Lily adjusted the sleeve of her blouse, staring at herself in the mirror for a second longer than necessary.
The outfit was simple — a soft cream blouse tucked into dark trousers, neat and professional, nothing too noticeable.
Yet she still smoothed it again, brushing invisible creases away.
Behind her, sprawled lazily across the bed, her friend watched with narrowed eyes.
"You're dressing like you're going to work
Lily didn't turn. "Maybe, I am."
"Work?"
"Yes."
Her friend snorted.
"You don't even dress this carefully for work."
Lily picked up her bag.
"I always dress properly."
"Not like this."
Lily ignored her and reached for her watch.
"Where are you going?" her friend asked.
"To Adrian's house."
There was a pause.
Then her friend slowly sat up.
"That's worse."
Lily sighed. "The twins need help packing. They're traveling tomorrow."
Her friend leaned forward.
"So you dressed up to go help your boss's kids pack?"
"It's not like that."
"It's exactly like that."
Lily turned finally. "I'm just helping."
Her friend tilted her head.
"You always say that. You're always 'just helping.' You stay late, you handle his personal matters, you run errands, now you're going to his house to pack his kids' bags."
She crossed her arms.
"You're not his assistant anymore. You're his… I don't even know. Domestic secretary."
Lily shook her head. "He trusts me."
"You like him."
Lily froze briefly.
Her friend watched her carefully.
"You've liked him for years."
Lily picked up her phone. "That's not—"
"It is."
Her friend softened slightly.
"He doesn't even notice you."
Lily looked away. "That's not the point."
"Then what is?"
"The kids need help."
Her friend sighed. "You always hide behind that."
Lily walked toward the door.
"I'll be late."
"You deserve more than being the woman who always shows up when he calls."
Lily paused for a second, then opened the door.
"I'm just doing my job," she said before leaving.
The Prescott mansion stood calm and imposing as Lily's uber rolled to a stop outside. She stepped out, smoothing her blouse once before heading toward the entrance.
The staff greeted her immediately.
"Good evening, Miss Lily."
"Good evening."
She stepped inside.
Her eyes immediately found Adrian seated across the living room, his posture relaxed but composed. Alex lounged on the couch opposite him, completely at ease.
Alex noticed her first.
"Well," he said, leaning back.
"If it isn't the infamous Lily Rhodes"
"Still working overtime?"
Lily stopped politely.
"Someone has to."
Adrian looked up at her. "You came fast."
"You said they needed help."
Alex smiled.
"You always come when he calls, Like Superman"
Lily ignored the comment.
"Where are they?"
"Upstairs," Adrian replied.
As if summoned, Lila's voice echoed from above.
"Lily?!"
The next second, she came running down the stairs.
"You're here!"
She rushed toward her, grabbing her hand.
"Come upstairs, please. I don't know what to take."
Lily smiled. "Alright, princess"
Julian peeped from up the stairs
"Oh, Hi, Lily."
"Hi, Julian."
Lila was already dragging her toward her room.
"You need to help me decide everything."
They disappeared upstairs.
Alex watched them go, then glanced at Adrian.
"She fits so easily."
"I think you should marry her"
Adrian looked up,
"I don't want to see you crying"
The two friends laughed.
Lila's room looked like a clothing storm had exploded.
Outfits were spread across the bed, chair, and even the floor.
"I don't know what to take," Lila said dramatically.
"You're going for a week," Lily said, leaning against the wall.
"That's exactly why I need options."
Lily stepped forward, scanning the room.
"You're taking too much."
"No I'm not."
"Trust me, you are."
She picked up a dress. "You can't take this."
Lila nodded.
"And this."
She hesitated. "Maybe."
"And this—"
"No, I need that."
Lily smiled. "Two bags."
Lila stared at her. "Two?"
"Yes."
"That's impossible."
"It's enough."
Lila sighed dramatically.
"Fine… but I'm taking extra shoes."
"Two pairs," Lily said.
"Three."
"Two."
Lila groaned. "You're strict."
"You'll thank me later, I promise"
Downstairs, Alex leaned forward.
"You trust her so much"
Adrian didn't look at him. "She's reliable."
Alex watched him for a moment but didn't push.
Footsteps returned as Lily came downstairs.
"They're packed," she said calmly. "Two bags each."
Adrian nodded. "Good."
"They're excited."
"I noticed."
Alex leaned back. "Stay a bit."
Lily hesitated. "I should go."
"You just arrived," Alex said.
"Have a drink."
She glanced at Adrian.
He didn't object.
She sat.
Alex poured a drink casually and handed it to her.
"So," she said,
"how are you holding up?"
Adrian leaned back. "I'm fine."
Adrian looked at Lily.
"Thank you for coming."
"You're welcome."
He added, "Handle the list while i'm gone."
Alex looked between them.
"What list?"
Lily answered, "It's the Crestfall Property project, There was a structural damage that lead to a three percent drop"
Alex frowned. "Three percent?"
"Yes."
"That's reckless."
"They're being reviewed," Lily said.
"They should be punished," Alex replied.
"No excuses"
"It might have been an accident," she said gently.
Adrian spoke firmly. "No."
After a moment, Adrian stood.
"It's late."
He looked at Lily.
"The driver will take you."
Alex stood immediately.
"I'll drop her."
"That's not necessary," Lily said.
"I insist."
She hesitated.
Adrian didn't interfere.
"…Alright."
They walked toward the door.
Lily paused before leaving.
"Flight is at 10 AM."
Adrian nodded once.
She stepped out with Alex.
The door closed behind them.
Adrian stood still for a moment, then turned back inside.