Chapter 40

Lily's Reappearance

It had been nearly a decade since Arnold Hawthorne had seen Lily Aiden, his first true love. Their romance had been a tornado of passion and promise, but it was finally shattered by Lily's ambition and her father's interference. Now, as Arnold stood in the bustling foyer of the Hawthorne Corporation offices, he couldn't believe his eyes when he saw Lily's famously gorgeous features. Her beautiful skin, piercing blue eyes, and cascading chestnut hair remained distinct even after all these years. Arnold's heart raced as he watched Lily saunter across the marble floor, turning heads with the effortless grace of an experienced supermodel. He couldn't help but be pulled toward her, despite the anguish she had caused him. It appeared as if no time had gone by at all. But, just as Arnold was ready to shout out to her, he noticed Lily's focus had changed. She was looking at him directly, her attitude transforming from casual indifference to unambiguous recognition. And the