Chapter 80

Chapter 80

Lilly nodded, though uncertainty flickered in her eyes. She wasn’t sure why, but she trusted Ray’s judgment, even if the nuances of social interactions often eluded her. “If you say so,” she replied, her voice devoid of the warmth Ray might have hoped for. Despite that, she allowed herself to relax in his embrace, feeling the tension slowly ebb away, though she couldn't quite identify what was different about this moment.

Ray guided her into the room, closing the door behind them. The click of the latch sounded final, almost ominous in the quiet, and it stirred something faint within Lilly—perhaps a sense of anticipation, though she struggled to name the emotion.

As they stood alone in the stillness, Ray took both of Lilly's hands in his. He drew her closer, his gaze intense but soft. There was something in his eyes—something Lilly often struggled to interpret but was learning to recognize as affection.

“I’m serious about what I said earlier,” Ray began, his voice calm yet