CHAPTER 45: SECRET MEETING

Simon’s Point of View

As soon as I saw the message from Lily, I knew I couldn’t ignore it. I read it twice, to be sure I wasn't imagining things but it was from her. She wanted to meet me, away from the house. It wasn’t something I expected, especially after everything. My heart hammered in my chest as I made my way to the spot she picked. What did she want? Was she ready to confront what was between us, or was she just going to tell me goodbye, once and for all?

I got to the park walking toward the small bench under an oak tree where Lily had told me to meet her. It was quiet, away from the house, away from everyone. No one would see us here. But my mind was racing, trying to figure out what choice she’d made.

Then I saw her, standing by the bench, her back turned to me. “I got your message,” I said, stepping closer.

She turned to face me, and for a moment, we just stared at each other. She looked…nervous, unsure. My heart sped up. I wanted to take her worries off her shoulders, but