Chapter 31 Lily’s Pov

Chapter 31 Lily’s Pov
  I don’t know what exactly Sebastian was thinking when he handed me his card, telling me to buy something for my mom. Maybe it was just a whim, or maybe he genuinely cared. Regardless, I decided to count it as a blessing. I tucked the card carefully into my purse, my fingers brushing over the smooth plastic, and couldn’t help but wonder about the strange mix of anger, intensity, and…something softer that always lingered around him.
  Drey and I were already seated in the car, the engine humming quietly as we drove through the familiar streets toward my mom’s hospital. The city lights reflected off the windscreen, a blur of yellow and white, but my mind was elsewhere, replaying Sebastian’s words.
  “I just want to say thank you so much for what you did,” Drey said, his voice breaking through my thoughts. “I really appreciate it, Lily.”
  “What did I do?” I asked, turning to him with a puzzled look. “What exactly did I do?”
  Drey smiled, leaning slightly forward in the passenger seat. “For helping Sebastian. I mean, really helping him. You know nobody else has ever been able to do that. Calm him down, I mean. You…you handled him in a way no one else could. I think you’re really special.”
  “Special?” I repeated, incredulously. My cheeks warmed at the praise, though I quickly shook my head. “I don’t think so. God just used me, that’s all. Anyone could’ve done the same if given the chance.”
  He chuckled softly, and I could hear the faint amusement in his tone. “Hmmm… maybe, maybe not. Maybe yes,” he teased, as if testing me.
  “There’s no maybe,” I said firmly, though a small smile tugged at my lips. “It’s just not.”
  He laughed outright, the sound low and genuine. I joined in, the tension in the car lifting as the warmth of the moment settled between us.
  We stopped briefly to pick up fruits, some clothes, and a bouquet of flowers. The scent of roses filled the car, mingling with the faint aroma of fresh fruits, and I found myself smiling at the simple pleasure of giving. Even in the midst of everything that happened with Sebastian, I wanted this visit to be about my mom—about her joy, her smile, her comfort.
  By the time we arrived at the hospital, the sun had dipped low, casting golden light through the glass windows. My heart raced as we stepped inside. The smell of antiseptic mingled with faint floral notes from the corridor, reminding me I was in the place I had always dreaded visiting, yet loved.
  “Lily, it’s been a while. I’ve missed you so much,” my mom said as soon as she saw me. Her arms were open, her eyes glistening slightly with unshed tears.
  “Me too, Mom,” I whispered, pulling her into a gentle hug.
  She held me for a moment longer than usual, her hands tracing the lines of my face, as though memorizing them again. “Have you been eating well? You look skinny. What happened? Is Victoria mistreating you, dear?”
  “No, Mom,” I reassured her quickly, trying to ease her worry.
  She tilted her head, studying me. “Are you sure? If she is, you can quit. I’m fine now. I can work again, dear. Don’t let anyone make your life miserable.”
  “No, Mom. Everything is fine. I’m good,” I said, smiling softly. “Really.”
  “Mom, wait. We brought something for you,” I said, standing and gesturing to Drey.
  “Really? And why we?” she asked, curiosity sparkling in her eyes.
  I gave a quick glance to Drey and the others at the reception, silently asking them to join me. My mom’s eyes widened as she saw Sebastian’s secretary and the other men, all perfectly dressed in black suits with crisp white shirts.
  “Who are they?” she asked, her voice tinged with both curiosity and caution.
  “They are workers from Kingsley, and this is Sebastian’s secretary,” I explained, pointing to Drey. “They came with gifts.”
  “Ohhhh, okay,” she murmured, still unsure.
  She pulled me close again, her lips near my ear. “Is everything okay? Why did they come? Did you offend them, or…what?”
  “No, Mom. Calm down. They came with gifts,” I reassured her.
  “Gifts? For me?”
  “Yes, Mom,” I confirmed, smiling.
  I gave Drey a subtle sign to speak, and he stepped forward, bowing slightly.
  “Yes, ma’am,” he said politely. “My boss sent you these gifts—fruits, clothes, and some cash. You can also call me anytime you need anything, ma.”
  “What?” my mom gasped. “All these for me?”
  “Yes, ma’am,” Drey said again, smiling warmly.
  My mom pulled me even closer, concern and pride mingling in her eyes. “Are you sure you didn’t give him anything in return? Maybe trade something?”
  “No, Mom,” I said softly, shaking my head. “He gave it to me because of my dedication to work, not for anything else.”
  “Ohhh, that’s good, dear,” she said, finally allowing herself to smile. She carefully collected the gifts, her eyes glinting with joy.
  “Please help me thank your boss for the gifts and for taking care of Lily,” she added.
  “Yes, ma’am,” Drey said politely.
  As they left, my mom held me tighter than before. “Lily, be a good girl and be careful with that man, Sebastian. I don’t really trust him. You know I’ve always said it—people say he’s scary and fierce.”
  “I know, Mom, but that’s just a rumor,” I reassured her.
  “Hmmm… just be careful,” she murmured, releasing me slightly.
  “All right, Mom. I need to go now,” I said, brushing her hands gently.
  “Why? You just got here,” she protested softly.
  “Mom, Sebastian said I need to see him in the office now,” I explained.
  “Ohhh, okay, my dear. Don’t stress yourself too much,” she said, smiling.
  “Okay, ma. Don’t worry and take care of your health,” I said, planting a quick peck on her cheek before turning to leave.
  On my way to Sebastian’s office, his mother, Katherine, called. My heart skipped a beat, wondering if I had done something wrong. I didn’t have any pending work, so why would she call?
  “Lily, look at me,” Katherine said softly, her tone unusually gentle.
  “Yes, ma’am,” I replied, my curiosity piqued.
  “You’re doing well,” she smiled. “Really good.”
  “Thank you,” I said, feeling warmth spread through me.
  “This gift is for you,” she continued, handing me two bags filled with clothes and personal care items. “All for you. You’ve been doing a great job, and I love that.”
  “Lily, thank you for calming Sebastian down. You really did well,” she added before leaving, clearly amazed.
  I ran to my room, my smile almost unstoppable. Maya and Emma spotted me and immediately praised me for my efforts.
  “Honestly, nobody could calm Sebastian down like you did. Only you could,” Emma said with admiration.
  “Or maybe she has some kind of power or special ability,” Maya added teasingly.
  I laughed softly. “I don’t. I’m just a human being like you.”
  “Hmm… okay, dear,” Maya said, smiling.
  “Lily, I’m proud to have you as a friend,” Emma added warmly.
  “Me too,” I said, handing them each one of my personal care items. “This is for you.”
  After sharing the gifts, I remembered Sebastian had asked me to come to his office. I had been so overjoyed at seeing my mom that I had completely forgotten. It had been over two hours since I left the hospital, and I was sure Sebastian knew. Drey would have told him everything—how my mom responded, the gifts, everything—but I hadn’t shown up yet.
  I knocked on his office door, and he called me in.
  “I’m sorry, sir. I was busy—” I started.
  “Hope I didn’t come late?” I asked nervously.
  “You did,” he said, his voice sharp, tinged with anger.
  Well… here I go again. Another trouble, I thought, was taking a deep breath before stepping fully inside.