Lily gently patted her father's pillow, fluffing it with care, before helping him sit up. As she did, she struggled to keep the smile on her face, even as her father's soft voice broke through the silence.
"Have you spoken to Cai today?" he asked, his tone tinged with a wistfulness that tugged at her heart.
It was clear he had accepted the idea that she had spoken up out of love for Cai that day about being a willing replacement for him, and he didn't blame her for doing what she believed was right. He seemed content with the notion, almost relieved, as though it gave him a measure of peace.
But the truth was much more complicated. She hadn't spoken to Cai. Not since he had left a week ago, after painstakingly arranging everything here. And certainly not after she posted that clarification—the one that had almost crucified her online. He'd gone radio silent and she didn't know what to do.
