Chapter 257

When she finished, she stepped back, her hands lingering in the air before dropping to her sides. “All done,” she said softly. David didn’t move right away. “You look tired,” Lily said, finally lifting her eyes to him. “You should rest.” He gave a small smile, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “I will later.” She hesitated, then asked, “Will you come back early?” “Yes,” he answered without pause. “I won’t be long.” That answer eased something in her chest, even though she didn’t fully understand why. As he reached for the door, Lily spoke again. “David.” He stopped and turned back. “Thank you,” she said. Her voice was low, but steady. “For staying. For everything.” He looked at her for a long moment, his expression unreadable. “You don’t need to thank me,” he said quietly. “That’s where I should have been all along.” Then he left. The door closed softly behind him. Lily stood there for a long time, staring at the door, her heart beating slower now, but heavier somehow. She knew things were