Husband With Benefits

Lily was in awe. Of her own decision and the speed with which Princess Dora worked.. Just two days ago, she had been approached by Her Highness to become a housekeeper at one of her royal residences, and now, she was almost already en route to the place. She glanced down at the itinerary and sighed. The rich really did live a different life. Even as a housekeeper, she was being flown out by a chartered airplane, with a helicopter ride waiting to take her to the estate. The butterflies in her stomach stirred at the thought of this new beginning.

Her thoughts were interrupted by Meredith’s familiar voice, "I can’t believe I’m losing my roommate and best friend just like that."

Lily turned and pulled her into a hug, squeezing her tightly. "Mer! You’re definitely losing a roommate, but not your best friend! No way. We’ll keep in touch—phone calls, video chats, everything. You’re stuck with me. I am definitely not resigning from the best friend position."

Meredith let out a small laugh, but there was an edge to it. "Yes, yes, I know. But I still wish you hadn’t met that man."

Lily froze, pulling back slightly to look at her friend with a frown. "Where did that come from?"

Meredith crossed her arms, her expression a mixture of exasperation and worry. "Oh, please. As if I haven’t noticed. You’re leaving Petrovia, but don’t pretend it’s just for the job. You’ve been running from him ever since... and don’t even get me started on the way you’ve been glued to every news report about him. Do you think I haven’t noticed how the TV remote mysteriously stops working every time his face shows up? Also, if you hadn’t met him,you would not have been introduced to Princess Dora, right?"

Lily’s cheeks flushed, her stomach knotting at the mention of him. She quickly looked away, feigning indifference. "It’s not like that, Mer."

"Really?" Meredith raised an eyebrow, not buying it. "Then what is it like? Because from where I’m standing, it looks an awful lot like you’re trying to get as far away from him as possible. And if I had known this would be the consequence of advising you to not date him, I would have definitely been the first person to push you into his arms."

Lily laughed at this and shook her head at Meredith," I’m just... ready for a change. This job, it’s an amazing opportunity. How could I say no? Even if you had pushed me into his arms, as you so nicely put it, I would run at this chance, okay?"

Meredith nodded and sighed," Uh huh! I’ll give you the benefit of doubt. But, here is the thing... I want you to actively start dating, okay? Once you are there, just go out with a few people, that way he won’t be stuck in your head."

"Okay okay! Once I get there, I will turn into a party girl! Alright? Anyway, I won’t have any company to watch allt hos eboring documentaries..."

Meredith giggled and and quickly hugged Lily back," Okay okay! Don’t turn into a hardcore party girl. I’ll miss you, Lily!"