Chapter 380 A Parting Embrace


    “Lily…”


    Grace’s tears streamed down her wrinkled cheeks.


    They’d said before that even if Lily and James got divorced, she would always be her granddaughter.


    She also knew Lily wasn’t leaving for good–just taking a short trip to rx and clear her head, and she’d be back soon.


    But just thinking about that divorce certificate made her feel unbearably sad.


    With trembling fingers, she gripped Lily’s hand tightly. “You be safe on your trip. Eat well. Don’t be stingy with money… I’ve got plenty of it… That’s right, I’ll transfer you some now.”


    Saying that, she pulled out her phone and began transferring money to Lily.


    “Why is there a limit?”


    Grace huffed in frustration. “I can only send a million at a time… James, figure something out for me–I want to send Lily more!”


    “Grandma, you don’t need to transfer me anything!”


    James had already given Lily shares in thepany, and she felt guilty enough about epting them. She


    definitely didn’t want to take Grace’s money too.


    But Grace had already sent it to her bank ount and, with tears in her eyes, threatened her with mock sternness, “This is spending money from me, your grandma. Lily, if you don’t ept it, or if you dare send it back, that means you don’t want to be my granddaughter anymore!”


    “I…”


    Lily couldn’t very well say she didn’t want to be Grace’s granddaughter, so she dropped the idea of transferring the money back immediately.


    She made a mental note instead: Grace’s birthday wasing up. Even if she wasn’t back in Capital City by then, she would prepare a thoughtful gift and ask Adeline or Jackson to bring it to her.


    Grace gave her a hundred more reminders before reluctantly letting her leave.


    Right after receiving the divorce certificate, Lily had bought a ticket for an early afternoon flight.


    James insisted on driving her to the airport, and she didn’t put up a fuss–she got in the car.


    “Lily, after your trip, stop by the house to see Grandma and Grandpa. They really care about you.”


    After dropping her off, James didn’t leave right away.


    He opened the car door for her and continued, “When you and Jackson have your wedding, let me know. I’ll have Ashton bring a gift,”


    “Okay.”


    <b>It </b><b>was </b>only polite.


    She gave <b>a </b>soft nod, then added, with equal restraint and courtesy, “James, I might not like women myself, but I have no prejudice against same–sex rtionships. I hope you find someone you truly love. I wish you happiness and a long life together. And when you two get married, let me know–I’ll send my blessings.”


    She was wishing him well… with another man?


    A crushing wave of bitterness surged through James’s chest, swallowing him whole.


    In his entire life, he’d only ever fallen for two people.


    Le.


    And Lily.


    And they turned out to be the same person.


    He knew without a doubt he would never fall for anyone else again.


    But he didn’t want to burden her, so he replied coldly, “Okay.”


    “Your flight’s soon. You should head back.”


    Lily nced at the time, then turned and walked toward the airport entrance.


    Just before she stepped inside, she couldn’t hold back the overwhelming sadness in her chest.


    She suddenly turned back, pushed through the crowd, and threw herself into his arms.


    “Lily…”


    James hadn’t expected her toe back and hug him like that.


    He knew this embrace wasn’t romantic. It was just a heartfelt goodbye from someone who still felt affection–as a friend or maybe family.


    But feeling her warmth in his arms made his heart race uncontrobly.


    He knew it was supposed to be a polite farewell. He wasn’t supposed to cross any lines.


    But while his mind urged restraint, his arms refused to let go. He pulled her tighter, locking her into his embrace with all the strength he had.


    “You’re traveling alone. Don’t talk to strangers. <b>Be </b>safe. Take care of yourself.”


    James spoke like an older brother, looking out for her.


    It was his <b>excuse</b>–to hold her just a little longer.


    “I know.”


    The town she was going to had great security.


    Lily had already booked her hotel.


    Once she arrived, she’d start looking at properties.


    She was, after all, a legitimate little rich woman now. Once she found a ce she liked, she would buy it.


    She hugged James even tighter. Her voice trembled from the weight of her emotions. “James, I’ll live a good life.”


    She was wealthy. She’d have one or two adorable Kids. Of course she’d live well.


    She hoped he would too.


    She knew he wanted this divorce. She knew he didn’t like touching her. But now they were parting ways for good–chances were they’d never see each other again. Even if her closeness made him ufortable, she still wanted this one, final hug.