When Lily’s mother finally arrived—breathless, apologetic, and overwhelmed—Adrian saw the warmth in her eyes, mixed with quiet exhaustion. Instead of frustration, he found himself smiling. He waved off her apologies and gently said, “I had good company.

” The evening didn’t turn into a scripted romantic comedy moment, but something far more lasting began: an honest conversation over dinner, with Lily next to them coloring on the restaurant’s napkin. For the first time in years, Adrian wasn’t timing the evening; he was present in it.