For several seconds, neither Lily nor Ethan spoke.
The small silver charm rested in Lily's palm.
Yet somehow it felt heavier than anything she'd ever held.
Because it wasn't just a charm.
It was a memory.
A forgotten piece of her past.
A connection she never knew existed.
And suddenly the air between them felt different.
Warmer.
Closer.
Dangerously intimate.
The city lights outside blurred into soft colors as Lily stared at Ethan.
"You knew?"
Her voice barely rose above a whisper.
Ethan smiled sadly.
"I wasn't completely sure at first."
Her heartbeat accelerated.
Every second seemed louder.
Every breath heavier.
"Since when?"
Ethan looked away briefly.
As though debating whether to answer.
Then finally—
"The first day."
The confession stole her breath.
"What?"
"Th
