The kind of hug that made the noise around her disappear completely.
“You were amazing,” he whispered into her hair. “I’m proud of you.”
For one tiny moment, Lila let herself believe it was true.
They took photos together afterward. One with her holding the certificate while Elliot stood proudly beside her. Another with Ms. Alvarez smiling nearby. Another with curious classmates who kept asking about her “rich dad.”
And every time someone asked who he was, Lila answered proudly:
“This is my dad.”
Each lie somehow felt more real than the last.
Eventually Elliot glanced down at his watch.
“I should probably leave soon,” he said quietly. “My driver’s waiting.”
