My Husband's Affair My Anniversary Gift (Lily and David) novel Chapter 383

They walked slower, their steps almost hesitant, as if both of them needed a moment away from everyone else.

The silence stretched again.

This time, Lily broke it.

“Is everything okay between you two?” she asked softly.

Her voice was gentle, careful. She didn’t want to sound accusing or intrusive, but she couldn’t keep the worry inside anymore.

Riyana turned her head slightly toward Lily.

She forced a smile. It was light, polite, practiced. Too practiced.

“Yeah,” she said. “Everything is fine. Why do you ask?”

Lily didn’t smile back.

She studied Riyana’s face closely. The slight stiffness in her expression. The way her shoulders were drawn just a bit too tight.

“No reason,” Lily said slowly. “I just… I noticed you didn’t know about Jabco’s parents thinking about his marriage. That’s why I asked.”

Riyana’s steps slowed.

For a moment, she didn’t answer.

Then she smiled again, softer this time, almost distant.

“I didn’t know,” she admitted. “But I don’t have any objections if he wants to marry another woman.” Her voice remained calm. “Someone who can match his status.”

Lily stopped walking.

Her hand shot out and grabbed Riyana’s elbow.

“What are you saying?” Lily demanded, disbelief written all over her face. “Have you lost your mind?”

Riyana stopped with her.

Jabco noticed the sudden pause ahead and turned slightly, confusion crossing his face. He watched them from a distance, his brows faintly drawn together, but he didn’t walk back.

Riyana lowered her eyes.

Her gaze fell to the ground, to the smooth marble beneath their feet. Her voice, when she spoke again, was quieter.

“Lily,” she said gently, “you’ve been through this yourself.”

Lily froze.

“You know better than anyone,” Riyana continued, “that you can’t make someone love you if they don’t want to.” She swallowed. “If he loves me, he won’t go to another woman. And if he does…” Her lips curved into a sad smile. “Then he was never really mine.”

Lily’s grip loosened slightly.

Riyana lifted her head.

“I’ve already made up my mind,” she said calmly. “I won’t expect anything from this relationship.”

Her words were steady, but her chest felt tight.

“This marriage was never my choice,” she went on. “So I’m not choosing expectations either.”

She paused, then turned her head.

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