It felt miraculous to her.

"Maybe it's because I'm having so much fun at your house that I don't feel like sleeping," Anastasia rationalized. "If that's the case, I'll come over more often. Lily, you won't hate me for that, will you?"

Lily smiled. "Of course not, but..." She paused, then extended her hand. "I'll have to charge you for your meals!" Anastasia burst into laughter, amused by her. "Okay! No problem!" They slapped hands lightly, then shook hands, smiling.

Anastasia went home after dinner. A few minutes later, Alexander's car arrived.

Initially, Lily waited to greet him with a smile, but upon seeing him, she sensed something was wrong. Their long relationship allowed them to perceive subtle emotional shifts instantly. Without questioning, she waited patiently before softly asking, "Are you tired? Have you eaten? I'll have the maids warm up some food. Rest, and I'll bring you some in a bit."

Alexander looked at her; the fatigue in his eyes was unmistakable, but he remained silent.

"I'll have them do it right away!" Lily turned, but Alexander quickly stopped her. "It's okay. I'm just about to leave."

"Now?!" Her eyes widened in surprise. She thought she must have misheard. It was still early, though dark outside, and she wondered where he was going.

Just then, Galen overheard his father and ran over. "Daddy, daddy!"

Alexander bent down, embracing his son. After a moment, he released Galen, saying, "Daddy has something to do and will be away for a few days. Stay home and be a good boy for Mommy, okay?"

"Huh?" The little boy frowned, confused.

Lily quickly recovered, asking, "Where are you going? How long will you be gone? Do I need to pack anything?"

"It's fine. Three or four days, if all goes well. I came home for clothes and to tell you. I'll leave immediately. The car's waiting," he explained.

Lily saw his car engine running, the driver apparently waiting. It seemed an emergency.

"Then you should go. I'll make you some food before you leave; I don't want you to starve." Anticipating his objection, she gently patted his arm. "I'll be quick."

Alexander looked deeply into her eyes, swallowing his words, and nodded slightly. "Okay."

He went upstairs to change. Galen, upset at his father's inattention, whined, "Mommy... Daddy, he..."

"Daddy's busy today. Be a good boy and play with Daisy," Lily said, gesturing to the dog. She then ordered a maid to prepare food.

Alexander returned downstairs, having changed. Lily had already placed a bowl of soup before him and dismissed the maids. She softly asked, "What happened?" She had rarely seen him like this, suggesting something serious had occurred.