"I swear, Lily, the moment I figured it out, I planned to come back to you after handling things. I wanted to tell you everything, to make it right."
Before Cai could explain everything, however, they were interrupted by someone as the door opened. Both of them turned toward the interruption, and Lily's mother, Mrs. Kingston, stepped hesitantly into the room. Her eyes flickered between them, and anyone could see that she was surprised.. For a moment, no one spoke. Then, with a nervous clearing of her throat, she said, "I'm sorry for the interruption. I'll..." Her voice faltered as her gaze lingered on Lily, then shifted to Cai, softening with an expression that was equal parts guilt and hesitation. She swallowed hard, as though weighing her next words, and finally finished, "I'll wait in the other room."
However, before she could close the door, Cai stopped her, "Mrs Kingston, please wait a minute."
