84.

Lily's POV

Aiden staggered slightly backward, surprised by the strength of my embrace. He chuckled, his voice laced with a hint of playfulness. "Hey now, I'm not dying anytime soon. You don't have to squeeze me so tight."

I laughed, the sound muffled against the crook of his neck as I wrapped my arms around him. "I know, I know. You're too strong to die," I replied, my words filled with confidence and admiration. I stayed there, in his embrace, reveling in the warmth of his body and the sense of security he brought.

I took a step back, staring into his face that was still furrowed with curiosity—he was still wondering why I was this happy.

"Aiden," I started, my voice filled with a mix of relief and curiosity. "I... I didn't expect you to do that."

An eyebrow shot up, and he asked. "Do what?"

"You know...." I waved my hand around in a dismissive gesture. "Pay the hospital to get Lucas to do his surgery earlier. I heard that it was you who did it. I'm so grateful, Aiden."

Aiden's pierc