My Husband's Affair My Anniversary Gift (Lily and David) novel Chapter 122

The bar wasn’t far from the office, just a cozy place tucked in the corner of the busy street. Bright lights hung above the door, and the sound of soft music floated out whenever someone opened it.

Lily followed her colleagues inside. The warmth of the room wrapped around her instantly, mixed with the smell of food and alcohol. People were laughing, chatting loudly, clinking glasses together.

“Come, sit here!” Laura pulled Lily to a round table near the window where the rest of the group had already settled.

Lily slipped into the chair, quietly smoothing her dress.

“What do you want to drink?” Laura asked, waving down a waiter.

“Just water is fine,” Lily replied softly.

Laura frowned immediately. “Water? No way. At least something light. A cocktail maybe? You’re with us today. Don’t ruin it.”

The others laughed, chiming in. “Yes, Lily, don’t be boring. One drink won’t hurt.”

Seeing their teasing smiles, Lily sighed. “Alright… just one.”

“Good!” Laura grinned in triumph and ordered for everyone.

The drinks came quickly, glasses clinking onto the wooden table. Bright colors, orange, pink, golden, glowed under the dim lights. Lily stared at her own glass, the liquid shimmering like it held secrets.

Laura lifted hers immediately. “Cheers! To our hard work!”

“To our hard work!” everyone echoed, raising their glasses high.

Lily hesitated for a moment, then tapped her glass lightly with theirs. The first sip burned her throat, but then a strange warmth spread through her chest.

The night rolled on with laughter and small games. Her colleagues told funny stories about clients, about their college days, about embarrassing mistakes at work. For once, Lily found herself smiling, even laughing softly.

“You’re actually fun when you loosen up,” one of them joked, making everyone laugh again.

Lily shook her head, embarrassed, but her smile lingered.

By the time her glass was half-empty, she excused herself to the washroom. She needed a moment away from the noise, the crowd.

She splashed cool water on her face, staring at her reflection in the mirror. For a second, she didn’t recognize the woman staring back smiling faintly, eyes softer than usual. Maybe this was what normal life looked like.

Her phone buzzed in her bag. She quickly dried her hands and pulled it out. A message.

From Claire.

“Is my brother giving you trouble?”

Lily froze, blinking at the screen. Her fingers hovered above the keypad before typing back.

“No. He’s… fine. Don’t worry.”

“I’m not,” Lily muttered quickly, hugging her bag close.

Carson leaned down slightly, his voice dropping. “Then why are you here, hm?”

Lily swallowed, forcing herself to meet his gaze. “Because my colleagues asked me to. That’s all.”

He chuckled, eyes glinting. “Relax. I’m not interrogating you. Just… surprised.”

Her coworkers noticed then, and Laura waved. “Lily! Who’s that? A friend?”

Lily froze, panic flashing in her eyes. Carson glanced at her, clearly enjoying her reaction.

“Should I say yes?” he whispered, mischief dripping in his tone.

“Don’t,” Lily hissed, glaring at him for the first time.

He laughed, stepping back. “Alright, alright. I won’t ruin your little night.” Then he straightened, his expression shifting into something unreadable. “But Lily… don’t run too far. You’ll only make me more curious.”

And with that, he turned and walked away, disappearing into the crowd.

Lily stood there, her heart thundering in her chest, before forcing herself back to her table.