Chapter 25

Lily hadn’t planned on leaving the city that week, but the new design project required her to personally oversee some of the preliminary work. It was in a nearby city—two hours away by train—but far enough that she could breathe without feeling David’s shadow over her shoulder. The early morning air was crisp when she stepped off the train, suitcase in hand, her mind already busy with color palettes, fabric textures, and potential concepts for the client’s request. She didn’t expect to run into Evan. they’d just met was few days ago. Evan had breezed in with his easy smile and magnetic presence, instantly lightening the mood. Now, standing in the lobby of the hotel where her client had booked her a room, she blinked in surprise as the tall figure in a baseball cap and sunglasses turned at the sound of her suitcase wheels. “Lily?” His voice was warm, carrying the kind of familiarity that made her lips curve into a smile before she could think. “Evan? What are you doing here?” she asked,