My Husband's Affair My Anniversary Gift (Lily and David) novel Chapter 97

Lily drew in a slow breath.

She rose from the vanity, the midnight-blue gown flowing around her like liquid silk.

Claire had chosen perfectly, simple, regal, powerful without being loud. The kind of dress that didn’t beg for attention but commanded it the moment one entered the room.

She gathered her small clutch, slipping the invitation inside. Her gaze drifted one last time toward the mirror. For years, she had avoided seeing herself clearly. But tonight, she forced herself to meet her own eyes.

There was a quiet strength there.

She inhaled deeply, turned, and opened the door.

The assistant smiled politely, gesturing toward the waiting car outside the hotel entrance. The cool night air brushed against her skin as she stepped out. The black car gleamed under the streetlights, its door held open by the driver.

Lily’s heels clicked softly against the pavement. She slid into the back seat, her gown trailing like shadows behind her. The car door shut, cocooning her in silence.

As the vehicle pulled into motion, Lily rested her hands on her lap. The ring glimmered faintly under the passing city lights. Her thumb brushed over it, and for the first time, she didn’t feel hesitation. She knew exactly what she would do with it.

They were almost at the gala venue when Lily’s phone buzzed.

She glanced at the screen.

Claire: “Surprised, but go with him.”

Lily frowned, staring at the message in confusion. What does that even mean?

Before she could puzzle it out, the car slowed to a stop. She looked up and froze.

Jabco was standing right outside.

The driver stepped out, opened the door, and before Lily had a chance to understand, Jabco slipped into the seat beside her. The car started moving again.

“Mr. Grey....what is this?” Lily’s voice rose in shock.

“I’m going to the gala too,” Jabco said casually, a smile tugging at his lips. “I thought, why not go together?”

Lily narrowed her eyes, utterly stunned. And then it clicked. Claire’s message.

So this is what she meant.

Her stomach tightened. She hadn’t wanted to come in the first place, but now, walking out of the car with Jabco Grey at her side? It felt like stepping into a trap.

The driver came around to open the door.

Before Lily could say anything, Jabco leaned slightly closer, his voice calm, almost reassuring.

“Don’t be nervous. Just walk beside me. That’s all you need to do.”

Lily’s eyes snapped to him. “Easy for you to say. You’re used to this. I’m not.”

Jabco’s lips curved into the faintest smile, one that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Then let them get used to you.”

The car door swung open, letting in the cool evening air. Lily blinked against the sudden brightness of camera flashes, and for a second, her chest tightened as if she couldn’t breathe.

She hesitated.

And then Jabco extended his hand, palm open, waiting.