The man with the camera nced at the photo in his hand, a satisfied smile curling at his lips.


    “This one will definitely fetch a good price.”


    Not long ago, someone had hired him specifically to take photos of this woman.


    Now, with so many shots captured, they were sure to be worth quite a bit.


    The paparazzo’s grin nearly spilled over.


    An opportunity like this falling into hisp meant the road ahead would be even easier.


    For him, this was as simple as it got.


    And to top it off, it was right in his area of expertise.


    In the outskirts of Ravenshore.


    Julian kept his attire low–key, even looking a little shabby.


    His hair was a messy tangle like wild grass.


    He nced around, then tugged the brim of his baseball cap lower, hiding the shadow in his eyes.


    He looked toward the vi and felt an unexpected trace offort.


    His once–calm heart began to ripple again.


    He’d thought that after what happened with Tessa, he’d lost all interest in people and things.


    But now, he realized it was different.


    When he was near Lily, not the slightest stir touched his heart.


    A woman like her was nothing more than a stepping stone–someone he could never take seriously.


    Yet now, he found himselfing full circle, back to this woman again.


    And he realized the person most suited to him had been right there all along.


    Why hadn’t he noticed before?


    After straightening his clothes, Julian pulled the brim of his cap even lower and headed toward the vi.


    Inside the house, Lily was in such a good mood that she had even started arranging flowers.


    Life might have been dullm but she still had to find some enjoyment for herself.


    After all, during this time, Julian hadn’te to bother her.


    For Lily, it was a rare period of peace.


    Sunlight cast a shadow across her delicate, wless face as her fingers brushed over the petals she had carefully nurtured.


    In that moment, she felt content.


    As long as Julian didn’t disturb her, she was willing to do anything.


    All she wanted was to stay far away from him.


    She truly didn’t ask for much now.


    She heard some noise outside.


    Buttely, she had grown too familiar with the housekeeper’s tone and footsteps.


    Just from that sound, she knew it wasn’t the housekeeper.


    Quietly, Lily tightened her grip on the petals in her hand, curiosity stirring.


    Since moving here, the only people she’d seen were Julian and the housekeeper.


    So now, who was this third person?


    Or had they been here before without her noticing?


    Even so, something about it didn’t feel right.


    Whose footsteps were those?


    They sounded so familiar.


    But she couldn’t quite ce who it was.


    All she could do was wait and see who would appear.


    In truth, she already had a guess.


    But without confirmation, she didn’t want to make assumptions.


    Julian keyed in the password and saw Lily hiding in the corner, her face tense.


    During his absence, herplexion looked noticeably better than before.


    With just one nce, he could tell she had even gained a little weight.