My Husband's Affair My Anniversary Gift (Lily and David) novel Chapter 367

Riyana lowered her eyes to the plate.

A sandwich. Simple and warm. Something she normally wouldn’t refuse.

She stared at it for a few seconds, then slowly lifted her gaze to Jabco.

He raised his eyebrows slightly and smiled.

Not a sharp smile. Not teasing. Just soft and genuine.

Her heart jumped without warning.

It startled her how easily that smile affected her. She hadn’t seen him smile like this before, not without tension hiding underneath. This one felt real, effortless. And that scared her more than his anger ever did.

She rolled her eyes quickly and turned her face away.

Why does he have to smile like that?

She reached for the sandwich, more out of surrender than hunger. She knew him well enough by now. If she didn’t eat, he wouldn’t let it go. Arguing would only drain her more.

Better to take a few bites and end this.

She lifted the sandwich and took one small bite.

Instantly, her stomach twisted.

A sharp wave of nausea rolled through her, so sudden it stole her breath. Her throat tightened. Her body reacted before her mind could.

She quickly put the sandwich down and turned her face to the side, covering her mouth with her hand.

Jabco reacted immediately.

He stood up halfway and pulled her into his chest, one arm wrapping around her shoulders without hesitation.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, worry flooding his voice. “You don’t like the sandwich?”

Riyana shook her head slightly, her face pressed against his chest.

“Put it away,” she mumbled.

She breathed in without meaning to.

His scent surrounded her. Clean, Familiar and Steady.

Almost immediately, the sickness eased. Her stomach slowly settled, like it had been waiting for this exact comfort. Her breathing was uneven, shallow, and she clutched his coat tightly, her fingers digging into the fabric.

“Alright,” Jabco said softly.

He lifted his head slightly and gestured to Cristo without a word.

Cristo understood instantly. He picked up the plate and passed it to one of the bodyguards standing nearby.

The man took it and walked away, disposing of it without question.

Jabco stayed still.

His hand moved slowly up and down her back, steady and calm. His chin rested gently on the top of her head.

“Calm down,” he whispered near her ear. “It’s okay.”

His voice was low, soothing, nothing commanding in it.

“If you don’t want to eat, you don’t have to,” he added quietly.

Riyana knew this wasn’t the whole truth. She knew he was just trying to calm her now. But she didn’t argue. She didn’t have the strength.

“I want to go back,” she said softly.

The words came out heavier than she expected.

She felt like the walls were closing in around her. First Jabco’s presence, then her father’s threat. The hospital. The memories. The fear.

She couldn’t breathe here.

If she stayed any longer, she would suffocate.

More than that, she couldn’t risk her mother and stepfather’s safety. She couldn’t gamble with their lives because of that man. She needed time. Space. A plan.

She needed to leave.

“Alright,” Jabco replied immediately. “We’ll leave right now, if that’s what you want.”

Without hesitation, without questions.

He looked at the bodyguards and gestured with his hand.

“Go get ready"

They nodded and moved away at once. Only Cristo stayed behind, as always.

Riyana slowly pulled away from Jabco’s chest. He didn’t stop her.

“Are you feeling better now?” he asked gently.

She nodded once.

“I need to see my mom before I leave,” she said.

“Alright,” he replied, standing up. “Let’s go.”

But before he could take a step, Riyana grabbed his hand.

Jabco looked down at her, surprised.

“You’re not coming,” she said firmly. Her voice was serious and clear. “I’ll go alone.”

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