MAX'S POV:
The week leading up to Lily's decision felt like a lifetime compressed into seven days. Every hour carried the weight of uncertainty, every glance from her reminded me of the stakes. I loved her... God, I loved her more than I thought possible, but love doesn't erase the reality that her father’s approval meant everything to her. And I was the obstacle. I kept replaying the moment I realized what her father wanted: distance, separation, a clean break. Divorce. The word tasted bitter, like ash in my mouth. I didn't want it, but I couldn't ignore the truth. If Lily chose me, she risked losing him forever. If she chose him, she’d be set for life — 25% of MER Enterprises, security beyond measure. She'd never have to worry about money, about stability. And wasn’t that what I wanted
