Chapter 5

Lily didn’t know what was wrong with her. Maybe it was the flash of something raw in his eyes, but she found herself nodding before she could think better of it. She thought he was taking her home, but his car pulled up in front of a hospital. As if sensing her inner turmoil, a wry, almost teasing smirk touched his lips as he stepped out. "What did you think I wanted you for?" Shame flushed Lily's cheeks. 'God, what were you thinking? Do you really believe he wanted a farewell sex? His Marina is back. He doesn't need a stand-in anymore. Get a grip, Lily.' "To get your arm stitched up, obviously," she said, too quickly. "I’m not a coward. Once we're done here, my obligation is over." The procedure wasn't complicated, but the wound was deeper than she'd thought, aggravated by an old scar. Lily’s stomach twisted. Guilt, confusion, and something softer—something terrifyingly close to affection—churned in her chest. The sterile smell of the VIP room was sharp. David sat perfectly still, not even flinching when the tweezers dug in to remove a shard. Lily stood a few feet away, arms wrapped around herself, teeth worrying her lower lip. She couldn’t decide whether she hated his stubborn silence or respected his ironclad control more. The doctor finished the dressing, then glanced toward Lily. "He'll be fine, but he needs rest and careful attention. You're his wife, aren't you?" Lily opened her mouth, but no words came out. “She is,” David answered coldly before she could respond. “Make sure she knows the aftercare.” The doctor nodded and began explaining the medication schedule and dressing changes. Lily listened carefully, her hands trembling just a little as she took the instructions. Once they were alone again, the silence stretched. Lily turned to him. "Why did you do that?" David raised an eyebrow. "What?" "You got hurt. For me." He let out a humorless chuckle. "Don't flatter yourself." Her eyes narrowed. "I'm not, I'm trying to understand. You didn't have to..." "You were in the way," he muttered, looking away. "It was a reflex." Lily stared at him. "That's a poor excuse for someone who just threw himself in front of a falling vase." His eyes met hers again, colder now. "It doesn't matter why I did it. You're safe. That's all." His words sounded noble, but something inside her fractured. She wasn’t stupid. She’d seen the panic in his eyes when she stumbled, the way he hadn’t hesitated for a second. That wasn’t just instinct. It couldn’t be. But before she could press further, the door flung open. "David!" A shrill, high-pitched voice echoed in the room. Marina walked in like a storm wrapped in silk and perfume, her heels tapping loudly against the floor, her eyes taking in the scene like a snake spotting prey. Her gaze flicked between David on the hospital bed and Lily standing near him. “How cozy,” she drawled, her voice dripping with venom. Lily instinctively took a step back. “Marina,” David warned, his tone low. "You got injured and instead of calling me"—she emphasized the word like poison on her tongue—"you're here playing house with her?" "I didn't call anyone," David said flatly. "She was there." Marina ignored him. She was only getting started. "Of course she was. This bitch is always around when something goes wrong! You're nothing but a shameless homewrecker, you know that? You think pretending to be caring will bring him back to you?" Lily stayed silent. The insult stung more than it should have. "She's here because she's my secretary," David said sharply. "And I don't need to explain myself to you." Marina's eyes widened, then narrowed. “You don’t? Are you defending her now, David? Do you have any idea how it tears me apart that she played my part beside you for five years?” "I'd protect anyone in danger. A stranger. A cat. Even a dog," David said, his tone ice-cold. "Don't confuse basic decency with affection." Lily's throat closed up. Of course. That was all she was. A cat. A dog. Just another soul on the street he happened to save because he had a 'moral duty.' Just moments ago, she had almost believed—almost hoped—he might still care. But hearing him lump her with stray animals... "Got it," she whispered. Her hands shook slightly, but she forced them still. "Thanks for clearing that up." She turned toward the door. But before she could leave, Marina grabbed her arm. "Wait." Lily looked back, frowning. “I ordered David some proper meals. All organic, prepared by his nutritionist. I… I’m not familiar with the area near the hospital. Could you pick them up for me? I would go myself, but I’d hate to get lost.” Lily stared at her. Seriously? “Do I look like your errand girl now?” “Just do it,” Marina shrugged, offering a fake smile. “You’re already here. And you did admit he got hurt because of you, didn’t you? It’s not too much to ask.” Lily glanced at David. He wasn’t looking at her. He leaned back against the pillows, his eyes closed, as if distancing himself from the entire scene. But she understood. He was endorsing this, too. Remembering the raw wound on his arm, she let out a slow breath and nodded. “Fine.” If this was what it took to erase the guilt, she'd do it. Marina handed her a slip of paper with the address. “Don’t be long. David hates cold food.”