The first few weeks in her new home passed like a dream Lily wasn't sure she was ready to wake up from. Mr. Angelo Watson, her stepfather, was nothing like she had expected. Warm, welcoming, and wealthy beyond imagination. The mansion was so huge, it took her an entire day just to understand where each room was. Chandeliers sparkled like stars on the ceilings, and the garden looked like it belonged in a royal movie.
But even in this new world, Lily kept her distance. She was polite but quiet. She didn't ask too many questions, especially about Mr. Watson's family. She didn't care to know.
Even when someone mentioned a stepsister who studied in another city, Lily had just nodded. She didn't even ask her name. She wasn't interested.
But everything changed when she met David—Mr. Watson's nephew.
He was witty, kind, and charming in a calm, confident way. He had a smile that felt like sunlight sneaking through closed curtains. At first, they talked briefly over breakfast. Then longer during evening tea. And soon, he started walking her to the nearby private school she had recently joined.
There was something about David that made Lily feel… lighter.
One evening, their school held a grand welcome event. The hall was lit with soft golden lights, music echoing through the air, students dressed in semi-formals, laughter bouncing off every wall. Lily stood alone near the edge, arms folded.
David appeared beside her, wearing a black shirt and silver tie. "You're just going to stand here the whole evening?" he asked, smiling.
"I don't dance," Lily replied, trying to stay distant.
"Neither do I," he grinned, "But I'd like to try with you."
She hesitated. Her mind flashed back to Xavier. His smile, his betrayal.
"I'm not interested," she whispered.
But David didn't walk away. "Please?" he said, holding out his hand.
And for some reason, Lily's heart said yes before her lips did.
They moved to the dance floor, the music slow and soft. David placed his hand gently on her waist. Lily's breath caught, but she didn't step away. Their hands met, their steps matched.
And then, slowly, David pulled her just a little closer—close enough that she could feel the rhythm of his heartbeat. Her hands rested against his chest as their eyes met.
Something inside Lily shifted.
It wasn't just a dance. It was a moment.
She could feel the warmth of his touch through the fabric. The way his fingers rested on her waist sent tiny sparks down her spine. His breath brushed against her cheek as he leaned slightly closer, his voice barely above a whisper.
"You're... really beautiful, Lily."
For the first time in weeks, she smiled. Genuinely.
And that night, while lying in bed, staring at the ceiling, Lily whispered to herself,
"I think... I'm starting to feel again."