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066: Masked Man

Author: FlyingDove
last update Last Updated: 2024-10-26 23:50:13

ANDREW/LILY POV

Andrew’s POV

I closed Lily’s door softly, feeling the ache of her words like a bruise in my chest. Leaning against the cold wall outside, I clenched my fists, replaying every moment of our conversation. She’d been so close to opening up, and then… like a door slamming shut, she pulled away, shutting herself down.

Her words echoed in my mind: “damaged.” The raw pain in her voice, the defeat in her eyes—both haunted me.

“Dammit,” I muttered under my breath, running a hand through my short hair.

I knew she was hurting; it was written in every guarded glance, every tense silence. But hearing her call herself damaged… it twisted something deep inside me. I took out my phone, fingers hovering over the screen as I wrestled with what to say.

Finally, I typed a message. Simple, but true. “I’m not going anywhere, Lily. When you’re ready to talk, I’ll be here.”

I hit send, hoping, praying she’d understand. I meant it. Whatever she was carrying, whatever shadows she was fighting,
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