For the first time in weeks, Lily felt happy.
Not the temporary kind of happiness that disappeared overnight.
Not the fragile kind that depended on a good day.
Real happiness.
The kind that settled quietly inside her chest and refused to leave.
The memories of Ethan's house still lingered in her mind.
The laughter.
The teasing.
The way he'd looked at her when she wasn't paying attention.
The way he'd smiled.
A genuine smile.
Not Professor Ethan Hayes.
Just Ethan.
The man behind the walls.
The man she was slowly falling for.
The realization should have scared her.
Instead, it made her smile.
As she crossed the university courtyard the next morning, her phone buzzed inside her bag.
A message.
Unknown Number.
Her smile disappeared.
She hesitated.
Then opened it.
The fir
