The moment Leo’s hand stopped mid-air, the silence between them was louder than any slap could’ve been.

Lily didn’t flinch.

Didn’t cry.

Didn’t even look away.

Her spine stayed straight, her eyes locked on his, daring him.

And for a second… maybe even less than that… she saw something flicker in his expression. Not guilt. Not remorse.

Fear.

But it was gone as fast as it came. He lowered his arm with a slow, frustrated exhale and walked to the liquor cabinet like nothing had happened.

“You’re lucky I have self-control,” he muttered, pouring himself a glass of scotch.

“No, Leo,” Lily replied quietly, her voice stripped of fear. “You’re...