My Husband's Affair My Anniversary Gift (Lily and David) novel Chapter 18

Lily thanked Claire warmly as the sleek black car pulled up in front of her apartment. “Thank you so much again, Claire,” she said, her voice full of gratitude.

Claire gave her a smile that managed to be both elegant and encouraging. “Don’t thank me yet. Just keep working hard, and don’t let anyone dim your spark.”

With a final nod, Claire’s driver pulled away, leaving Lily standing in front of the door, her heart still fluttering from everything that had happened. She entered her apartment, kicked off her wet shoes, and slumped onto the couch with a heavy sigh.

“Noah!” she called out. “You won’t believe the day I had.”

Noah emerged from the kitchen with two mugs of tea. “I already know half of it. You looked like a drowned puppy when we talked earlier.”

Lily took the tea and let the warmth seep into her fingers. “David’s disgusting. Shameless, arrogant, manipulative… and Marina is just gross. The way she acts like she’s some kind of victim? God, it makes me sick.”

Noah didn’t interrupt. She let Lily rant while sipping her own tea.

“And then,” Lily’s voice shifted, excitement sneaking into her tone, “Claire showed up.”

Noah’s brows raised. “Claire Claire? Like, billionaire fashion mogul Claire?”

“Yes! She pulled up in a freaking luxury car and told me she loves my designs. She wants to invest in me—can you believe that? Me! She said I could become the next big name in fashion!”

Noah grinned. “I told you your talent would take you somewhere. I knew it.”

Lily smiled, but it faltered just slightly. “I’m grateful. Really, I am. But what if I mess it up? What if I disappoint her? What if she changes her mind when she sees how small-time I really am?”

Noah sat beside her. “You’ve been sewing and designing since you were thirteen. You sketch better than professionals, and your style is unique. She’s not investing in your name—she’s investing in your work. That’s what she believes in.”

Lily bit her lip, trying to hold back the tears that pricked at the corners of her eyes. “You really think so?”

“I know so,” Noah said firmly. “You just need to believe it too.”

Before Lily could reply, her phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen and her heart sank.

Dad.

She hesitated, then picked up.

“What now?” she asked, her voice flat.

His voice was harsh, impatient. “Did you talk to David?”

Lily’s stomach twisted. “No. I just got home. And I’m not talking to him until I calm down.”

“You better move quickly,” her father snapped. “You’re wasting time. Tell him to invest in my business or say goodbye to that trinket of your mother’s. I’ll throw it into the fire myself.”

“Don’t you dare—”

“Then do what you’re supposed to,” he growled. “Forget this divorce nonsense. Convince David to help. And ask for more than just investment. We’re family—you should be looking out for us!”

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