My Husband's Affair My Anniversary Gift (Lily and David) novel Chapter 43

Lily tilted her head slightly, a faint smile tugging at her lips. “Congratulations on the contract you secured.” Her voice was calm, almost cordial, but her gaze was steady, sharp enough to convey unspoken warning.

Marina’s eyes narrowed, clearly interpreting Lily’s words as sarcasm. “Thanks, I suppose. But don’t think you’re getting any points by pretending to be polite. You may have his mother in your corner but don’t pretend you’re not jealous of what I have.”

Lily’s smile widened just enough to be disarming. “Jealousy is a luxury I don’t afford myself. I rely on my work, my own effort. You should be careful, though—homewreckers often face consequences. One misstep, and the public can turn faster than you expect.”

Marina let out a soft laugh, sharp and cutting. “Consequences? Don’t lecture me, Lily. You think I’m afraid of boycotts or public opinion? I have David’s support. He ensures I get everything I want.”

Lily’s expression hardened, her jaw tightening subtly. It was true that David had lavished resources on Marina—paid for her publicity, ensuring she had the best opportunities. David had made choices before, and now it was clear that love and strategy were different things for him. Love might have been a luxury Lily never received from him, but she had learned to rely on herself.

“Enjoy your new spotlight, Marina,” Lily said smoothly, her tone casual but carrying a subtle edge.

“Just remember to maintain your image. The public has long memories, and one careless act could jeopardize even the most coveted roles. Being a homewrecker isn’t a position people admire for long.”

Marina’s lips curved into a tight smile, masking her irritation. “Jealous, are we?” she asked, though there was a flicker of something else behind her eyes—recognition that Lily wasn’t merely talking empty threats.

“Not at all,” Lily replied evenly. “I’m just offering advice. Consider it professional courtesy.”

Marina rolled her eyes but didn’t respond further. She turned, her heels clicking loudly against the polished floor, and made her way toward the stage. The cameras and media were already capturing everything. Every movement she made, every glance, every gesture—it was being documented, live-streamed, and photographed.

Lily watched her go, feeling a strange mixture of satisfaction and wariness. Marina had every intention of using David’s name and resources to elevate her own status, but Lily knew one slip could unravel everything. And Lily had the advantage of control in a different way, she had her own talent, and she had learned patience and observation over the years.

The launch began in earnest. Guests mingled, and photographers snapped pictures of the display tables and the models showcasing the products. Lily moved among them gracefully, greeting collaborators, discussing design details, and answering questions from industry journalists. She made a point of maintaining a calm, professional demeanor, knowing full well that Marina’s presence was meant to provoke her.

Marina, of course, wasn’t subtle. She floated near the photographers, laughing and posing, clearly intending to draw attention away from the main display. And yet, when the host finally began announcing the spokespersons for the various designers’ lines, Marina’s expression shifted from confident to shocked.

The host’s voice rang out across the hall: “And for designer Aurora’s latest collection, the exclusive spokesperson will be Ms. Emily Chen!”

Lily interrupted smoothly, almost effortlessly, keeping her voice calm. “It’s not about fairness, Marina. It’s about precision, professionalism, and contracts. You might want to remember that for the future.”

Marina’s hands flailed slightly, as if she wanted to grab Lily or make some dramatic gesture, but the audience’s eyes were now fully on her. The media was capturing every word, and in her rage, she didn’t notice the cameras documenting her frustration.

Lily, on the other hand, remained composed, her posture straight, shoulders relaxed, and gaze steady. Every move she made was deliberate, projecting calm confidence. She didn’t need to attack Marina verbally; her quiet professionalism contrasted sharply with Marina’s unrestrained fury.

The staff nearby began murmuring, sensing the tension but also noticing Lily’s unshakable composure. A few reporters whispered to each other, recognizing the drama unfolding live.

Lily ignored the murmurs. She had no reason to react to gossip in real-time; the work itself was what mattered. Marina, meanwhile, continued to vent, her voice carrying across the room, every word feeding into the cameras’ live feed.

Finally, the event host stepped in, attempting to calm the situation. “Ms. Laurent, perhaps you should take a moment,” he suggested, a careful attempt to keep the atmosphere under control.