Chapter 285: Bad news
Lily and Cage strolled through the park, the afternoon sun casting a golden glow over the vibrant greenery. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers, and the sound of birds singing created a perfect backdrop for their day together. Lily’s laughter was infectious, and Cage found himself smiling more than he had in weeks. They had decided to take a break from the chaos that surrounded their lives, and today was all about them.
They settled on a picnic blanket under a large oak tree, spreading out a delicious array of foods they had prepared together. Cage watched as Lily took a bite of a strawberry, her eyes lighting up with joy. He loved seeing her like this, carefree and happy, a stark contrast to the worry that had clouded her face in recent weeks.
"Cage, you have to try this," Lily said, holding out a piece of cheese. He leaned in, taking a bite, and their eyes met, a spark passing between them.
"It’s perfect," he said, not just referring to the cheese. Everything about this moment felt perfect.
They spent hours talking and laughing, sharing stories and dreams. Lily rested her head on Cage’s shoulder, her fingers intertwined with his. For a brief moment, the world outside ceased to exist, and it was just the two of them.
Cage’s phone buzzed, breaking the serene silence. He frowned, not wanting to be disturbed. He pulled it out, seeing Fredrick’s name flash on the screen. His heart sank. He hadn’t heard from Fredrick since the fallout with Abby, and he knew this couldn’t be good news.
"Lily, I need to take this," he said softly, gently detaching himself from her embrace.
She nodded, her eyes filled with understanding, but also a hint of worry. "Okay."
Cage stood up and walked a few steps away, answering the call. "Fredrick, what’s going on?"