Mr.
Antoine had remained in the dining room after Nicholas left.
There was nothing indicating that he was affected by what had happened moments ago.
To him, the conversation ended when it ended.
He sat in his seat quietly, his back straight, and his features steady as usual.
He held the coffee cup in his hand, looking ahead without haste, as if he were reordering some ideas in his mind.
As for Lily, she stood behind him.
She did not sit.
She knew that her presence in this place, and at this exact moment, had unwritten rules.
Her standing was part of the respect she was accustomed to showing before him.
She stood quietly, her hands in front of her, her fingers intertwined in a tidy manner, and her face bearing the same calm expression that had not left her since the beginning of the evening.
She did not move except when necessary.
Even her silence was calculated.
Mr.
Antoine said after a short period: “Lily.” “Yes, Father?” Her response came immediately, but without haste.
He turned his head slightly, but did not look at her completely.
“Your mother told me that you were late today.” She paused for a short moment.
It was not a moment of fear.
Rather, a moment of choosing words.
She knew that the answer lay not only in what she would say, but in the way she would say it.
She said calmly: “Yes, Father.” Then she completed: “I had some work after lectures ended.” She did not add unrequired details.
She did not try to justify too much.
She knew that elaboration might seem like defense, and that excessive defense might raise more questions.
So she chose simplicity.
“There were some matters related to studies, and I needed to finish them before returning.” Mr.
Antoine remained silent.
He appeared neither convinced nor unconvinced.
He was merely listening.
He said after moments: “What work?” Lily’s features did not change.
“Some reviews related to projects, and a few points I needed to organize before the deadline.” Then she added in a calm tone: “I preferred to finish them at the time rather than postpone them.” It was a natural answer.
Logical.
And resembled her.
That was how she wanted to appear.
A responsible student.
Organized.
Does not waste her time.
Mr.
Antoine looked forward.
Then he said: “Are you still meeting that foreigner?” The room stopped for a moment.
Nothing moved.
Even the sound of the clock seemed to grow clearer.
But Lily did not allow any change to appear on her face.
She remained standing in the same manner.
Her eyes did not widen.
Her hands did not move.
The sound of her breathing did not change.
She merely took a short second before answering.
Then she said: “No, Father.” Her voice was clear.
“That did not happen.” She went silent briefly.
Then completed with greater precision: “I have not met him since you asked me to stop doing so.” She was choosing every word carefully.
She did not say: “I did nothing.” Because she knows that emotional denial might look like an attempt to defend.
And she did not say: “It is over.” Because she knows her father does not like general statements.
She chose a specific sentence.
Calm.
Direct.
“Since you spoke to me regarding the matter, I respected your request and have not returned to that topic.” Mr.
Antoine remained silent.
Lily knew that silence with him was not empty.
It was a test.
He was waiting for any sign.
Any hesitation.
Any discrepancy between the words and the way they were said.
But she remained steadfast.
She said after a moment: “I realize that your trust in me is important, and I know that some decisions do not pertain only to what I want, but to what I also see suitable for my family and my future.” The sentence was carefully phrased.
She was not saying she was afraid.
Rather, she was saying she understands responsibility.
And this type of speech was closest to what Mr.
Antoine wanted.
She lowered her gaze slightly, not out of fear, but respect.
Then she added: “Therefore, I found no reason that would make me disobey what you requested of me.” He finally looked at her.
Lily was standing before him in the exact same image he had seen throughout the evening.
The perfect daughter.
Who answers calmly.
Who does not raise her voice.
Who knows how to choose her words.
Who leaves no room for doubt.
He said: “Good.” A single word.
But it carried meaning.
Lily stayed silent.
She did not smile visibly.
She did not show relief.
She knew that showing any excess emotion might spoil the image she had preserved.
Mr.
Antoine said: “I want you to continue in this manner.” “Of course, Father.” The response came immediately.
Then she added: “That is what I want as well.” He looked at her for a moment.
Then he returned to the coffee cup before him.
As for Lily, she remained behind him, very calm and perfect, as if she had not been just minutes ago feeling fear and confusion.
As if she carried no struggle within her.
But behind her straight stance, her calm voice, and her careful choice of every word…
There were many layers of emotions that never appear before Mr.
Antoine.
Because before him specifically…
Lily did not allow herself to be anything but the version he expected of her.