanced toward Paula and Shaina, noting their shocked expressions as Bruce began to approach us.

"Mr. Walters, I thought that was you. Where has your old man been hiding? I haven't seen him around in a while." Bruce laughed before reaching out and going to shake my hand firmly.

That's when my instincts kicked in..my other hand pulled Tilly to the side, making it so she was hidden behind me as I could feel her body was stiff and frozen in place.

"Mr. Remington, I didn't expect to see you here. My father has been taking care of some personal matters lately." I said lightly, trying not to show how stressed I felt while shaking his hand firmly.

Bruce Remington was someone you didn't want to mess with..he came from old money..money that could buy the building beneath my feet in a matter of seconds..but how did Shaina know him? He couldn't be THAT man..right?

"Ah, you know how it is..the older you get the more tests they have to run apparently. What brings you here?" He asked, glancing between me and Tilly's family as some type of familiarity crossed Bruce's eyes.

Paula quickly turned, pulling Shaina with her before stepping towards Mr. Martinez who was waiting in the wheelchair a few feet away from us.

"Just visiting with some family friends." I lied, not wanting to draw attention to Tilly who was now clinging to my back.

"I see..and the young lady hiding behind your back?" Bruce asked, seeming amused while motioning towards Tilly, making my stomach drop..fuck..

"This is my girlfriend..but we really should get going..the car is waiting for us outside." I rushed, giving Burce a forced smile before I went to turn and wrap Tilly in my arms.

Just as I did, Bruce stepped forward, reaching his hand out.

"Wait..are you not going to introduce me to the girl?" He asked, causing me to curse under my breath..they clearly didn't want him to know about her..why was he so persistent all of a sudden?

I glanced towards Paula, seeing her head shaking no as her eyes pleaded with me.

"Perhaps another time. We are running late as is." I said more firmly, making sure Bruce didn't see Tilly's face as I started to usher her toward the door. Are you reading this on obiẞ.m? If not, you've been misled! This chapter was lifted from our site. Head over to obiẞ.m for genuine chapters, the latest updates, and exclusive releases."

"Yes..perhaps." Bruce muttered, causing me to feel even more protective as I guided Tilly outside and straight for the shuttle.

But as soon as the cool air rushed towards us, Tilly seemed to snap out of whatever trance she had been in..and when I looked down, I swear I saw a wave of anger like no other fill those beautiful eyes as she locked them onto Paula.

Tilly stomped toward Mrs. Martinez, this look of anger showing me a side of Tilly I never knew..as I couldn't help but think she looked even more adorable completely enraged..how was that possible?

"Who was that Mama?" Tilly snapped, causing Paula to glance back towards the hospital nervously.

"We will speak about it later." Paula stated, making Tilly cross her arms in front of her chest as she shook her head no adamantly.

"No..now..I am done being kept in the dark..I deserve to know." Tilly demanded, making me tower behind her protectively as I watched Mr. Martinez being loaded onto the shuttle carefully.

Paula began chewing her lip..her gaze falling on Shaina now as she seemed indifferent about the whole thing..in fact..she was glaring at Tilly now, seeming mad at her for some reason. What the hell was her problem? "Fine..but not out here..let's get Papa to the facility first..and then we can talk tonight." Paula answered, causing Tilly to think about this for a few moments before letting out a long sigh.

"Okay..but no more secrets..I'm serious..I want to know everything.." Tilly whispered, making Paula nod yes as I could see the fear still present in her eyes.

"We will ride with Papa and meet you two over there." Paula offered, making Tilly agree as I reached down and took her hand.

"Let's go angel.." I whispered, pulling on my girlfriend's hand before stepping towards the parking lot.

We walked to the car in silence..the situation seemed to weigh heavy on Tilly's mind as I tried to think of what to say..

"Rylan, who was that man?" Tilly suddenly asked, making me pause for a moment.

"His name is Bruce Remington. He goes to the same country club as my father. He owns shares in one of the largest oil companies in the world." I explained, seeing Tilly's brow furrow as I reached up to smooth it. "Hey, we will get some answers soon okay?"

"You saw it too, didn't you? His eyes...they..they were just like mine." She whispered, making me nod as I pulled her to my chest tightly.

"You don't think..."

"He does have a few sons.." I interrupted, knowing where this was going..I would like to think Bruce wasn't her dad..because if he was..that would make Shaina 14 when she was pregnant..and that..that is fucking disgusting. Considering Bruce would've been in his late thirties. "Then they might be?.." She trailed off and I nodded my head. Of course we don't know that for certain..but the fact that they have the same fucking eye color..and that is a hereditary trait right?

It could just be one big coincidence..but seeing how Shaina and Paula were acting, I don't think it was.

"Come on, let's go get your papa settled into his new room and then we will get all the answers we need okay?" I whispered, making Tilly peer up at me like the sweetest little lamb..ugh, she was so innocent and sweet..why did I want to wrap her in my own little bubble and protect her from this cruel world..she needs to be protected at all costs.

If Bruce is related to her..what does this mean? Why would Shaina and Paula want to hide Tilly from them? What the hell happened all of those years ago and why has Tilly been kept a secret this entire time? I just don't get it...

But I hope we get some answers today, because Tilly needs to know the truth.

"Thank you for being here with me..sorry there is always so much drama." She grumbled, making me laugh lightly before bending down and kissing her head.

"You're worth it..and besides..have you met my mother? I'm used to the drama.." I reminded Tilly, making her finally smile at me as she nodded her head in agreement.

"Remember, you're stuck with me..so don't think you can try to scare me away now." I teased, hearing that beautiful laughter I loved so much as I kissed her sweet lips firmly.

It was true though..I don't think there is a single thing in this world that can keep me from Tilly..not even someone like Bruce Remington..that's for damn sure.