My Husband's Affair My Anniversary Gift (Lily and David) novel Chapter 74

Lily’s chest tightened. That calm tone of his always carried an undertone of authority, like he wasn’t actually asking—it was an order dressed as a question.

She clenched her fists under the desk, glaring up at him. “Thank you for your help,” she said stiffly, her voice cold, “but I’m not going anywhere with you. Leave.”

The smile that tugged at the corner of David’s mouth was humorless, his dark eyes narrowing slightly. He took one step closer, the weight of his presence filling the space.

“Don’t forget,” he said quietly, each word laced with warning, “you promised me you’d do whatever I asked.”

Lily’s breath hitched. She felt a pang of regret twist in her chest. She had made that promise earlier, desperate for his help. And now… she was already regretting it.

She opened her mouth to argue, to say something—anything—but no words came out. She was cornered, and they both knew it.

“Now, let’s go,” he said firmly, turning his back on her as if the conversation was already over. He grabbed the door handle and glanced back at her over his shoulder, his expression unreadable. “Mum got discharged today. She went home to rest, but she wants to see you.”

That made Lily pause.

Lily’s mind instantly went back to the hospital room, to Olivia’s fragile smile.

The thought of Olivia softened Lily’s expression for a brief moment, but she quickly hardened herself again.

She gritted her teeth and pushed her chair back, the legs scraping softly against the floor. “Fine,” she muttered under her breath.

David’s lips curved slightly, a barely-there smirk, but he didn’t say anything else. He simply turned and walked out of the office, his confident strides echoing softly in the quiet hallway.

Lily followed him reluctantly, her bag slung over her shoulder. Each step felt heavy, her emotions tangled in a storm of frustration, resentment, and helplessness.

The car rolled to a stop in front of the elegant Hardison residence, its tall iron gates already open as if expecting them. Lily’s heart tightened at the familiar sight.

Lily slipd out of the car, as David walk out from other side.

They walked side by side in silence up the short stone path. Lily’s heels clicked softly, the sound almost too loud in the otherwise serene evening. The house was glowing warmly under soft lights, a reflection of Olivia’s personality—gentle, refined, and welcoming.

David rang the bell, and within seconds, a familiar housemaid opened the door with a kind smile.

“Mr. Hardison, Mrs. Hardison,” she greeted politely, stepping aside to let them in. “Madam has been waiting for you.”

The warmth in her voice made Lily’s heart soften. No matter how complicated things were with David, Olivia’s kindness always made her feel… safe.

Olivia’s glare was fixed on him. “You ungrateful son,” she repeated, her voice shaking with fury.

“Mum," David said evenly, his voice low, cautious.

He stepped forward slowly, moving closer, and sat down in the armchair across from them. His presence filled the room immediately, his usual aura making the air feel tense.

“Don’t talk to me,” Olivia cut him off sharply, her words like knives. “If you can’t be with Lily, then don’t you dare try to act like a son to me either.”

Lily’s heart tightened at Olivia’s words. She knew Olivia was angry, furious even, but seeing her like this made her nervous. She reached out quickly, gently holding Olivia’s hand to calm her. “Mum, please calm down,” she whispered softly, her voice almost pleading.

Olivia let out a sharp breath, her anger making her chest rise and fall quickly. “I still can’t believe it,” she muttered, shaking her head. “My son… my son who I raised with so much love… would do something like this to his own wife.” Her voice cracked, and she blinked rapidly, trying to hold back tears of frustration. “And for a woman like Marina? I’m ashamed of you.”

David’s jaw tightened, and his voice grew colder. “Mum, that’s enough. It’s not Marina’s fault.”

Lily’s eyes widened in disbelief. She turned her head sharply to stare at him. He was… defending Marina? Even in front of his own mother?

“David,” Lily said softly, almost in shock, but he didn’t look at her