Chapter 1392

Lily smiled lightly. "Who told you?"

Anastasia stiffened, her fair skin flushing. "N-No one. I was just curious." A conflict raged within her. Questioning Lily felt like a betrayal of their friendship. How could she so easily believe a stranger? Yet, doubts lingered. A man had confidently claimed she was under a spell, a claim that deeply concerned her.

"Is it Austin?" Lily asked thoughtfully. He was the only one who would interfere between them, constantly belittling her. She'd never encountered such pettiness. His antagonism stemmed solely from sexism, and she was weary of it.

After being called out, Anastasia lowered her gaze, softly muttering, "I'm sorry."

Lily smiled faintly. "There's nothing to apologize for. It's natural to be suspicious, even wary. It's a form of self-protection." She wasn't offering comfort; she was stating a truth. She, too, had once given her trust freely, only to be betrayed. Trust was valuable, but caution was essential.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have doubted you! You've been so kind. These are the happiest days I've had in years. Even if I hadn't lost weight, I'd remember this happiness forever!"

Anastasia's guilt intensified with Lily's kindness. She felt foolish, especially after recalling the man's words: "Silly girl, who told you you couldn't lose weight?!"

Seeing Galen finish eating, Lily wiped his mouth, kissed his cheek, and said softly, "Go find Daisy. I need to talk to Aunt Tasia."

Galen kissed Lily's cheek and obediently left. Lily turned to the untouched dishes. "Are you going to eat these?"

"Of course! Of course, I am!" Anastasia snapped back to reality, reaching for the food.

Lily stopped her. "Did you forget what I said? Take your time!" She gave Anastasia a disapproving look. "Eat anything you like, but savor it. It'll be worth it."

"I know." Anastasia nodded and ate slowly.

Lily then said, "I did learn some medical skills, but not on my own."

Anastasia coughed, startled.

"Be careful," Lily said, offering water.

Anastasia drank, her face flushed. "Lily, I truly didn't mean to question you. You don't have to explain. I believe you!" Any lingering doubts vanished. Lily was a friend, a precious commodity in her twenty years. She wouldn't let outsiders' words sow suspicion between them.