39

39


It had officially been a week since Dmitri dropped Lily off at Gio’s place. Thankfully, her new phone had finally arrived, and she could reconnect with the internet again.

“Dearest, I need to run down to the shelter for a bit. I’ll be back soon,” her mother called before the soft click of the door shutting behind her.

The past few days, Lily had mostly been left alone at home. Her mother spent long hours at the animal shelter, it didn’t pay much, but at least it was something, a small start. Gio, on the other hand, was always out and about with her college friend, Sebastian. Though, Lily suspected their frequent meet up was more than just friends viewing the city.

Speaking of the devil, the front door opened, and Gio walked in mid-conversation on the phone. When she finally hung up, Lily arched a brow, clearly waiting for an explanation.

“I thought we were supposed to catch up today,” she reminded her.

Gio’s mouth formed a perfect O.

“I’m bakery hunting with Sebastian. He seems to know a few parts of the country in need of new recruits plus the pay looks good. I thought I should check it out.”

Lily rolled her eyes playfully. “Would you just cut to the chase and tell me what exactly is the errand running with him? I don’t know you to have an out for a man, Gi. C’mon spill the details.”

Finally Gio signed, leaning opposite to where she sat by the counter. “ I find him very interesting. And I think he had a thing or two for me.”

Lily’s eyes widened. That was fast, she barely even knew the guy.

know it seems rushed,” Gio continued quickly, “but he’s a good person. His family’s really messed up, though. He lost a parent and…” Her voice trailed off, shadows crossing her features. Losing her own mom was still a wound that never fully healed. “I think I understand him.”

Lily softened, offering her a small smile.

The phone buzzed again, and this time Gio nearly bolted, grabbing her bag and rushing out the door. The slam echoed in the apartment, leaving behind a heavy silence.

Lily watched the door slam shut behind Gio, silence filling the small apartment. For a moment she just sat there, staring at the empty counter. Gio was quick on her feet these days, always darting off somewhere, work, the shelter, now Sebastian.

She sighed, dragging her phone closer. The screen lit up with a dozen notifications. She hadn’t even touched half the apps since getting the new phone.

A headline caught her eye. She froze, staring at the front page. The journalist featured was none other than Editor Marcella, her former boss. She was the cover of City Pulse Publishing . She hadn’t seen that title for a while now and a sudden absence filled her chest.

She hadn’t realized how much she missed days working as a journalist, despite not getting solid gigs she still thrives for the gossip. She was never the star reporter, but she had belonged there.

Now? After everything that had happened with Dmitri and Damien, she’d abandoned it all. The only thing she had left was the unfinished biography of the old bookkeeper. Everything else… she’d left behind.

For the next few days, Lily grew more and more troubled. Had Dmitri just abandoned her like that? Why hadn’t he called? And would it be too much if she made the first move to see him?

So many questions piled in her mind—trouble, distress, fear.

Tonight, she watched Gio get dressed for yet another meeting with Sebastian. She said his family had decided to permanently settle in town and they were having a housewarming party. Gio had been shy at first, but after Sebastian convinced her, she accepted.

“If I didn’t know better, I’d say you just hate spending time with me,” Lily muttered.

Gio looked away from the mirror to her.

“Right. You know better.”

Lily sighed. It wasn’t jealousy, it was just that her thoughts were killing her each second she was alone.

Gio settled on the bed next to her. “I love you, Lily, you freaking know that. I just—” She paused for a second, as if lost in thought.

Then she giggled. “You know what, why don't you come along? Thank goodness, it won’t just be me now.”

Lily blinked at her. “Me? To a family warming party? With people I don’t know?”

“Yes, you.” Gio grinned, clearly amused by her hesitation. “You’ve been cooped up here for too long. Besides, Sebastian said it’s nothing too serious, promise.”

“You know I don’t do well in crowds.”

“Crowds?” Gio teased. “It’s probably a handful of people at most. His older brother is hosting. If you don’t like it, we can leave early, pinky promise.”

Lily had been trying not to show how much the empty apartment was getting to her. Being left behind reminded her too much of Dmitri’s silence and of everything she couldn’t fix.

Finally, she huffed out a laugh. “Fine. But if anyone asks, I was kidnapped and forced to attend.”

Gio squealed, throwing her arms around her. “You’re the best!”

Thirty minutes later, Lily found herself in a stunning red dress, paired with three-inch heels, a choice she had fought against but ultimately lost thanks to Gio’s relentless persuasion. Her makeup was light, understated compared to Gio’s bold touch, but even so, she felt far too dressed up for something she had nearly refused to attend. She had contemplated backing out three separate times, but by then, it was too late.

Both her and Gio stepped into an estate as big as Dmitris and Lily’s jaw dropped. She hadn’t expected Sebastian’s family to be this wealthy. Gio had hinted he was well off, but this… this was something else entirely.

She glanced at Gio, who looked equally stunned despite trying to mask it with a brave smile.

Inside, the gathering was anything but the “handful of people” Gio had promised. The foyer opened into a grand hall brimming with elegantly dressed guests.

Lily’s nerves spiked instantly. They looked painfully out of place among the polished gowns and tailored suits. Her heels suddenly felt too high, her dress too simple.

She leaned closer to Gio, muttering under her breath, “This is definitely a handful of people, all right.”

Gio stifled a laugh, tugging her further inside. “Okay, maybe I underestimated. But hey, what could possibly go wrong?”

Lily arched a brow. Famous last words.