My Husband's Affair My Anniversary Gift (Lily and David) novel Chapter 259

Jabco straightened up and looked at Lily. “How are you feeling now?” His voice was calmer, more careful.

“I’m fine,” Lily replied. “Really.”

Her eyes shifted slightly, and only then did she notice Riyana standing a little behind Jabco. Riyana’s posture was straight, professional, her hands clasped in front of her like always.

“Oh,” Lily said, realizing. “Hi.”

She lifted her hand in a small wave.

Riyana smiled politely and bowed her head slightly. “Good evening, Miss. Collins.”

They walked into the restaurant together. The place was quiet and elegant, soft music playing in the background. A waiter approached them and asked about their reservation.

Jabco gave his name, and the waiter led them to a reserved table near the window.

As they sat down, Lily glanced at Riyana again. She was still standing beside Jabco, not taking a seat.

Lily frowned.

“Isn’t it already past working hours?” Lily asked, her tone light but her eyes sharp. “Why are you still making Riyana work?”

Jabco didn’t even look up from the menu. “This is still her job.”

The answer was fast. Too flat.

Something inside Lily snapped.

She suddenly remembered herself. Long nights. Endless meetings. Standing behind David while the world assumed she had no life outside work.

Her hand tightened on the edge of the table.

“She also has a life,” Lily said, unable to stop herself. “Maybe she wants to meet friends. Or a boyfriend. How can you make her work all day and night like this?”

The table went quiet for a second.

Jabco finally looked up, his expression unreadable.

“She doesn’t have friends,” he said calmly. “Or a boyfriend.”

Lily stared at him.

What kind of answer was that?

Riyana’s fingers curled slightly, but she didn’t say a word. She kept her eyes lowered, her face carefully blank.

Lily felt heat rise to her chest.

“How do you know that?” Lily asked sharply. “You say it like you control her entire life.”

Jabco shrugged. “I know my people.”

“Your people? That’s not knowing,” Lily shot back. “That’s assuming.”

Danish looked between them, confused. “Mum?” he whispered.

Lily took a breath and softened immediately. She reached out and touched Danish’s hand. “It’s okay,” she said gently. “I’m just talking.”

Jabco leaned back in his chair, studying Lily now. “You’re sensitive about this.”

“Because I’ve been there,” Lily replied quietly. “Because I know what it feels like when someone decides your time doesn’t belong to you.”

“It’s not always about money,” Lily said finally, her voice calm but firm. “And Riyana, do you really not have any friends?”

It was clear now. Lily wasn’t joking. She wasn’t teasing. She was serious.

Jabco paused mid-motion. He looked at Lily, then at Riyana, clearly not expecting this turn. Riyana herself looked startled. She lifted her head slowly, eyes flickering toward Lily in confusion.

Lily ignored both of their reactions and focused on her son instead. She gently placed food onto Danish’s plate, cutting it into smaller pieces the way she always did.

“I do,” Riyana said after a few seconds of hesitation. Her voice was soft but steady. “I have friends.”

Lily looked up immediately. “See?” she said, turning her gaze toward Jabco. “She has friends. You were wrong.”

Jabco frowned slightly. “Why are you suddenly so interested in her life?” he asked. His tone wasn’t angry, just confused. “You’ve never cared about this before.”

Lily picked up her spoon again, then paused and looked straight at him.

“You just noticed but....,” she replied. “I’ve always been curious. And now I’m more curious because we’ve become friends.”

“Friends?” Jabco repeated. His eyebrows drew together. “Since when?”

Lily chuckled lightly. “Why? Do I need to report it to you?”

His eyes narrowed. “Of course I need to know. She’s my secretary.”

Lily leaned back slightly in her chair. Her face was calm, but her eyes were sharp.

“She’s your secretary,” Lily said slowly, “not your wife.”

The table went completely quiet.