She wore the wrong cardigan. Said the wrong thing. Played the wrong guitar. But this time, Lily-Anne says NO—no to him, and no to his roses—and it might be the most right thing she’s ever done.

Still reeling from her dad’s death and a relationship that makes her feel small, Lily finally walks away, carrying only the guitar she can no longer bear to play.

With her confidence shattered and her grief still raw, she turns to the people she nearly pushed away: her mum, her sister, and the memory of her dad, who always supported her music.

Little does she know that someone is already out there—quiet, steady, and willing to believe in her—if she can only find the courage to reach out.

Could letting go of the wrong person be the first step to reigniting her spark—and opening the door to the kind of love she truly deserves?

Not Madly Not Deeply is a short story prequel offering a quiet, heartfelt glimpse into Lily’s journey of reclaiming herself.

While this story can be read as a standalone and contains hints of romance, it ends on a hopeful yet open note—setting the stage for the emotional healing, slow-burn romance, and eventual happily ever after to come in the full-length novel, Madly Deeply Always (inspired by Sense and Sensibility).

Women’s Fiction • Emotional journey • Short Story Prequel to full romance novel • Toxic ex • Finding your voice • Breaking free • Music and memory • Family dynamics • Sister bond • Witty banter • Quiet strength • Creative block and reawakening • Artist in crisis • Grieving loss of parent • Early hints of romance • Email connection • Hope • Starting over