Becoming strangers again (Lily and Ryan)

Chapter 99

RYAN

The next day. I made a quirk or what was suppose to be a quickarop to pick up my final gift for Lily-a stunning oil portrait of her. Trained with pure gol However, upon my arrival, I discovered that there had been some errors in the production. process, resulting in the portrait not being ready as scheduled. Adjusting my plans accordingly. I rescheduled my trip to

sice that the portrait would be completed by the time I departed.

Thankfully, upon my returns, the portrait was ready, and the tear at the studio apologized profusely for the delay. To make amends, they offered me a complimentary portrait, a gesture that I graciously accepted without hesitation.

By the time I arrived in Canada, evening had already descended. Making a quick detour at the cake shop, I selected a deberous cake for Lily before making my way to her place

Upon reaching the gate, it swung open wide to welcome me, and I drove through without hesitation. Coming to a stop. I was pleasantly surprised when the front door of the house swung open, and the boys came rushing out to greet me. With a smile. I left the cake safely in the car to prevent it from being damaged and to give myself the freedom to lift the boys into

Ethan was the first to reach me, and I lifted him up, showering his face with affectionate kisses. Liam followed, though he seemed less enthusiastic about the display of affection, playfully pushing my face away. Lastly, Noah approached, and I had to set down the other two boys to lift him up into my arms.

He wrapped his tiny arms around my neck, and my heart swelled with emotion as he whispered. "I missed you. Dad: The pain in his voice tugged at my heartstrings, and I fought to keep my emotions in check as I held him close.

I missed you too, big man" I replied affectionately, kissing Noah's neck before setting him down and turning to embrace Lily as she approached. She melted into my arms, and I held her close, whispering softly. "I missed you, love," while planting a gentle kiss on her neck

"I missed you too, she murmured, pulling back slightly to meet my gaze.

Grinning with excitement. I stepped back from the embrace and retrieved the cake from the car. "Happy birthday, love." I declared, presenting the cake to her with a warm smile.

Her eyes welled up with tears of joy. "You remembered, she whispered, clearly moved by the gesture.

Td be a fool not to, I replied earnestly, my heart swelling with affection for her. Reaching into the back seat, I retrieved the portrait and presented it to her. I wanted to add my face to it, but then I realized that today is all about you"

Lily chuckled through her tears, her expression radiant with happiness. "Thank you so much, I love it, she exclaimed.

"Come on, let's go in." I suggested, gesturing towards the house.

Picking up my jacket from the backseat, we made our way inside, with me carrying the portrait and Lily carrying the cake. "We were just about to have an early dinner, so you're welcome to join us." Lily offered, her voice tinged with surprise. "T honestly didn't expect you to show up today"

"I wouldn't miss this for anything, I reassured her, a genuine smile gracing my lips..

As Lily dropped the cake off in the dining room, she headed to the kitchen to retrieve an extra plate for me, while the boys returned to their unfinished meal. Following her into the kitchen, I held out the diamond jewelry set I had purchased for

her

"You don't have to help me," she protested the moment she spotted me. "I can handle this myself"

Ignoring her protest, I wrapped my arm around her waist and planted a kiss on her neck. "I have another gift for you," 1

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Gageing salty, Lily traced her hand along my neck. "What do you have for me?" she whispered, unable to contain her she cared at the oil bag

bghtly. I presented the gift bag to her, dangling it before her expectant eyes. With curiosity sparkling in her vepted the bag and eagerly began to unwrap it. As she revealed the contents, her words trailed off, and her expression shitted to one of awe. "Are these real. she began, only to trast oft again as she realized the gift was customized.

This is breathtaking" she exclammed, lifting her head to meet my gare. "I love this"

Tim glad you do repbest sincerely, feeling a swell of happiness at her reaction. When she leaned in for a kiss, I turned my sock to her, causing her to kiss my check instead Seeing the slight frown that creased her brow, I reached out to gently touch her jaw, turning her to face me. "Tm sorry, I shouldn't have done that."

You had every reason to do that" I whispered softly, my voice tilled with tenderness. Im the one who isn't worthy of you right now, Lib, isot until I've cleared up my mess with Stephanie

Clearing her throat. Lily offered me a tight smile. "Thank you so much; I really love the gift.

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Come on I said, taking the plate from her and intertwining our fingers. Tm sure the kids are waiting for us." It was evident that that was particularly eager to dive into the cake.

Together, we made our way back to the dining room and enjoyed dinner with the kids. Afterward, we indulged in the cake settling in to watch a movie. However, I found myself distracted, my attention drifting to my phone throughout the

s everything okay?" Lily's voice broke through my thoughts, drawing my attention back to her. "You've been staring at your phone"

Realiring that my preoccupation with my phone had not gone unnoticed. I decided to offer her an explanation before she could come up with her own conclusions. "I sent Angelo on a mission, and he's giving me updates, I explained. hoping to alleviate any concerns she might have had

Her mouth formed a small "O" "Is it something I should know about?" she inquired, her expression filled with curiosity and a

hint of concer

Deciding there was no need to keep her in the dark. I nodded. The Lamborghini you returned to Jake is being auctioned tonight, and Angelo is going to find out who the seller is."

A furrow formed on her forehead. Isn't Jake the seller?" she questioned, puzzled by the situation.

I shook my head. "Someone else already paid for it, and the person who paid for the car is the one setting it up for auction. They're also the one assisting Jake, and this is our opportunity to find out more. She nodded thoughtfully, understanding the significance of the situation. "Please keep me updated on whatever you find. out" she requested

Reaching out, I took her hand and squeezed it gently. "Of course, I will," I assured her, wanting to ease any worries she might have. As she returned her attention to the television, I seized the opportunity to shift the conversation. "Have you heard from Jake since you returned to Canada**

She nodded, confirming, "I met him outside my gate and I broke up with him."

A wide grin spread across my face. For real?" I asked, unable to contain my excitement at the news.

She nodded again, her smile matching mine. "For real"

Thank you. I murmured gratefully. She was giving me a chance, giving us a chance, and I could see it in her eyes.

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Chapter 99

Scooting closer to her, Fenveloped her in a warm embrace, wrapping my arm around her shoulder as we settled in to watch the rest of the movie together,

By the time the movie had ended, the boys were already fast asleep, so I assisted Lily in tucking them in. I leaned down to kiss each of them goodnight on their foreheads before quietly exiting their respective bedrooms.

"I noticed you didn't bring a sleepover bag, which means you'll have to use my toiletries for a shower," Lily remarked, tilting her head slightly. "I can't help you with a change of clothes, though."

I cursed inwardly. She seemed to think I was planning to spend the night.

"I did bring my suitcase, I muttered, feeling a pang of guilt, "but it's at my apartment."

"Oh, she replied, her voice tinged with surprise. "I didn't realize you weren't staying the night."

Circling my arm around her waist, I drew her closer to me. "I want to, Lily, but I can't, I confessed softly. "There's no way could spend the whole night with you and resist the temptation, hot when I've missed you so much."

Her smile softened, understanding flickering in her eyes.

I

"I'm leaving because I can't trust myself around you, I continued my voice heavy with regret. "And I can't risk crossing that line, not while I'm still married to that woman