Chapter 36

Looking at Lily's determined gaze, Chloe fell into a deep silence. After a long pause, she said softly, "Lily... is this about that boy, Nathan?" "Yes." Lily didn't hesitate, her response cold and firm. "Once we're back in Chira, can you let me meet him?" Chloe cautiously asked. "No." Lily shook her head. "Mom, he's my only friend. Are you going to push him away too?" "But—" "Mom, Nathan is the best person in the world." Another silence fell over them. Chloe stood up and walked to the balcony, staring up at the sky. The night over Thafond was deep and vast, the stars shining more brightly than usual. As her eyes drifted down, she caught sight of the large artificial pond below, where fireflies blinked softly, their glow mirroring the stars above. She lit a cigarette, slowly taking a puff with a graceful poise that could make any man feel small in comparison. "Lily… you've truly grown up," she sighed, her voice tinged with a bittersweet smile as she stubbed out the cigarette an