The dressing room fiasco lingered in Lily’s mind long after she left the boutique. She couldn’t erase the smug look on David’s face, the low teasing words that still rang in her ears. He had only wanted to “help with the zipper.” The nerve of him—acting as if she were the ridiculous one for thinking otherwise.
Lily spent the entire night turning and twisting on her bed, reliving that moment. Not because she had enjoyed it—absolutely not—but because she hated how he still had that power to shake her.
She hated that her heart had betrayed her for even a second, that she had actually closed her eyes.
By the time the weekend came around, she had decided she wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of seeing her bothered. And then came Olivia’s birthday party.
The afternoon of the celebration, Lily took her time getting ready. She had chosen a soft lilac gown that gave her elegance without being too showy. Her hair was swept up neatly, a few strands framing her face. If anyone looked at her tonight, they would see poise, dignity, and nothing more.
She arrived right on time, entering the beautifully decorated hall filled with flowers, golden drapes, and the glitter of chandeliers.
Guests were already mingling, laughter echoing, waiters carrying trays of wine glasses across the room.
Olivia, radiant in a deep green dress, spotted her almost immediately. Her eyes brightened, and she moved toward Lily with open arms.
“Lily, darling, you look stunning,” Olivia said warmly, embracing her.
“Happy birthday, Mum,” Lily replied sincerely, offering her a small gift box she had brought.
“Oh, you didn’t have to,” Olivia said, touched. But her observant eyes scanned behind Lily, then around the hall. “Where’s David? Didn’t he come with you?”
Lily pressed her lips together, fumbling for a reply. She hadn’t wanted to walk in together with him—it would only fuel gossip. But before she could open her mouth, a familiar voice came from behind.
“I’m right here,” David said smoothly.
Lily froze as his hand slid possessively around her waist. His touch burned even through the fabric of her dress, and she nearly flinched at the intimacy. But in front of Olivia, she forced herself to stay composed.
“Sorry I’m late,” David continued, giving Olivia a charming smile, “traffic was terrible.”
Lily tilted her head slightly, rolling her eyes, though she quickly masked it with a polite, tight smile. To anyone else, they looked like the perfect loving couple. But she knew better.
The party continued with music and chatter, and soon Olivia was called to the front to make her birthday wish. The candles on her cake flickered brightly, and everyone clapped as she smiled.
“Thank you all for being here,” Olivia said in her gracious tone. “I am so blessed to celebrate this day surrounded by my family and friends. And most importantly…” she turned her gaze toward Lily, her eyes soft with fondness, “I am overjoyed to have Lily as my daughter-in-law. She is truly a blessing in my life. I only hope that by next year, I will be blessed with a grandchild.”
The hall erupted with cheers and applause.
Lily stood rooted to the spot, stunned. Her cheeks warmed, her breath caught, and she had no idea how to respond. She hadn’t expected Olivia to make such a bold and public wish.
Before she could even recover, David leaned close, his voice low enough for only her to hear. “Did you hear that? We should start thinking seriously about it.”
Lily turned her head sharply, her eyes wide. Was he serious? For a split second, her balance faltered. David caught her arm gently, steadying her, but she quickly stepped back.
She knew him too well. He wasn’t being genuine. He was only acting again, playing the doting husband, feeding the illusion in front of his mother and the crowd.
Still, her temper flared.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABEL
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: My Husband's Affair My Anniversary Gift (Lily and David)