Chapter 6
Lily's POV.
I could feel Sonia's eyes on me as we sat in class throughout the day, her gaze like a laser cutting through my thoughts. I was trying so hard to keep my face
Neutral, and she saw right through me. She always does.
At the end of school, she walks up to me.
"Lily, what's up? You look like you've just seen a ghost," she said, leaning closer.
"I'm fine," I lied, forcing a smile.
Sonia wasn't buying it. "Fine? You know I always know when you are lying. Moreover, you have been all day. Come on, what's going on?"
I shook my head, but she wasn't giving up. Forcing a laugh, "I'm good, I just didn't sleep well. I had Menstrual Cramps"
Her lips pressed into a thin line. "Fine. But since it's almost your birthday, I want to know your plans. What are we doing this year?"
I sighed. "Honestly, I haven't really thought about it."
"You never think about it," she huffed, flipping her hair dramatically. "Every year, I'm the one who plans everything. It's my personal mission to make sure you have the best birthday ever."
I laughed weakly. "I know, Sonia. But can we just keep it low-key this year? Like… Mark and pizza?"
She leaned forward, eyes gleaming. "Lily Mittens, Omega of Dark Shade Pack, I will NOT let you spend your birthday the same sad way we've done for the past ten years. This year is going to be different. Trust me."
"Different how?" I asked, feeling a flicker of curiosity.
She just smirked. "Just trust me."
Before I could protest, my phone buzzed with a text from Mark. "Come outside. I've got a surprise."
Sonia's eyes lit up. "Ooh, what's that about? Come on, let's go see!"
We hurried outside to see Mark leaning against his black Benz, sunglasses on, looking like a movie star. "Hey, birthday girl," he said with a grin. "Get in."
"What's going on?" I asked, heart racing.
"Since I won't be around for your actual birthday," he said, opening the door for me. "I thought I'd take you on a little shopping spree. My treat."
Sonia squealed. "A shopping spree? Mark, you're the best!"
I hesitated. "I don't know if I should…"
"Oh, come on!" Sonia tugged at my arm. "You deserve a little fun. Besides, how often does a guy offer to spoil you like this?"
Mark smiled. "Sonia's right. Don't hold back. Let's make this a day to remember."
I couldn't help but smile, feeling my mood lift for the first time all day. Maybe this was exactly what I needed.
Mark took us to the nicest mall in town. Sonia was already practically vibrating with excitement, darting from one store to the next.
"Try this on! No, try that on!" she said, practically shoving dresses into my arms.
"Relax, Sonia," I said, laughing as she piled clothes on me. "I can't wear all this at once."
"You can try," she teased.
Mark leaned back in a chair, watching us with an amused smile. "Get whatever you want, Lily," he said. "It's your day."
I felt a little shy at first, but Sonia was relentless. Eventually, I gave in, twirling around in a pale blue dress that made me feel… beautiful.
"You look amazing," Sonia said, clapping her hands. "That color is perfect on you."
I blushed. "Thanks, but I don't really have anywhere to wear it."
"Who says you need an occasion?" Sonia said. "You should have something nice, just in case."
Mark nodded in agreement. "You never know when you might need to wow someone."
I rolled my eyes but smiled. "Fine, I'll take it."
After a few hours of shopping, Sonia somehow convinced me to let her buy me a beautiful dinner gown in deep red.
"This is for… whenever you decide to let yourself shine," she said mysteriously.
I raised an eyebrow. "Sonia, what are you up to?"
She just winked. "You'll see."
After the mall, Mark took us to a little park for ice cream. I watched the kids playing, feeling almost… normal. For the first time since… well, since yesterday, I didn't feel like the world was caving in.
"Hey," Mark said softly, handing me a cone. "Are you okay?"
I nodded, forcing a smile. "Yeah, I think I needed this."
He looked at me closely, his blue eyes kind. "You know, you can always talk to me, right?"
I swallowed. "I know."
Sonia jumped in, grinning. "Enough serious talk! Let's take pictures!"
We spent the next half hour taking silly selfies and laughing until our stomachs hurt. For a moment, I forgot about everything else.
But as we walked back to the car, my laughter froze. Across the park, near the edge of the fountain, I saw him. Joe.
He was leaning against a tree, arms crossed, his intense gaze locked on me. My breath caught in my throat.
"Lily? What's wrong?" Sonia asked, following my gaze.
But I couldn't answer. My heart was pounding, and I felt like I couldn't move.
Joe's eyes didn't waver, and I couldn't look away. It was like the world had stopped around us.
Then, just as I thought he might come over, one of his side chicks, Amber, of course, threw her arms around him and kissed him hard. My stomach twisted.
He didn't push her away. He didn't take his eyes off me, and kissed her hungryly.
I felt like I couldn't breathe.
Mark noticed the look on my face. "Lily? Are you okay?"
I swallowed hard, blinking back tears. "Yeah. I'm fine."
Sonia put her hand on my shoulder. "Let's go home, okay?"
I nodded, but my mind was spinning. As we drove away, I couldn't help but wonder.
What the hell was that look in Joe's eyes?