My Husband's Affair My Anniversary Gift (Lily and David) novel Chapter 196

After the event was over, Lily walked out of the hall with Jabco beside her. The crowd was still whispering and taking photos, but she tried to keep her calm. Her heart was heavy, she was still trying to understand everything that happened.

Jabco’s assistant was already waiting near the car. He quickly took Lily’s designs and tools from Linda’s hands and carefully placed them inside the car.

As they walked toward the car, Lily asked quietly, “I thought you were out of the country. Yesterday, you said you were busy with clients. How did you come here?”

Jabco smiled, brushing a bit of hair away from his face. “I was busy, but I finished my work early. I didn’t want to miss your final round. I knew you’d win, so how could I stay away?”

His tone was light, playful, trying to ease her mood, but Lily could hear the concern behind his words.

She opened her mouth to say something, but then her steps stopped halfway. Her heart skipped a beat.

David was standing just a few steps away.

He stood still, looking at her, his face unreadable, his eyes cold but sad. For a moment, her breath caught.

Lily straightened her shoulders, looked away as if she hadn’t seen him, and walked straight to the entrance. Her chin was lifted, her expression calm but her eyes slightly watery.

Jabco looked at David for a second, their eyes meeting silently. He didn’t say anything, just turned back and followed Lily.

Jabco looked at her worriedly. “You okay?”

“I will be,” she said, glancing at him.

Outside, the car was already waiting. Jabco opened the door for her and smiled softly. “Come on, let’s go.”

Lily hesitated for a moment, her eyes flicking back toward the hall where David still stood in the shadows. But then she quickly got inside without another word.

Jabco closed the door, and the car started moving.

David didn’t move. He stood in the same place, his eyes following the car until it disappeared down the road. His jaw was tight, his fists clenched so hard that his knuckles turned white. He wanted to stop her, to explain, but his throat felt dry.

He had promised himself that he would protect her that she’d never have to go through humiliation again because of him. But somehow, he failed again.

He could still see the image of her glaring at him, her eyes full of tears. That moment kept replaying in his head like a wound that refused to heal.

For the first time, David truly realized what guilt felt like. He felt helpless, angry at himself.

So, he decided not to see her. Not for a few days, not until everything calmed down.

The next morning, Lily returned to City A. The competition had ended, but her real journey was just beginning.

Her designs went viral online. The “Wings of Soul” collection became the symbol of courage and rebirth. Orders started flooding in from different cities. She was invited to interviews and featured in fashion magazines. Her name started to shine in the world of jewelry design.

Linda was thrilled. “You’re everywhere, Lily! Look, they even mentioned your name in an international article!”

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