My Husband's Affair My Anniversary Gift (Lily and David) novel Chapter 79

Lily glanced at him, her jaw tight, but she didn’t say a word. She was trying to ignore him, to focus on herself, but then something on his phone screen caught her eye. It was just a glimpse at first, but her heart skipped a beat. She frowned and took a step closer, leaning over his shoulder to see clearly.

Her breath caught in her throat.

She froze when she saw what was on his screen.

Her and David’s pictures.

Without thinking, she reached out and snatched the phone out of his hand.

“What the hell are you doing?!” David barked, his voice sharp, his tone filled with sudden anger and surprise. He stood up quickly, trying to take it back, but Lily had already taken a step back, gripping the phone tightly as she scrolled down the screen.

Her hands trembled slightly as her eyes moved over the bold headline:

“Mr. Hardison and Mrs. Hardison Having a Romantic Breakfast Together.”

Lily’s face went pale.

She scrolled further, her breath coming in ragged. Her grip on the phone tightened as she read every single word. There were multiple photos of them from yesterday morning — the breakfast David insisted on.

She stared at each image, noticing how her face was carefully hidden. In some pictures, the angle was from behind her, in others, her face was turned just enough so no one could see her clearly. It wasn’t accidental. Whoever took the pictures made sure her identity wasn’t revealed.

Her lips parted slightly as she kept reading. The article was clear:

“All divorce rumors are false. Mr. and Mrs. Hardison are doing well. Sources confirm their relationship is as strong as ever.”

The comments were worse. People were writing how good they looked together, how perfect they seemed. How the breakfast photos showed a “happy couple.”

Lily’s stomach twisted painfully. She finally looked up at him, her eyes burning with rage.

“You planned this, didn’t you?” Her voice shook with anger.

David didn’t even flinch. “Yes, I did it. You didn’t leave me any other choice.” His words were calm, but his tone was sharp like a blade.

Lily’s face darkened. Her heart pounded so hard she thought it would burst. “Why?” she demanded, her voice breaking with disbelief. “Why would you do something like this?!”

David’s gaze hardened. “Why?” He let out a bitter laugh. “Because you think I’m in love with you?” His voice was like venom, cold and cruel.

The words hit her like a slap. Her body trembled. She clenched the phone tighter, her breathing uneven. Then, with all the anger boiling inside her, she suddenly slammed his phone to the floor. The sharp crack echoed through the room.

Without saying another word, she grabbed her bag, threw it over her shoulder, and stormed out of the room.

David blinked, stunned for a second. He didn’t expect her to react so strongly. Seeing her walk away like that made something in his chest tighten. He cursed under his breath and finally moved, rushing after her.

“Lily, listen to me!” he called out, but she didn’t stop.

Lily was almost running. Her face was flushed with anger, her breathing harsh. She gripped the strap of her bag so tightly her knuckles turned white. She went down the hallway, her heels clicking loudly against the wooden floor, every step like thunder.

David followed her quickly, his long strides catching up easily.

“Lily!” he called again, frustration creeping into his voice.

She ignored him, walking faster, her head down. She just wanted to get out of this house. Being here felt suffocating, especially after what she just saw.

As they reached the staircase, David caught up. He reached out, grabbed her wrist, and pulled her to a stop. She turned sharply, her eyes blazing with anger.

“Let me go!” she hissed.

But before she could finish her sentence, she heard Olivia’s voice from above them.

“David…”

Both of them turned toward the stairs, their anger forgotten in an instant.

Olivia was standing halfway down the staircase, her hand pressed against her chest. She looked pale, her lips trembling.

“Mom?” David’s voice cracked.

Lily’s heart sank. Her stomach dropped as fear clawed at her chest.

Olivia swayed on her feet, her body trembling.

“Mom!” Lily screamed, rushing forward.

But before she could reach her, Olivia’s knees buckled. David darted past Lily with lightning speed, catching his mother just in time before she collapsed completely. He held her tightly in his arms, his face pale with panic.

“Call the ambulance!” David barked, his voice shaking as he looked down at his mother.

“Mom! Look at me, please! Stay awake!”

Lily’s hands trembled as she fumbled for her phone. She quickly dialed the emergency number, her breath coming fast and shallow.

She looked at Olivia’s face — pale, sweaty, her eyes half-closed.

Lily’s fingers trembled as she tried to dial the number. Her heart was hammering so hard it felt like it would tear out of her chest. “Hello, ambulance! We need an ambulance at Hardison Villa, please! Hurry!” Her voice cracked as she shouted into the phone, her breaths coming short and sharp.