Earlier...
Nick was having a meeting at the lobby of the Royal Hotel when he saw Lily walk in.
At first, he wasn’t sure if it was her. The fleeting glimpse he caught from across the crowded room left him in doubt. But then, as he observed her more closely, the unmistakable features began to confirm his suspicions. He couldn’t forget a face like hers, with those striking eyes and the way she carried herself. Nick wondered what she was doing here, in a place that seemed so out of context for her. She looked a bit disoriented, her eyes darting around as if searching for something familiar, and uncomfortable, as if the surroundings were pressing in on her.
Nick made a mental note to go and check up on her after his meeting, which he hoped wouldn’t run too long. His curiosity was piqued, and
