My Husband's Affair My Anniversary Gift (Lily and David) novel Chapter 76

“It’s okay, Auntie,” Lily said quickly, waving her hands gently. She didn’t want Lize to overwork herself. “You take care of Mum. I’ll make dinner tonight.”

Lize looked shocked, her eyes going wide. “No, no, Miss! How could I let you cook? You should rest and spend time with Madam Olivia. Please, I’ll take care of dinner,” she said quickly, shaking her head firmly.

But Lily gave her a soft smile and gently shook her head. “It’s okay, I’ll do it. I want to cook tonight.”

Lize hesitated, glancing at Olivia for guidance. She knew how stubborn Lily could be once she made up her mind.

Olivia chuckled softly at their exchange. “It’s okay, Lize. Let her,” she said warmly. “It’s been so long since I’ve tasted her cooking. I miss it.”

At her words, Lily’s eyes softened, a warm feeling filling her chest. She had always enjoyed cooking for Olivia, back when things between her and David weren’t so broken. Back then, Olivia’s smile always made her feel like she had a real home.

Lize finally nodded, smiling kindly. “Alright, Miss Lily. I’ll help you in the kitchen, then,” she said, happy to see Lily taking charge.

“Thank you, Auntie,” Lily said softly, her smile genuine.

She rose from her seat and followed Lize toward the kitchen, while Olivia leaned back in her chair, looking after her with a soft, almost nostalgic expression.

The house felt lighter tonight. It wasn’t the cold, quiet atmosphere Lily had gotten used to in the Hardison home. Olivia’s presence, her warmth, and the kindness of the staff made Lily feel like she belonged here in a way she hadn’t felt in a long time.

As they reached the kitchen, Lize quickly rolled up her sleeves, preparing to assist. “What would you like to make, Miss Lily? I’ll help chop the vegetables.”

Lily smiled softly, tying her hair into a low bun. “Let’s make something Mum likes. She always loved my chicken stew, right?”

“Yes! Madam Olivia always talks about your cooking, even when you’re not around,” Lize said warmly, her eyes shining. “She misses you a lot.”

Lily’s hands stilled for a moment as she washed her hands in the sink. The words struck her heart gently, but deeply. She had been so caught up in her crumbling marriage and her own struggles that she hadn’t realized just how much Olivia cared for her.

She smiled softly, her voice quiet. “I miss her too.”

Lize patted her arm gently, sensing her emotions. “You’ve been through a lot, Miss Lily. But Madam Olivia loves you like her own daughter. You’ve always been family here.”

Olivia smiled warmly, her eyes glistening with happiness. “You didn’t have to go through all this trouble, but I’m so glad you did.”

Lily shook her head gently. “It’s no trouble at all. I wanted to cook for you. It’s been too long.”

They sat down together, and Olivia took her first bite, her expression lighting up immediately. “Oh, Lily,” she said with a happy sigh. “You haven’t lost your touch. This is delicious.”

Lily smiled softly, feeling warmth in her chest. “I’m glad you like it.”

The dinner atmosphere was calm and warm, a stark contrast to the tension earlier. Olivia seemed to forget her anger for a little while, enjoying the food and Lily’s company. Even the staff in the house seemed more cheerful, bringing drinks and clearing plates with happy faces.

Lily quietly watched Olivia smile, her heart softening. She wished things could always be like this—peaceful, without all the pain and drama that surrounded her life with David.

For tonight, at least, she was content to just be here, cooking for Olivia and feeling like she truly belonged in this house that had shown her kindness when she needed it most.