Chapter 1446

As they walked toward the house, Lily was touched by the old man's initiative in inquiring about her situation. Though she said nothing, she hadn't expected his proactive concern. Regardless of his findings, his actions moved her deeply.

"Hey, old man..." she murmured.

"Yes?!"

"Thank you!" She rushed to him and hugged him.

The old man quickly stepped back, his expression indescribable, and rubbed his arms. "All right, all right!"

Lily laughed. "Thank you, old man!"

"Enough!" He waved his hands, spitting through gritted teeth. "I'm more used to you telling me I owe you!"

This made Lily laugh harder, but she stopped teasing him.

Dominic said solemnly, "I know you're worried. It's natural to worry when you haven't heard from him, but this also makes you prone to poor decisions. Take a step back, think things through before reacting. You're a smart woman; don't let your emotions sway you."

"Mhm," she nodded. He was right. Lately, she'd been thinking with her heart, not her head. Despite assuring everyone she was fine and waiting patiently, her worry grew. She'd often wake in the night, tossing and turning, repeatedly checking his phone for a call. She checked in with Olivia daily, and after learning Olivia hadn't heard from Edward either, Lily offered comfort—though she herself was the one who needed it. She simply couldn't let anyone see her vulnerability, so she maintained a strong front.

Dominic, however, saw through her, breaking her defenses with a few words. Her eyes reddened, and she quickly turned away, not wanting him to see her cry.

"Cry if you want to. Let it out. It's no big deal," Dominic said casually, turning to leave. "I'll check if that little brat is awake and make sure he's not messing up my room."

Lily knew he was giving her space. Looking at his back, she could no longer hold back her tears. They streamed down her face; she'd been holding them in for too long.

She didn't cry long, quickly wiping her face. Crying wouldn't solve anything; she still had to face her problems.

Soon, a cough came from inside. "Cough! Cough!...Let's go see what your mother is doing!" The old man's voice indicated Galen was awake, the cough a signal for Lily to compose herself before her son saw her crying.

Despite his domineering demeanor, Dominic was thoughtful. Two minutes later, she saw him walking out with Galen on his shoulders, the boy's legs clamped around his head, giggling.

"Galen, come down, quick! You're so heavy!" Lily urged.