After breakfast she headed to the orphanage to pick lily, she wanted her with her while preparing for her surgery.
Evelyn pushed open the orphanage gate, the familiar creak of the hinges greeting her. The smell of fresh bread from the kitchen mingled with the faint scent of paint from the playroom walls.
It was maris baking' She headed to the kitchen and gave maris a hug.
Lily came running the moment she spotted her, a bundle of energy in a worn pink dress.
"You came!" Lily threw her arms around Evelyn's waist, grinning up at her.
"Of course I did," Evelyn said softly, brushing the girl's hair back. "Come on, we've got a bag to pack."
They went to Lily's small corner of the dormitory—a narrow bed with a faded blanket, a shelf stacked with picture books, and a stuffed rabbit missing one ear. Evelyn carefully folded Lily's few clothes, tucking in the rabbit last.
The orphanage matron, Mrs. Fowler, appeared in the doorway, her expression wary.
"Evelyn … what's going on?"
Evelyn straightened, clutching the bag's straps. "Lily will be staying with me for a while. She needs to be close for her surgery, and… I want her where I can keep an eye on her."
Mrs. Fowler's eyes softened, though her brows knit with concern. "You'll take care of her?"
"As if she were my own sister." Evelyn's voice was firm. "You know I would never let anything happen to her."
Mrs. Fowler sighed, then smiled faintly. "She's going to miss this place."
Lily hugged the woman tightly. "I'll be back," she promised, though her eyes sparkled with excitement.
Evelyn's smile softened when she turned to Maris. She pulled her into a tight hug, holding on longer than usual. "Take care of yourself, okay? I'll take care of Lily."
"I know you will, baby," Maris murmured, though her eyes shimmered with worry.
Hand in hand, Evelyn and Lily stepped out of the orphanage gates, the small bag swinging between them. Evelyn didn't tell her yet that they'd be walking into Kael's territory—she didn't want to spoil the brightness in the little girl's face.
The ride wasn't quiet—Lily was buzzing with excitement beside her, feet kicking lightly against the seat.
Evelyn crouched to meet Lily's eyes. "You'll stay with me and Mr. Arrogant," she said with a conspiratorial whisper, "just until your surgery is done."
Lily giggled, her voice lowering as if the walls might hear. "I like that name for him."
Me too' she replied and they both chuckled.
When the tall iron gates of Kael's estate swung open' Lily looked up.
"It's huge like a castle," Lily breathed, pressing her small hands to the glass