Chapter 5

Lily never expected David to risk his life for her.

Now, seated in the hospital room, watching the doctor clean and dress the gash across his shoulder, her stomach twisted into a tight knot. Guilt, confusion, and something softer—something terrifyingly close to affection—churned together inside her chest.

The antiseptic smell hung thick in the room. The monitor beeped steadily, and David sat still, only flinching slightly when the cotton swab touched raw skin. Lily stood a little away, her arms wrapped around her midsection, her teeth worrying her lower lip. She hadn't said much since they arrived. Neither had he.

The doctor finished the dressing, then glanced toward Lily. "He'll be fine, but he needs rest and careful attention. You're his wife, aren't you?"

Lily opened her mouth but didn't know what to say.

"She is," David said flatly before she could respond. "Make sure she knows how to take care of the wound."

The doctor nodded and began explaining the medication schedule and dressing changes. Lily listened carefully, her hands trembling just a little as she took the instructions. Once they were alone again, the silence stretched.

Lily turned to him. "Why did you do that?"

David raised an eyebrow. "What?"

"You got hurt. For me."

He let out a humorless chuckle. "Don't flatter yourself."

Her eyes narrowed. "I'm not, I'm trying to understand. You didn't have to..."

"You were in the way," he muttered, looking away. "It was a reflex."

Lily stared at him. "That's a poor excuse for someone who just threw himself in front of a falling vase."

His eyes met hers again, colder now. "It doesn't matter why I did it. You're safe. That's all."

His words sounded noble, but something inside her cracked. She wasn't stupid. She'd seen the panic in his eyes when she stumbled, the way he hadn't hesitated even for a second. That wasn't just reflex. It couldn't be.

But before she could press further, the door flung open.

"David!"

A shrill, high-pitched voice echoed in the room.

Marina walked in like a storm wrapped in silk and perfume, her heels tapping loudly against the floor, her eyes taking in the scene like a snake spotting prey. Her gaze flicked between David on the hospital bed and Lily standing near him.

"Well, isn't this cozy," she sneered.

Lily instinctively stepped back.

"Marina," David said warningly, his voice low.

"You got injured and instead of calling me"—she emphasized the word like poison on her tongue—"you're here playing house with her?"

"I didn't call anyone," David said flatly. "She was there."

Marina ignored him. She was only getting started. "Of course she was. This bitch is always around when something goes wrong! You're nothing but a shameless homewrecker, you know that? You think pretending to be caring will bring him back to you?"

Lily stayed silent. The insult stung more than it should have.

"She's here because she's my secretary," David said sharply. "And I don't need to explain myself to you."

Marina's eyes widened, then narrowed. "So she still matters that much? You'd rather protect her than me?"

"I'd protect anyone in danger. A stranger. A cat. Even a dog," David said, his tone ice-cold. "Don't confuse basic decency with affection."

Lily's throat closed up.

Of course.

That was all she was.

A cat. A dog. Just another soul on the street he happened to save because he had a 'moral duty.'

Just moments ago, she had almost believed—almost hoped—he might still care. But hearing him lump her with stray animals...

"Got it," she whispered. Her hands shook slightly, but she forced them still. "Thanks for clearing that up."

She turned toward the door.

But before she could leave, Marina grabbed her arm. "Wait."

Lily looked back, frowning.

"I ordered some nutritious meals for David. Organic, specially curated by his dietician. I... I don't know the roads around this hospital. Can you pick them up for me? I would, but I don't want to get lost."

Lily stared at her.

Seriously?

"You think I'm your errand girl now?"

"Just do it," Marina shrugged with a fake smile. "You're already here. You took responsibility for his injury, right? Fetching some food isn't too much to ask."

Lily glanced at David.

He didn't meet her eyes. He leaned back against the pillow, closing his eyes as if none of this involved him at all.

That was enough.

She exhaled slowly and nodded. "Fine."

If this was what it took to erase the guilt, she'd do it.

Marina gave her a note with the address. "Don't take too long. David hates cold food."

Lily didn't respond. She walked out of the room, feeling her legs tremble slightly under her weight.

She didn't know why her chest hurt so much.

Maybe she really was just a street dog in David's eyes.

But this street dog was finally learning.

Not to love.

But to let go.