Lily's POV
The fluorescent lights buzzed above her, a constant hum that matched the one behind her eyes. Lily stepped out of her father's hospital room, her heels muted against the pale linoleum floor. The door whispered shut behind her, leaving the sharp scent of antiseptic and something more human—weakness, fragility—trapped inside.
She exhaled slowly, pressing a palm against her stomach to calm the unrest there. Taking the CEO position felt like stepping into a fire barefoot. But she had made her choice. Not for glory. Not even for herself. For him.
Her father. The man who had raised her on firm expectations and silent pride. The man now lying behind that door, fighting machines to stay alive.
She moved down the corridor toward the small waiting area near the elevators, needing air or distance or maybe both. Her mind was still reeling from the way he'd gripped her hand moments ago, from the way his eyelids fluttered with weak gratitude when she whispered, "I said yes."
