Chapter 96

Lily POV

The day passed in a blur.

I attended all my classes, barely able to concentrate as my thoughts kept drifting back to Kai. I replayed our last few interactions from a week ago, searching for clues or signs I might have missed.

But there was none.

So, what was the problem?

After my last class, I rushed to the pack house, determined to wait for Kai. I won’t let his distance or silence push me away. If he needed time, I would give it to him, but I needed to hear the words from his mouth—I deserve that honesty, at least.

I waited all afternoon for him, but he didn’t come home. Suspecting he was held up at the office, I decided to work on my school project.

By evening, there was still no sign of him. I busied myself with inconsequential tasks around the house, hoping he’d come home soon.

I opened several gift boxes sent to Kai… Some were already a year old. I reheated dinner—I didn’t eat yet; I wanted us to eat together and in my mind; I kept rehearsing everything I would say to hi