My Husband's Affair My Anniversary Gift (Lily and David) novel Chapter 37

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Jacob’s gaze lingered on Lily long after David’s declaration. He could still feel the electric pull of her presence the way she had leaned forward with that fearless, teasing smile, pointing directly at him for the dare.

The boldness, the confidence, the way she didn’t even hesitate, it was intoxicating. From the first phone call, he had been intrigued, but seeing her in person, up close, it was different. Her energy had a gravity, a kind of subtle force that made him aware of every detail, her eyes, the way her fingers curled slightly when she laughed, the tilt of her head when she considered him.

His heart was still hammering from the tension, from the kiss she almost gave him. The thought of her lips near his lingered, unsettling him in a way that was both thrilling and unnerving.

And now, to hear David claim her as his wife—bold, arrogant, possessive David, Jacob felt a twinge of defiance rise within him. That man might own the legal claim, the name, the title—but Jacob had seen something different in Lily.

He took a steadying breath and walked closer, keeping his gaze fixed on her. Lily had frozen, slightly, her mind still processing David’s claim, her pulse slightly chaotic from the recent kiss she had narrowly avoided.

“Lily,” Jacob began, his voice low but firm, carrying an unmistakable edge of sincerity. She looked up, startled, her eyes meeting his.

“Yes?” she asked cautiously, a hint of irritation in her tone, though she couldn’t mask the curiosity that lingered in her gaze.

Jacob’s lips curved into a slight, confident smile.

“Lily… I need to be honest with you. I don’t know what this situation is, or what Hardison is claiming, but I can’t ignore what I feel. From the first moment I heard your voice on the phone, I’ve been captivated. And seeing you now… I can’t pretend my interest isn’t real. I want you, truly, if you’re willing to even entertain the thought.”

Lily froze. Her heart thudded painfully in her chest, but it wasn’t for excitement. It was the strange mix of discomfort and irritation, a knot of unease twisting tightly. She looked at him, her brows furrowing.

“Mr. Grey… I… I think you’re misunderstanding something. I’m here for business, nothing more. There’s no… personal connection, and I have no intention of… of entertaining that kind of....”

She faltered, realizing just how bold and straightforward his confession had been. She had never met a man who would declare his intentions so openly, and while the courage was admirable, it felt suffocating.

She had no interest in entanglements, especially not now. Her mind raced back to everything she had built, her designs, her work, the fragile freedom she had carved out for herself. This was not the time, nor was it the space, for anyone to complicate her life further.

Jacob, undeterred, took a step closer. “I understand, Lily. I respect your work, your focus, but I can’t ignore what I feel. I see you, and I want to know you beyond the business, beyond any situation imposed by someone else. You’re remarkable, and I’m not going to step back just because circumstances are messy.”

Lily’s eyes widened slightly. His boldness was… unnerving. She didn’t like it, yet part of her couldn’t ignore it. She had enough experience with men trying to dominate or manipulate her to recognize the difference—Jacob wasn’t trying to control her, but his confidence made him imposing nonetheless.

“Mr. Grey… I appreciate your words, but I just met you. I don’t even know you, and this isn’t… appropriate. You can’t just....” She stopped herself, taking a sharp breath. She realized part of her was furious not just at Jacob’s forwardness but at the timing. Everything had been complicated enough with David—his presence, his hold over her, and now this.

David, who had remained silent until now, was boiling. Every fiber of him ached with anger—not just at Jacob, but at Lily for creating this opening, for standing there and allowing it. How dare she? His hands tightened into fists at his sides. He could feel the heat rising in his chest, his jaw rigid with barely contained fury.