It’s easier to say. Harder to stay.

——

Lily’s POV

The restaurant was warm, inviting even, but it couldn’t touch the cold that had settled somewhere deep inside me. No music, no laughter, not even the soft hum of Sunday calm could reach it. Because Alex wasn’t here.

“So, uh… what would you like?” Martin asked, his voice tinged with nerves as he gestured toward the menu between us. His hand trembled slightly, betraying the casual air he was trying to project.

I didn’t look at it. Didn’t need to. Nothing on paper could satisfy what I was starving for.

“I’ll have whatever you’re having,” I murmured, my voice barely...