My Husband's Affair My Anniversary Gift (Lily and David) novel Chapter 195

Even David who had promised himself he wouldn’t let his emotions show couldn’t look away.

As she placed the ring under the light, the blue gem caught the reflection and scattered it into tiny fragments of silver-blue, like frozen tears shimmering midair.

For a moment, the hall was utterly still. Then came a slow clap one, then another, until the entire room erupted in applause.

The judges exchanged quiet nods, their faces impressed.

When the results were announced, the room burst with cheers.

“The winner of this year’s International Jewelry Design Competition is : Aurora!”

Lily froze, unable to move for a second. She blinked, as if trying to be sure she had heard correctly.

Linda screamed from the side and ran to hug her tightly. “You did it! Lily, you did it!”

Lily’s eyes filled with tears. All those sleepless nights, the struggles, the doubt, it all led to this moment. She turned toward the judges’ table instinctively, and her gaze met David’s.

He wasn’t smiling broadly like the others. His expression was subtle proud, gentle, and a little sad. But in his eyes, there was something warm, something unspoken that reached her heart.

For a fleeting second, Lily felt peace.

But it didn’t last.

Not long after the ceremony, whispers began spreading through the hall like wildfire. People huddled in corners, their voices hushed but sharp.

“Did you see the photo?”

“Someone said she was seen getting out of Mr. Hardison's car this morning.”

“And leaving the same hotel too...”

“She must have seduced him to win.”

The words hit her like stones.

Linda came rushing toward her, phone trembling in her hand. “Lily… you need to see this.”

On the screen were photos one of her stepping out of David’s car, another of her leaving the hotel lobby. The angles were blurry, but clear enough to destroy everything she had worked for.

Lily’s face turned pale. “No… no, this can’t be happening,” she whispered.

When she looked up, David was standing a few feet away, his expression hard. Reporters and staff were already turning toward them, murmuring louder and louder.

Lily’s heart clenched painfully. She glared at him, eyes burning with unshed tears.

Her gaze spoke what her trembling lips couldn’t, if this ruins me, I’ll never forgive you.

Lily stared at him in disbelief. “Jabco…”

He turned to her and gave a small, reassuring smile. “You don’t have to say anything. Let me handle it.”

David’s jaw clenched, his eyes cold and sharp. His fingers tightened at his sides not just from anger, but something deeper, rawer. He wanted to speak, to deny the lie Jabco told, but he couldn’t. Not when that lie was the only thing protecting her right now.

Lily turned her face slightly, her eyes softening with relief. She didn’t like this didn’t like being the center of a new misunderstanding but right now, she was grateful. If not for Jabco, her name, her career, everything she built would have been destroyed.

David watched as she looked at Jabco with gratitude. It felt like a knife twisting inside him.

He forced himself to look away.

The organizers quickly stepped in to clear the crowd and end the chaos, and the press conference was called off.

When they finally left the hall, the cool evening air hit her face, and Lily let out a shaky breath.

“Thank you, Mr. Grey,” she said softly. “I… I didn’t expect you to do that.”

He smiled gently. “You don’t need to thank me. You earned this win. I couldn’t let anyone ruin that for you.”

She smiled faintly but didn’t notice the figure standing a short distance away David, watching silently as she spoke to Jabco. His eyes were filled with a mix of regret, frustration, and something heartbreakingly tender.

For him, this was his punishment seeing her protect herself from him, while another man stood beside her in his place.