Chapter 17

• Lily opened the door to her apartment, the morning sun flooding the hallway as she stepped out. Today was crucial; the new CEO was arriving, and she was already running late. Mia had left early, and the pressure of the day ahead weighed heavily on her. She hurried down the stairs, her mind racing with thoughts of presentations and meetings.
• But as she reached the bottom, she froze. Standing just outside her building were Mr. and Mrs. Gray—Ethan’s parents. The sight of them struck her like a lightning bolt, a mix of joy and dread swirling within her. They had been her lifeline after her parents died, raising her as their own and showering her with love and support.
• “Lily!” Mrs. Gray exclaimed, her face lighting up with warmth. “It’s so good to see you!”