My Husband's Affair My Anniversary Gift (Lily and David) novel Chapter 3

"David’s secretary," Marina drawled, rising from his chair with deliberate grace. Her eyes raked over Lily with slow, calculated disdain—from her sensible heels to her neatly pinned-up hair. "Hmm. I don’t see what all the fuss is about."

Lily kept her expression neutral, though her fingers tightened around the coffee tray. "Can I help you with something, Ms. Laurent?"

Marina smirked, circling her like a predator. "Oh, I’m just… assessing the competition." She paused, tapping a manicured nail against David’s desk. "Tell me, how does it feel? Playing house with someone else’s man for five years?"

Lily didn’t flinch. "If you’re referring to my work, all records are up to date. Would you like me to pull the files?"

Marina’s smile faltered. She hadn’t expected such precision—such competence. The realization sharpened her voice. "Cute. But we both know you were just a placeholder."

She leaned in, her whisper venomous. "David told me everything. How lonely he was. How… convenient you were."

She smirked. "Did you really think he’d settle for a glorified coffee girl?"

Lily’s pulse roared in her ears, but her reply was steady.

"Our arrangement is over. And since this is a workplace, I suggest we keep things professional. Mr. Hadison dislikes distractions."

"Ooh, listen to you," Marina mocked, eyes flashing. "Like you know him so well."

She snatched the coffee cup from the tray, swirling the dark liquid.

"Let me guess—Ethiopian beans? Ninety-six degrees? Pathetic. You could brew this every day for a lifetime, and he’d still never—"

Footsteps echoed in the hall.

Before Lily could react, Marina tipped the scalding coffee over her own hand.

"Ahh!" she gasped, dropping the cup with a clatter just as David strode in.

Lily’s breath caught. The scene was unmistakable: Marina cradling her reddened wrist, tears glistening on her lashes, and Lily standing frozen—holding an empty tray.

Marina’s voice trembled with practiced hurt. "David… she—she poured it on me!"

David's head snapped toward Lily, his expression darkening like a thundercloud.

"Lily!" His voice cracked through the office like a whip. "What the hell is wrong with you?!"

Lily stood frozen, the empty tray still clutched in her hands. Her lips parted in stunned disbelief.

"I didn't—"

"Enough!" David cut her off sharply. "You think just because you've worked here for years, you can do whatever you want? That I'd tolerate you attacking someone?"

Lily's hands trembled. "David, she poured it on herself... I didn't do anything."

"She poured it on herself?" His laugh was harsh, disbelieving. "Marina treats her hands like they're made of gold. You really expect me to buy that pathetic excuse?"

"It's the truth—" Her voice wavered, thick with hurt.

"Apologize." His command left no room for argument.

"I won't apologize for something I didn't do."

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