Chapter 29. A Flicker of Pain

Lilly’s POV

“Don’t,” I whispered, grabbing Zack’s arm and shaking my head.

There was no point in refusing.

He looked at me, confusion etched across his face, but I could see the flicker of understanding in his eyes. It was as if he realized that sometimes, the hardest choices are the ones we are forced to accept.

Something crossed Lex’s face before he stumbled forward, leaving Sade grasping at nothing. Anger and frustration flashed in her eyes; she tried to follow Lex but quickly fell behind.

Lex maneuvered through the crowd and slowed his pace when he reached us.

“What’s wrong with you?” he asked, his voice laced with an unexplained anxiety.

“Nothing,” I replied evenly, meeting his gaze. He didn’t need to know how my insides burned with pain. I could feel the weight of his concern pressing down on me, but I chose to mask it with a smile.

Something flashed in his eyes before he stepped closer, causing me to step back. His expres