My Husband's Affair My Anniversary Gift (Lily and David) novel Chapter 396

Riyana looked down at Stella, who was already bouncing on her feet.

“Babe girl,” Riyana said, smiling, “we’re going to play outside.”

“Yes!” Stella squealed, clapping her hands.

Riyana picked up Stella’s water bottle and snack bag from the sofa. She slung it over her shoulder, then held Stella’s small hand in hers.

“Come.”

They stepped outside together.

The island air was fresh, carrying the smell of the sea and food stalls. Six months had passed since Riyana came here, but she still hadn’t figured out what she was going to do with her life.

She knew one thing clearly.

She didn’t have the courage to go back to her old life.

But she also knew she couldn’t hide here forever.

The island was busy today. It was New Year’s season, and the streets were crowded with people, music, and laughter. Shops were decorated with lights. Children ran around holding balloons. Couples walked hand in hand.

Riyana walked slowly, matching Stella’s short steps.

“Auntie, look!” Stella said, pointing at a colorful toy shop.

“Yes, I see,” Riyana replied, smiling. “It’s pretty, right?”

“Can I have that?” Stella asked, pointing again, her eyes shining.

Riyana laughed softly. “Let’s see.”

As they walked, Riyana suddenly felt it.

That feeling.

Like someone was watching her.

Her steps slowed slightly. She looked around without making it obvious. Faces passed by. Strangers. Tourists. Locals.

No one looked familiar.

She told herself she was imagining things. She had felt this way many times before. Fear had a habit of following her everywhere.

Stella tugged at her hand again, distracted by something else. “Auntie, ice cream!”

Riyana smiled down at her. “Alright, alright. Let’s get ice cream.”

They continued walking.

But the feeling didn’t go away.

Somewhere behind her, unseen, a pair of eyes stayed fixed on her back.

The street was loud, full of people and noise, but Riyana felt oddly distant from all of it.

She walked slowly, one hand holding Stella’s small, warm fingers, the other resting near her belly without even realizing it. Stella’s steps were light, almost bouncing, her eyes shining at every colorful thing around her. Lights hung across shops. Music spilled from open doors. People laughed, shouted wishes, hugged each other. It was New Year, and the whole island felt alive.

Riyana smiled when Stella tugged her hand again.

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