51.

Lily's POV

The drive back home with Aiden felt oddly comforting. His presence gave me a sense of security, shielding me from the chaotic world outside.

I turned to the window of the car, watching as the busy New York night seemed to whizz past me. The city that had felt so safe and familiar to me suddenly looked dark and desolate and strange.

Steadily, we eased from downtown Brooklyn into Manhattan and the posh part of it where Aiden lived. It suddenly struck me just how different our lives were. We lived in the same city of New York, but we seemed to exist in different spheres of life. Our experiences and backgrounds were polar opposites.

As we approached the gate of his mansion, it swung open, granting us passage into the grand estate. The chauffeur guided the car across the grounds, parking it before the mansion.

"We're here," Aiden announced. He gracefully exited the car and extended his hand to help me out, a gesture so chivalrous and noble that it surprised me.

I hesitated. "