My Husband's Affair My Anniversary Gift (Lily and David) novel Chapter 121

Lily’s mouth opened. She didn’t expect that. Her instincts told her to say no, to be proud and push back. But exhaustion and relief folded a different answer out of her.

“Are you sure?” she asked, voice small. “I don’t want to be a nuisance.”

Carson waved a hand like it was nothing. “You’re not a nuisance. You’re also not some gold-digging schemer. That’s not Claire’s type. I’ll trust my sister’s pick.” He grinned and added, “Besides, I’ll have someone to annoy now that I’m back. It’ll be fun.”

He said it like a promise, part jest, part genuine interest. Lily couldn’t tell whether to be relieved or wary. She chose relief.

“Thank you,” she said softly. “I’ll...I'll be careful. And I’ll try to find a place quick.”

Carson nodded. “Then it’s agreed.”

They kept talking after that, in small, easy exchanges that felt like drifting stones, light and safe. He teased her about living in luxury and not knowing the rules, and she defended herself with dry, honest answers. She told him a little more of her story in safe increments: Claire’s help, the failed apartment hunts, the long days at the office. He listened, sometimes leaning forward, sometimes sprawled, always amused and attentive.

At some point, Lily found herself laughing. Small and tired, but real. Carson’s teasing softened into a comfortable presence. He wasn’t David, he didn’t have that heavy way about him, didn’t make her feel small or locked in. He was annoyingly free, but strangely kind in his own spoiled way.

After breakfast, Carson leaned back in his chair, his hands in his pockets, watching Lily gather the plates.

“I’ll drop you off at your office,” he said casually, as if it was the most natural thing.

Lily froze for a second, then quickly shook her head. “No… that’s not necessary. I’ll go myself.”

Carson raised a brow, amused. “Not necessary? What, you don’t trust my driving?”

“It’s not that,” Lily replied quickly. Her hands twisted together, trying to find the right words. “It just… wouldn’t be good if people saw us together.”

Carson tilted his head, studying her with that same curious look he had last night. “Saw us together? Why? You’re not doing anything wrong.”

Lily lowered her eyes, her voice softer now. “I know. But people… they talk. My appearance with Mr. Jabco at the gala is still all over the hot search. If someone saw me with you too, things would just… get out of control.”

For a moment, Carson just stared at her, his expression unreadable. Then he laughed under his breath, shaking his head. “You worry too much, Lily. But fine, if that’s what you want.” He stood, grabbing his phone from the table. “I won’t force you.”

She looked up, surprised by how easily he let it go. “Thank you.”

Before Lily could answer, two more colleagues appeared, catching the tail end of the conversation.

“Come on, Lily,” one of them said. “It’ll be fun! Just a couple of drinks, nothing crazy.”

“Yes,” Laura jumped in quickly. “We’ll all go together, no pressure. You need a break too. Don’t always lock yourself with work.”

Lily looked at the eager faces around her. Their eyes were warm, full of expectation. She wanted to say no again, but the words stuck in her throat. She didn’t want to disappoint them.

She sighed softly, finally giving a small nod. “Alright… just this once.”

A cheer went up around her desk.

Laura clapped her hands excitedly. “Yes! Finally, we got Lily to come with us.”

Lily couldn’t help but smile faintly at their happiness. For once, maybe she could let herself breathe a little.