That afternoon, Daniel finally arrived.

He walked into my room carrying flowers and wearing the expression of a man who believed he could still fix everything with charm and excuses. His tie was crooked, his eyes were tired, and there was lipstick near his collar. Pale pink. The kind Rachel wore.

He smiled when he saw Lily. “Hey,” he said softly. “I’m sorry I’m late.”

I stared at him.

He set the flowers down. “My phone died, the meeting ran over, and then—”

“Vanessa saw you with Rachel.”

The words hit like a slap.

Daniel went completely still.

I watched him decide whether to lie.

“It’s not what you think,” he said.