Sarah's eyes widened in surprise as Lily's words hung in the air. "You've fallen deeply in love with him?" she repeated, her voice filled with a mix of concern and curiosity.
Lily nodded, feeling a lump form in her throat. "I know it's crazy, Sarah. Our marriage was supposed to be a contract, a business arrangement. But somehow, I fell for him. And it's killing me that he doesn't feel the same way."
Sarah reached out and took Lily's hand, her expression softening. "Oh, Lil, I'm so sorry. You deserve so much better than someone who doesn't love you back."
Lily smiled weakly, feeling tears prick at the corners of her eyes. "I know. It's just...I thought maybe, just maybe, there was something real between us. But I guess I was wrong."
Sarah squeezed her hand. "You're strong, Lil. You'll get through this. And I'll be right here with you, every step of the way."
The rest of the day was a blur of laughter and relaxation as Lily and Sarah spent their time playing games, singing along to their favorite songs, and watching movies. The distraction was just what Lily needed, and she felt her heart slowly begin to heal.
As they sat on the couch, munching on popcorn and giggling at a rom-com, Lily felt grateful for her friend's presence. Sarah had always been there for her, and today was no exception.
As the credits rolled on the final movie, Sarah turned to Lily and said, "You know, sometimes I think the best way to get over someone is to get under someone new."
Lily raised an eyebrow, a hint of a smile on her face. "Oh, really? And who exactly did you have in mind?"
Sarah grinned mischievously. "Well, I was thinking maybe we could hit the town tonight and see what kind of trouble we can get into."
Lily and Sarah got ready to hit the town, dressing up in outfits that showcased their unique styles. They headed to a trendy bar in the city, the neon lights and pulsating music enveloping them as they stepped inside.
The bar was bustling with people, the air thick with the hum of conversation and the clinking of glasses. Lily and Sarah made their way to the bar, ordering drinks and surveying the crowd.
As they sipped their cocktails, Lily felt a sense of freedom she hadn't experienced in a long time. She was out with her friend, enjoying herself, and not thinking about Julian.
Sarah nudged her, nodding towards a group of guys chatting nearby. "Check out the cute guy with the blue shirt," she whispered. "He's been eyeing you all night."
Lily followed Sarah's gaze, her eyes meeting the guy's across the room. He smiled, and Lily felt a spark of interest.
Lily leaned in close to Sarah, her voice barely audible over the music. "Hey, I need to tell you something," she said, her eyes sparkling with a mix of excitement and nervousness.
Sarah's eyes widened with curiosity. "What is it?"
Lily took a deep breath before blurting out the news. "I'm not a virgin anymore."
Sarah's expression changed to surprise, followed by a big smile. "Oh my god, Lil! Who's the lucky guy?"
Lily's face flushed as she glanced around the bar, making sure no one was listening in. "It's a long story," she said, her voice low. "Let's just say it was a surprise, and it's definitely been an experience."
Sarah's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Spill the tea, girl! I want all the details!"
Lily's face flushed as she glanced around the bar, making sure no one was listening in. "It's Julian," she said, her voice low. "The CEO. It happened just two days ago."
Sarah's eyes widened in surprise. "The same one who's been giving you a hard time?" she asked, her voice laced with concern.
Lily nodded, feeling a mix of emotions swirl inside her. "The same one. It just happened two days ago, and I'm still trying to wrap my head around it."
Sarah's expression softened, and she reached out to put a reassuring hand on Lily's arm. "Hey, are you okay? That sounds like a lot to deal with."
Lily took a deep breath, feeling a sense of vulnerability wash over her. "I'm trying to be, Sarah. But it's all so confusing. I don't know what I feel or what I want."
Sarah nodded understandingly. "Well, we're going to figure it out together, okay? You're not alone in this."
Sarah patted Lily's hand reassuringly, her expression softening with concern. "Hey, it's okay, Lil. Whatever happened, I'm here for you. You can tell me anything."
Lily felt a lump form in her throat as she looked at her friend. She knew she could trust Sarah with anything, and it felt good to have someone to confide in.
Sarah's eyes searched hers, looking for clues about what was going on. "So, what happened with Julian?" she asked gently, her voice barely above a whisper.
Lily took a deep breath, feeling a mix of emotions swirl inside her. She wasn't sure where to start or how to explain the complex feelings she had about Julian.
The atmosphere in the bar shifted as a woman with a confident stride and a stunning smile walked in. She scanned the room, her eyes locking onto Lily and Sarah for a moment before moving on. Lily felt a pang of recognition, and her heart sank as she realized who this might be.
Sarah followed Lily's gaze and raised an eyebrow. "Who's that?" she asked, her voice low.
Lily's voice was barely above a whisper. "I think that's Julian's mistress."
Sarah's eyes widened in surprise, and she turned back to Lily, concern etched on her face. "What? How do you know?"
Lily's eyes were fixed on the woman, who was now chatting with the bartender. "I just have a feeling," she said, her voice tight with tension.
The woman's eyes met Lily's again, and this time, there was a flicker of recognition. She smiled, a sly smile that made Lily's skin crawl.
Sarah's eyes flashed with anger as she stood up, her fists clenched. "I'm going to go have a word with her," she said, her voice low and determined.
Lily grabbed her arm, trying to hold her back. "Sarah, no, don't," she said, but Sarah shook her off.
"Let me handle this," Sarah said, her eyes fixed on the woman, who was now sipping a drink at the bar.
Sarah strode over to the woman, her heels clicking on the floor. "You're the one, aren't you?" Sarah said, her voice icy. "You're the reason he's been playing games with my friend."
The woman raised an eyebrow, a smirk on her face. "And who might you be?" she asked, her voice dripping with condescension.
Sarah's eyes narrowed. "I'm the one who's going to make sure you leave her alone," she said, her voice rising.
The situation was escalating quickly, and Lily jumped up, rushing over to intervene. "Sarah, stop, let's just go," she said, tugging on her friend's arm.
But Sarah was beyond reason, her anger and protectiveness taking over. The woman, seemingly unfazed, smiled sweetly and said, "Oh, I think I'll stay right here."