Turning off the TV, Michelle said:
"I think you did well."
"You're right. We've created an excellent springboard for Tony and Lily's start. But you all must understand that now your reputation is your main asset. Protect it. I'm sure you'll get offers for work, and you must be very responsible in choosing roles. If you do everything right, the day will come when your face on a movie poster becomes a guarantee of its quality," Ray said and added: "We've done everything we could. Now we just have to wait for the answer."
Although filming had ended, Ray's workload hadn't decreased. He continued working hard. Lily noticed that her beloved was clearly starting to decline. Not only her—Amy noticed it too. This led to the two beloved women in Ray's life deciding to get together and discuss how to solve this problem.
Meeting the guest with warm hugs, Amy led her to the kitchen. Making tea and sitting opposite her future daughter-in-law, she said:
"I hoped that after the film was finished, Ray could rest, but he went back to Jill's cafe and seems to be working even more. I'm afraid he might break down. I know I shouldn't interfere, but I'm asking you—for the child's sake."
Lily was very serious about this matter. All this time, neither her grandmother nor Amy had broached this topic. The girl understood they didn't want to influence her decisions. This was the first time Amy had touched on this subject. Looking into her eyes, Lily saw a mixture of fear and concern.
Taking the girl's hand, Amy said:
"Don't worry, I haven't changed my mind. There's no doubt in my heart—I love your son. Ray said we'd do it at the end of the month. If he comes up with more excuses, I'll take matters into my own hands."
"I still don't know what my son did to deserve your love, but he's truly lucky."
Looking into Amy's bright green eyes and seeing the love and care directed at her, the girl decided to tell her the whole truth—the story she had hidden for too long. She was very afraid that this secret might affect the relationship between Ray and his mother, and she was ready to accept any possible anger from Amy toward herself.
"I'll tell you how Ray and I met. It was one of the hardest moments in my life. My grandmother was in the hospital. She and I did everything possible to pay for Violet's treatment. We even had to sell my parents' clothes and all their jewelry."
The memories seemed very difficult for the girl, as her voice wavered. Noticing this, Amy gently took her hand, which allowed Lily to compose herself and continue.
"When grandmother ended up in the hospital, I learned she urgently needed treatment that would be very expensive. Realizing I didn't have that money broke me, and instead of looking for a solution, I went to a bar and got drunk."
Saying these words, Lily smiled bitterly. Amy clearly saw the self-loathing that flashed in the girl's eyes. Listening to this story, Amy realized it was the story from the interview she'd seen recently, and the fact that Lily was telling her about it now meant that the interview hadn't included all the details.
"I was terrified that I wouldn't be able to find the money and grandmother would die. At some point, a beautiful girl sat down next to me, and I don't know why, but I told her everything. After hearing my story, she asked me a strange question: whether I was a virgin. Hearing my affirmative answer, she offered me a way to earn money, saying there were plenty of men willing to pay good money for virginity. In my desperation, I agreed."
"She took me to some elite club. The buyer was a middle-aged man. I was scared, but the fear of losing my grandmother and the alcohol made me stay."
"Ray and Tony were nearby. Noticing my condition and, surprisingly, quickly understanding the situation, they headed toward us. Ray took my hand and said, 'Darling, what are you doing here? I told you we were just hanging out with Tony. No need to be so jealous.' I was so drunk I didn't even resist, but my new friend was clearly against them taking me away."
It was obvious to Amy that the girl was afraid of her judgment, so she gently embraced her. Finding herself in the woman's arms, Lily cried. Amy gently stroked her head until she calmed down.
When the red-faced girl gently pulled back, Amy smiled tenderly and said:
"Now I know why you're so determined to be with him. I know you're ashamed, and it weighs on you, but as I understand it, you managed to avoid the worst. I think if I were in your shoes, I would have done exactly the same. The fear of being left alone has haunted me since I learned about Ray's illness. So I understand you perfectly."
These sincere words deeply moved Lily, allowing her to compose herself and continue her story.
"When they tried to stop him with the man, he calmly said, 'I wonder how the public would react to learning that a gubernatorial candidate tried to buy a girl's virginity—a girl who, if she's older than his daughter, is only by a little. I don't think this story would boost your ratings.' After these words, they backed off, and I was so drunk I didn't even recognize the man."
"When I came to and realized I was in a hotel, I was overcome with such a wave of fear. At that moment, I felt like I was ready to die."
"After hearing my story, your son not only gave me money but also took care of me while I recovered, and helped me find a job."
"When I learned you were ready to bear a child, I was very happy. That little one will become a new reason for me to live. If Ray is gone, I know you're too young to become a mother, and I didn't want to pressure you. But I'll be there no matter what happens."
As soon as she finished speaking, the girl knelt down, which surprised Amy considerably.
"I'm glad to hear that, but that's far from all I wanted to tell you. Your son sold a kidney to pay for my sister's heart transplant. I know you think I'm sacrificing myself on the altar of our love. But what I feel for your son is so much more than just love."
"I know I have no right to ask this of you, but don't blame him too harshly. You raised Ray to be a wonderful person. I hope our child inherits his character."
Instead of the expected anger, Amy said calmly:
"Relax, dear, I've known about this for a long time. But I've always wondered where he put it and how he managed to pull it off."
Hearing her future mother-in-law's words, Lily's mouth opened in surprise.
Noticing this, Amy chuckled and said:
"For years I was afraid to let him go, but then at some point I started seeing a psychologist—not only to understand myself but also to prepare for the worst."
"When I found out about this, my first impulse was to give him a good scolding, but the psychologist helped me understand what was going on in his head. Knowing it was done for Violet, I have to admit it was the right thing to do. That little one deserves to live."
"If I hadn't found the strength to ease my overprotectiveness, my son would have lost many happy moments that you've given him. Let this now be a secret between us girls."
With these words, Amy embraced the girl.
The warm atmosphere between them was interrupted by a phone call.