“DO NOT talk to me like that.”
The words came out steadier than Lily felt.
Robert froze mid-step, his hand still resting on the back of the chair as if he had been about to pull it out for her. The dining room was too pristine, too carefully arranged. Every surface shone. Every object sat exactly where it was meant to.
Including her.
“I beg your pardon?” he said.
His tone was calm. Too calm. That careful softness he used when he wanted to sound reasonable.
Lily did not sit.
“You heard me,” she said. “I said I am going out tonight. I was not asking for permission.”
Robert straightened slowly. He adjusted the cuff of his shirt, smoothing an invisible crease, buying himself a moment. His jaw flexed once before he smiled.
“I was only suggesting it might not be wise,” he said. “Given e
