Their eyes met across the space.
For a brief second—
It felt as though they could see straight through each other, past all the lies and masks and carefully constructed walls.
Tension hung silently in the air between them, thick and suffocating.
Neither of them spoke.
Neither of them moved.
[Why is he home?] Lily's thoughts raced frantically. [He's NEVER home this early. Something's wrong. Something's definitely wrong.]
After what felt like an eternity, Lily broke the silence first, her survival instincts kicking in.
"Honey," she said lightly, her lips curving into that familiar, practiced smile—the one she used for cameras and family dinners and uncomfortable social situations.
"Why did you come back so early today?"
Her tone was gentle.
Too gentle.
Artificially sweet.
