Chapter 834: Sigh
Lily sighed deeply as she hauled the last of her belongings into the small room within the grand mansion. It felt daunting to think about how empty the space might feel, and, because Cai had been so worried about her, she’d decided to keep her concerns to herself. She hadn’t fought him on this; after all, what was the point? But the thought of living all alone in this humongous place was even scarier than facing any media people.
She plopped down on the edge of the bed, letting out another sigh that mingled with the dust motes floating in the afternoon light. At least Cai had confided in her about his worries, and that brought her some comfort. If he had taken his friend’s advice, they would have ended things or at least ’distanced’ themselves from each other for the time being, and the mere thought of that sent a pang through her heart.
Just then, her phone rang, jolting her out of her reverie. She glanced down at the screen and saw it was her father calling. A grimace tugged at her lips as memories of their last interaction flooded back. It had been tense. Should she answer it? But she had promised him she would give him a chance to make things right. "Hello," she finally answered, her voice steady despite the unease swirling inside her.
"Lily." His voice came through, weary and strained. There was something almost defeated in his tone, a hint of sadness that made her sit up a little straighter. Had something happened? The concern began to build in her chest like a knot tightening.
"Daddy? Is everything okay" she asked, t. He let out a bitter laugh at that, a sound that echoed with years of disappointment. "Now you call me daddy, when I would have given anything to have heard you say that... Thank you, Lily. You have a big heart."
In that moment, she realized two important truths. First, she had been avoiding addressing her parents altogether referring to them as ’her parents’ and not mom or dad, allowing the rift to widen without even noticing it.
And second, why did his words feel so much like a farewell? Was he preparing to leave already? A wave of bitterness rose in her throat, thick and sour. She should have expected that, even though they had claimed they would be around for a long time. But she held her tongue; if they wanted to say goodbye, then that was on them. She would not be the one to extend an olive branch.
"Lily, would you mind coming in for lunch today? If only for a little while," he continued, his voice softer now. "I’ll ask your mother to stay away, if that helps."
"Lily. Would you mind coming in for Lunch today? If only for a little while. I’ll ask your mother to not join us."