Page 52 of I’m Already Gone

I nod slowly. Makes sense. They’re the most likely to protect metals from environmental threats, such as moisture and extreme temperature fluctuations, which can degrade their quality over time.

Marcus lets out a low, appreciative whistle. “Ethan, this is easily a multi-million-dollar contract.”

“I know,” I affirm, meeting his gaze across the desk as I hand him the folder. “Let’s get the core team together. I want a preliminary design concept, a comprehensive threat assessment, and a ballpark figure on my desk by the end of the week.”

“Consider it done,” Marcus replies, taking the folder from me.

Suddenly, there’s a knock at the door.

“Come in,” I call out.

The door opens, and I look up, shocked to see Lily.

My gaze, involuntary and hungry, roams over her, and something sharp and painful tightens in my chest. She’s lost so much weight since I last saw her. Her oversized, faded gray hoodie seems to swallow her, hanging loosely where it once fit perfectly.

Lily’s eyes drift around the office, her face clouded by a sorrowful, almost haunted look that makes my chest clench even tighter. I realize she must be picturing what happened between Emma and me in this very room. The weight of that knowledge crashes over me, filling me with regret for the pain I’ve caused her.

Marcus pushes back his chair and rises to his feet. “Hey, Lily bear,” he says, pulling her into a hug.

“Hi, Marcus,” she whispers.

He glances over his shoulder at me, a knowing, sympathetic look in his eyes. “I’m going to give you guys some privacy.”

I blink, and a slow, heavy nod is my only response. My mind is still reeling, trying to process that Lily is here.

Marcus gives Lily’s arm a quick, reassuring squeeze as he passes her, closing the door softly behind him.

Lily stands in place awkwardly and fidgets with the hem of her sweater. It’s a nervous habit I notice her doing more and more every time I see her.

“Is everything okay? The kids?” I ask, getting to my feet.

“The kids are fine. I actually came here to talk to you about something else, but if this isn’t a good time, we can⁠—”

“No, it’s fine. I always have time for you.” I tuck my hands into my pockets, aching to reach out, to hold her, to offer some comfort, any comfort. “Would you like to sit down? Or can I get you something to drink?”

“No, thank you. This won’t take long.”

We stand in silence until she looks back at me. “Ethan⁠—”

Before she can finish, there’s another knock at the door. Without waiting for me to answer, the door opens, and Hannah appears.

“Oh,” Hannah says, her smile faltering as she takes in the scene.

Lily wraps her arms around herself, her shoulders hunching, and quickly glances away, her face flushing. Hannah, in her tight navy dress and matching heels, seems to radiate the confidence that Lily lacks at the moment. An issue she never had before now.

What the hell is going on with Lily?

“Hannah, I’m in the middle of something. We’ll talk later,” I state.

“It’s not a problem. I can leave,” Lily says, turning back to me.

“No, it’s fine. Lily⁠—”

“It’s okay. We can talk another day.”

Without saying another word, she scurries past Hannah. I follow suit, a desperate urgency propelling me forward.

“Lily, wait!” I call out.