Becoming Strangers Again by Lily

Chapter 25 RYAN It's quite amusing, really, how I find myself here in Canada without any concrete reason to justify my presence. The person I intended to do the fertility treatment with is currently back in New York City. Despite the workload piling up back at the office, I've somehow managed to frthis situation as an unplanned vacation of sorts, With my bathrobe dr@ped around me, I sauntered into the living room, pushing aside strands of wet hair obstructing my view. Angelo, upon catching sight of me, promptly rose to his feet. Suppressing a smirk, I gestured for him to reshis movie-watching endeavor. Making my way to the bar, I casually reached for a bottle of champagne, along with two crystal-clear glasses. Returning to the sofa, I extended one of the glasses to Angelo, but he politely declined with a shake of his head, citing his duty obligations. "I shouldn't indulge in drinks while on duty," he explained. Glancing at the wall clock, I couldn't help but scoff. "It's well past eight in the evening, Angelo. Your shift has ended, I remarked, urging him to accept the drink. "Take it," I insisted thrusting the glass toward him. However, he persisted in his refusal, pointing out, Tom takes over when you fall asleep, so as long as you are awake, I am still on duty." Feeling a surge of frustration, I felt my jaw clenching, my grip tightening around the stem of the champagne flute. "Take it. Angelo, I growled, the intensity of my tone leaving no room for negotiation. "I am not asking." Recognizing my lack of tolerance for his stubbornness, Angelo relented and accepted the glass I offered. I deftly uncorked the bottle, pouring a measured amount into his awaiting glass before settling onto the adjacent sofa. Pouring myself a glassful, I delicately placed the bottle on the smooth marble floor. Stretching out on the sofa, I absently reached for my phone, fingers gliding effortlessly over its smooth surface. With a flick of my thumb, I went to Lily's contact, and I smiled involuntarily at the way she answered my call the last time. Dialing her number, I waited for her to either pick or decline my call. I am betting my money on decline because I know she is very much upset with me. It rang for a very long tand to my surprise, she answered. "Hello," a male voice greeted from the other end, catchingoff guard. Instantly, my brows furrowed in confusion. "Hello!" the voice repeated, promptingfor a response, while I grappled with the unexpected turn of events. Removing the phone from my ear, I double-checked the number 1 had dialed, confirming that it indeed matched Lily's contact. "Give the phone to Lily" I commanded tersely, discarding any semblance of civility toward someone who held little significance in my regard "And who is this?" the male voice persisted, prompting recognition to dawn upon me. It was Jake, Lily's boyfriend. My frown deepened as confusion mingled with the irritation bubbling within me. Weren't they experiencing relationship problem and disagreements? What was he doing with her at this late hour? "This is Ryan," I revealed, figuring that adding fuel to the already burning flin their relationship will end in my favour. "Now be a good boy and pass the phone to Lily." Jake emitted a scornful scoff. "Do you even know who you are talking to?" he retorted, his tone tinged with a hint of defiance. "Jake," I uttered with a deadpan tone, ensuring he detected the aloofness in my voice. "What difference does it make if you are the one speaking? Now, do as I asked and pass the phone to Lily," I reiterated, my indifference obvious even through the phone. I could feel Angelo's gaze fixed on me, but frankly, I couldn't care less about his opinion at that moment. A bitter chuckle emanated from the other end, followed by an abrupt end to the call. Pulling the phone away from my ear, I shot a glare at the blank screen, frustration simmering beneath the surface. "Did he end the call? Angelo inquired, drawing my attention. I redirected my glare toward him, his gaze averting mine as he returned his attention. to the music video playing on the television. "I don't know what is more amusing, the fact that you are surprised Jake picked up the call, or how he ended the call after you spoke to him rudely, he remarked, his tone tinged with subtle amusement, "Did I ask for your opinion?" I snapped, my glare intensifying as I redirected my frustration towards Angelo. "Or is it the alcohol?' He mumbled an apology, quickly retreating to mind his own business shified Taking a sip of champagne, I swiftly composed a text message to Lily, demanding her immediate call in response. Chucking the phone aside, I focus to the video playing out before me. What about what I asked on Jake?" I inquired, turning my attention back to Angelo. my "I'm still looking into it, he responded, his tone tinged with a hint of uncertainty. "So far, I have found nothing" "You have to find something, I muttered with frustration. Sighing heavily, I resolved to address a more pressing matter. "How many major bloggers and news outlets do we have available right u "Right now!" Angelrechned incredulously, his surprise evident in his tone. 11:35 AM Chapter 23 I shot him another glare. "I didn't stutter, did I?" Tim sorry." Angelo quickly interjected, his tone tinged with remorse as he sought to diffuse the tension in the room. "I'll give them a call and ascertain their availability" Retrieving his phone, he scrolled through his contacts, his fingers moving with purpose. "May I know the purpose of the call?" he queried, his attention momentarily divided between his task and our conversation. However, receiving no immediate response from me, he hastened to explain the reason for his question, I need to know what information to pass to them, sir." "I want to secure an exclusive interview regarding the circulating images of Lily andon the internet," I replied, my voice measured and firm. "Finda news outlet capable of circulating my interview to the widest possible audience." A subtle flicker of astonishment danced across Angelo's features, quickly masked by a veneer of professionalism. "That would be NewsInfo," he confirmed, already initiating the call to make the necessary arrangements.. 1 rose from the comfort of the sofa, making my way to my bedroom to prepare for the forthcoming interview. Thirty minutes later, I found myself seated in the refined ambiance of my dining room, facing my laptop with a commanding presence, engaged in a Zoom call with Carlos, the

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