Chapter 422
“Are you sure about this p>
I turn to look at Lilly, swallowing slowly as nerves twist tightly in my stomach.
We’re standing outside a café downtown, neither of us having moved to get out of the car yet despite being parked for almost five minutes now. Through the large glass windows, I can already see people moving around inside, waiters carrying trays of coffee and pastries while quiet conversations drift through the air every time the door opens.
I tighten my fingers around my bag before answering honestly.
“I won’t lie, I’m fucking scared, and anxious… I mean, this is a huge step, Lilly,” I admit softly. “But underneath all the fear and overthinking, I know this is right for me. I know this is what I want p>
For a second, Lilly just stares at me and then her entire expression softens.
“I’m proud of you,” she says quietly.
The words hit me harder than I expected, but somehow at the same time eased the tension and fear that were pressing down on my shoulders.
“I’m proud of the woman you’re becoming, of the changes you’ve made and the moves you’re making now,” she continues gently. “You spent so many years waiting. Waiting for permission. Waiting for someone to choose you. Waiting for life to happen to you instead of taking control of it yourself, but now? You’re finally going after what you want, and honestly… I think it looks really good on you p>
A small smile spreads across her face and I blink quickly as emotion tightens my throat. Before I can stop myself, I lean over and pull her into a hug.
“Thank you,” I whisper thickly, blinking back the tears that threaten to fall.
She hugs me back tightly without hesitation. “You don’t have to thank me for telling the truth p>
We stay like that for a moment before eventually pulling apart, both of us sniffling slightly.
Lilly wipes under her eyes dramatically. “Okay. Enough emotions before I start crying and ruin my makeup… Come on, it’s time to make business history p>
That makes me laugh softly and I shake my head fondly before getting out too. For a second, we both just stand there side by side, staring at the café, then Lilly reaches for my hand and I squeeze hers back and together, we walk inside.
The smell of coffee and pastries hits immediately, warm and comforting enough to calm my nerves just a little. The café is busy but not overcrowded, filled with low conversations and soft music playing in the background.
It only takes me a few seconds to spot them. Benji is the first one who notices me.
“Sierra p>
Everyone at the table turns at once. Rose’s face immediately lights up while Calvin and the others stand almost instantly.
The moment we reach them, they pull me into hugs one after another, greeting me warmly while asking how I’m doing and apologizing again for everything that happened.
“We were so worried about you,” Rose says softly while squeezing my hand.
My chest tightens slightly because I know they were. They sent flowers, cards, messages… all of them trying to reach out while I disappeared into grief so deep I could barely function.
After greeting me, they all turn respectfully toward Lilly.
“Ms. Wood p>
Lilly visibly cringes, “Please don’t do that; you’re making me sound fifty years old… Just call me Lilly p>
That earns small laughs from around the table before she gestures toward the empty seats.
“Come on, let’s sit p>
Once we’re settled, Benji glances between us.
“Can I order you guys something first?” he asks politely.
I shake my head immediately. “No. I think I need to get this over with first before I can stomach anything p>
Benji studies me for a second before nodding slowly as his expression turns curious. “Alright. So why did you call us here p>
This is it. This is finally what I’ve been preparing for, for the past few days.
I take a deep breath, nerves eating at me as I try to find my voice. I glance briefly at Lilly, who gives me a small encouraging nod before I look back at everyone else.
“I have a proposal,” I begin.
The next several minutes are spent explaining everything like I had practiced. The company, the vision and the direction I want to take.
I explain my plans carefully, my nerves easing little by little the more I speak. By the time I’m halfway through, they’re all listening intently, asking questions occasionally while I answer as confidently as I can.