My Husband's Affair My Anniversary Gift (Lily and David) novel Chapter 25

Lily hadn’t planned on leaving the city that week, but the new design project required her to personally oversee some of the preliminary work.

It was in a nearby city—two hours away by train—but far enough that she could breathe without feeling David’s shadow over her shoulder. The early morning air was crisp when she stepped off the train, suitcase in hand, her mind already busy with color palettes, fabric textures, and potential concepts for the client’s request.

She didn’t expect to run into Evan.

they’d just met was few days ago. Evan had breezed in with his easy smile and magnetic presence, instantly lightening the mood. Now, standing in the lobby of the hotel where her client had booked her a room, she blinked in surprise as the tall figure in a baseball cap and sunglasses turned at the sound of her suitcase wheels.

“Lily?” His voice was warm, carrying the kind of familiarity that made her lips curve into a smile before she could think.

“Evan? What are you doing here?” she asked, tilting her head.

He glanced around the lobby before stepping closer, lowering his voice. “Working. Shooting some scenes for a drama. And you?”

“Work, too,” she replied with a small laugh. “Although mine doesn’t involve cameras or fan clubs.”

Evan chuckled, but before he could say more, the faint click of a camera shutter echoed from somewhere near the entrance. His shoulders stiffened. Lily followed his gaze and caught sight of a man in a black jacket, holding what looked suspiciously like a telephoto lens.

“Oh,” she murmured, realization dawning. “Paparazzi?”

Evan didn’t answer, but the way he adjusted his cap and gently took her elbow was answer enough. “Come with me,” he said in a low tone.

Before she knew it, she was half-running beside him through a side corridor of the hotel, her suitcase wheels rattling against the tiles. They ducked into a service elevator, and Evan leaned back against the wall with a breathless grin.

“Sorry,” he said, rubbing the back of his neck. “They’ve been following me all morning. I guess they weren’t expecting me to be with… well, anyone.”

Lily arched a brow. “So I’m your human shield?”

His grin widened. “Exactly. Best one I’ve ever had.”

She shook her head, suppressing a laugh. “You owe me lunch for this.”

Lily check in and Evan draged her out.

By the time they stepped out into the quiet backstreet behind the hotel, Evan had his hood up and was walking at a casual pace, as if they were just two friends enjoying a morning stroll. But Lily could feel the energy around them—occasional stares, quick whispers, the way people’s eyes darted toward them before looking away.

It wasn’t long before they ended up at one of the city’s tourist spots, a centuries-old temple with winding stone steps and vermilion gates. Evan pulled out his phone, insisting on taking a selfie with her at the entrance.

“You’ll thank me later,” he said, angling the camera just right. “Proof that you’ve been hanging out with someone famous.”

She laughed, rolling her eyes. “And here I thought I was supposed to be helping you hide.”

They wandered through the temple grounds, pausing to admire intricate carvings and take photos of blooming camellias. Every so often, someone would recognize Evan—wide-eyed fans clutching phones, hesitating before approaching. He always smiled and waved politely, but as soon as they came too close, he’d glance at Lily, and the two of them would slip away into the crowd before the gathering grew too large.

It became a game after a while.

“Three o’clock,” Lily whispered at one point, nodding toward a group of teenage girls with matching tote bags.

“Got it,” Evan murmured back, grabbing her hand and leading her into a narrow alley between souvenir shops. They both laughed as they emerged on the other side, catching their breath.

“You’re way too good at this,” she teased, adjusting her scarf.

They decided to take a break at the riverside just as the sun began dipping toward the horizon. Sitting on the low stone wall, Lily dangled her feet above the water while Evan leaned back on his hands, watching the sky turn shades of gold and pink.

“I think this is the most fun I’ve had in years after our graduation,” he said suddenly.

She glanced at him, a small smile tugging at her lips. “ Yes, me too and Glad I could be your getaway driver. Or… getaway walker, in this case.”

He chuckled. “And you’ve been a good sport about all of this. Most people would’ve run the other way as soon as the cameras came out.”

“I guess I’m not most people,” she replied lightly.

His gaze lingered on her for a beat too long before he looked away, clearing his throat. “That’s true.”

By the time they returned to their hotels, night had fallen. They stood outside the lobby entrance, neither quite ready to say goodbye.

“Thanks for today,” Evan said finally. “Even if it was unplanned.”

“Anytime,” she replied with a playful smirk. “Just don’t make a habit of using me as your decoy.”

“No promises,” he said with a wink.

she headed up to her room.

What she didn’t know was that, despite their best efforts, one photographer had managed to catch several clear shots of them—photos that would soon be all over the tabloids.