My Husband's Affair My Anniversary Gift (Lily and David) novel Chapter 128

By the time she dressed properly and came back out, Carson was sitting silently on the couch, his elbows on his knees, hands clasped together. The moment he saw her, he stood up and walked toward her.

“Lily,” he started quickly, “you said a lot, but you didn’t give me a chance to explain myself.”

She stopped, folding her arms. “Then tell me. What do you want to say?”

Carson took a deep breath, his eyes locked on hers. “I don’t have any bad intentions toward you. If you’re upset because of last night because I told your friend I was your boyfriend , then I’m sorry. I only said it to protect you. I didn’t mean to cross a line.”

Lily’s eyes flickered, remembering that moment.

Carson continued, “Yes, it’s true… I do feel something for you. I can’t lie about that. But if you’re uncomfortable, I won’t force you. I just… I’d like to be your friend at the very least. If you really want, I’ll leave this place. You can stay here.”

Lily’s lips parted slightly, surprised.

“Why would you leave? I’ll leave,” she said quickly. “This is your house. I’ll look for another place and move out.”

Carson let out a frustrated sigh, running a hand through his hair. “Lily, can you at least tell me what I did wrong? If I hurt you somehow, I need to know. I don’t want to be another problem in your life. Please.”

He reached out again, carefully, and held her hand. His touch was gentle, not demanding, not forceful.

Lily’s chest tightened. She wanted to pull away but she didn’t.

“You didn’t do anything,” she whispered, lowering her gaze. “It’s me. I’m the problem.”

Her voice cracked slightly. Yes, it was her. She couldn’t say no to David. She couldn’t fight back the way she wanted. She was weak, and it made her furious at herself.

Carson looked at her quietly, his thumb brushing lightly against her hand.

“I’m sorry,” she added, her voice barely audible.

For a moment, there was silence. Then Carson chuckled softly.

Lily blinked, lifting her head, narrowing her eyes. “Why are you laughing?”

Carson smiled, shaking his head. “No, nothing. It’s just… you have really bad mood swings.”

Her cheeks warmed with annoyance. “Seriously?”

He raised his hands in mock defense. “Hey, I didn’t mean it in a bad way.”

She rolled her eyes, but deep inside, her chest felt a little lighter.

“Let’s not get confused,” she said firmly, looking straight into his eyes.

Carson nodded immediately. “Alright. But… on one condition.”

Lily eyed him suspiciously. “What is it?”

His smile grew playful. “Breakfast. You have to eat with me. You can’t go to work on an empty stomach, especially after drinking last night.”

Lily stared at him. How could he act like this? Just a few minutes ago, she had been harsh to him, pushing him away. And yet here he was, calm, patient, still worrying about her

She stared at him for a long second, then sighed. “Fine.”

Carson smiled faintly, like he’d just won a quiet battle, and walked ahead to open the door for her.

The car ride was awkwardly silent at first. Lily sat stiffly in the passenger seat, staring out the window, while Carson drove with one hand on the wheel and the other resting casually near the gear. The soft hum of the engine filled the space.

Halfway through, Carson finally spoke. “You know… you don’t always have to fight everything alone.”

Her head snapped toward him, frowning. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Carson glanced at her briefly before turning back to the road. “Exactly what I said. You carry everything like it’s only your problem. Maybe I don’t know the details, but it’s written all over your face, you’re exhausted.”

Lily’s throat tightened. “You don’t know anything about me, Carson. Don’t assume.”

“I’m not assuming,” he said calmly. “I’m just… concerned.”

Lily bit her lip and turned back to the window. Her chest ached because his voice wasn’t mocking or forceful, it was genuine. And that was something she wasn’t used to.

When the car stopped in front of her office building, Carson leaned slightly toward her. “Dinner. Don't forget about it"

She hesitated before pushing the door open. “I said alright, didn’t I?”

He grinned. “Just making sure.”

She rolled her eyes and stepped out quickly, not giving him the satisfaction of seeing her faint smile.