Lily’s POV

I could see the exact moment Mia’s face twisted.

Was it fear? She looked like she had just seen a ghost.

Before Mom could reach me, Mia rushed forward.

“Lily!” she cried, her voice fake and full of forced tears. “I thought… I thought something bad had happened to you!”

She pulled me into a tight hug and whispered against my ear, so only I could hear:

“Don’t you dare say anything to Mom.”

I smirked slightly.

“Don’t threaten me,” I replied in an equally low voice.

“Lily!” Mom called from behind, her voice breaking. She pulled me into her arms the next second, tears already falling. “My...