Becoming Strangers Again by Lily

Chapter 38 LILY "What was that all about?" I inquired of Jake the moment we crossed the threshold into the living room. "What exactly did you say to him?" Dropping the crinkled plastic bag with a thud onto the sleek surface of the dining table, Jake pivoted towards me, his expression morphing into one of slight bewilderment as he folded his arms and met my gaze with a furrowed brow. "What led you to believe that I'm the one who instigated something with him, and not the other way around?" he questioned me, his tone tinged with a hint of exasperation. "Why did you automatically assthat the fault lies with me?" I found myself at a loss as to why I had jumped to such a conclusion. "I apologize," I interjected hastily, the words tumbling from my lips in a rush, "that statement was ill-considered Shaking his head in a gesture of mild exasperation, Jake began to stride purposefully towards the kitchen, his footsteps echoing softly against the tiled floor, and I trailed closely in his wake, my curiosity still burning bright. "Could you at least tellwhat happened out there, Jake?" "I told him not to hold you accountable because none of this is your fault," Jake responded, his voice tinged with a hint of frustration. "Care to guess his reaction to my words?" "That I'm to shoulder all the blame?" I mused aloud, feeling the weight of Ryan's disappointment pressing down on me. "Ryan's clearly. upset with me, and I can empathize with that. But please, don't let whatever he said aboutget to you. As Jake pulled out three plates, he began transferring the food from the crinkled plastic takeout container. "Quite the opposite," he continued, his tone somber, "he mentioned returning for his family, and that includes you. He even made a point about that engagement ring on your finger not deterring him." "I'm certain he doesn't mean it," I interjected, my thoughts swirling with a mixture of guilt and disbelief. "I mean, he has every right to be upset with me, but asserting ownership overand the kids? That's a whole other level." "He really meant it," Jake argued, his tone heavy with concern, as he carried the plates to the dining table. I followed suit, balancing the other plate in my hands as I joined him. "He even said that if we were married, he'd still cfor you, which implies that even marriage wouldn't deter him, Jake continued, his voice tinged with frustration. Letting out a weary sigh, I sank into the chair and cradled my head in my hands. The main issue shouldn't be what Ryan said because I have no intention of returning to him for any reason. But I'm terrified he might try to take my kids away from me." "I wish I had the perfect words to comfort you, but I don't, Jake admitted softly, his hand resting reassuringly on my shoulder. "However, I promi to stand by you every step of the way if you promise to stand bytoo. Before I could respond, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed down the stairs. "Do you think I should bring up their dad now?" I pondered aloud, feeling it might be best to address the situation before their next encounter with Ryan. "No tis ever truly perfect," Jake replied with a thoughtful gaze, "Just share it with them when you feel ready, although I do wish they could seeas their father," he added with a sad smile. "Speaking of which, did I mention that Ethan called'dad' stago!" The thought of Ethan referring to Jake as 'dad would have filledwith joy in the past. However, considering our current circumstances, I couldn't muster the sexcitement now, knowing it could only add to Ethan's confusion With a heavy heart, I awaited the arrival of the three boys, their footsteps eventually echoing down the stairs. "What have I said about running down the stairs?" I gently reminded them upon their arrival. Liam settled beside me, dragging a chair closer. "I reminded them the sthing, he muttered softly. "Good evening, Uncle Jake," he greeted, his tone respectful yet distant. Jake affectionately tousled Liam's hair before pushing the other plate towards him. However, Liam seemed notably disinterested in the food, his thoughts clearly elsewhere. After a hectic thirty minutes of ensuring the boys ate without any mishaps, we finally wrapped up dinner, and a member of the staff promptly cleared away the plates. "I'm going to finish my homework." Liam mumbled. 11:41 AM Chapter 38 As he made a move to leave his seat, I called out to him, halting his step. "Wait!" I beckoned, and he paused, turning back to face me. want to have a chat with all of you about something." His gaze shifted between Jake andas he resumed his seat. Moistening my lips, I exchanged glances with each of my children, pondering the best way to broach the topic. "What is it mummy?" Liam asked. "I know you've all wanted to meet your dad, even if it's not something you've spoken about, I began pensively, "well, the thas come. He's here and eager to meet all of fyou. Noah's face lit up with excitement. "Really?" he exclaimed eagerly. I nodded, hoping beyond hope that it would turn out as positively as I portrayed it. "He's genuinely thrilled to meet you all, them, though the uncertainty gnawed at me. Disappointment would be hard to bear for them if things didn't go as hoped. I assured "I thought uncle Jake is our father?" Ethan's innocent inquiry cut through the air, causing Liam to face-palm himself in exasperation. "He's not our father, Liam clarified on our behalf, his tone tinged with frustration, "he's just our uncle. Right, Uncle Jake?" Liam turned his gaze expectantly towards Jake, who seemed reluctant to answer the question. With a forced smile, Jake nodded. "Yes," he affirmed, his tone strained, Tm just your Uncle Jake." "But our father," Liam interjected once more, his voice tinged with a mixture of hurt and confusion, "if he wanted to meet us so badly, why didn't he show up sooner? Liam's voice dropped to a whisper. "Why did he wait until my friends laughed atfor not having a father before showing up?" My frown deepened at this revelation. "Your friends laughed at you for not having a father?" I echoed, disbelief coloring my tone. Those shouldn't even be called friends at this point. Who raised these bitter kids? "Did they bully you?" Liam gazed at the artifact resting on the dining table, a contemplative expression etched across his features. "I made it clear to them that you better than not only their mommy and daddy, but also their grandmommy and granddaddy," he remarked solemnly. "That's right, son. I outrank them all," I replied with a hint of playful pride, prompting Jake to chuckle warmly at the exchange. Emotion swelling within me, I extended my arms, inviting Liam for a hug. He hesitated for a moment, his gaze lingering on my outstretched arms, before shaking his head in amusement. Jake's infectious laughter filled the room, lifting the tension and drawing a smile from Ethan, despite his confusion over the sudden laughter from Jake. At least Jake is making the atmosphere a bit relaxing, although Noah and Liam aren't laughing. "Your father has been away for quite stime, but he's back for you, just as he promised," I reassured them eamestly. Noah, however, voiced his sentiment quietly, "We don't need another daddy; we already have Uncle Jake." Liam nodded in agreement. "Tell him we don't want him," he asserted. Panic surged within me, and I turned to Jake, silently pleading for assistance. Without hesitation, Jake settled into the vacant seat beside Liam, gesturing for Noah to join them. Noah approached, and Jake enveloped him in a comforting embrace. "How about giving him a chance to shower you with the love he couldn't before? If it doesn't work out, we'll reconsider his role as 'Daddy." Jake proposed. "So, can we give Daddy a chance? Jake asked, a wide smile lighting up his face. Noah and Ethan readily nodded, their curiosity and willingness apparent. However, Liam maintained a slight frown. “Liam, Jake encouraged gently. Reluctantly, Liam admitted, "I don't want to call him Daddy," his words barely audible. "You don't have to, Jake reassured him, his tone gentle yet firm. "You can address him by his nif you prefer, okay?" Liam nodded reluctantly. "Okay, he conceded, his voice barely above a whisper, *So, are we all in agreement about giving Daddy a chance?" I posed the question, a hint of skepticism lingering as I feared Liam might retract his tentative acceptance. I was adamant about not imposing anything on him. 11:41 AM Chapter 38 As they all nodded in unison, a wave of relief washed over me, and I released a heavy breath I hadn't realized I'd been holding. Tears welled up in my eyes, obscuring my vision momentarily. I could feel the breathlessness creeping in, but I don't need a paper bag when I have my kids. "Do you want to give mummy a hug?" I offered, and before I could finish, Ethan and Noah leaped out of their seats, eager to embrace me. Liam, however, remained seated, his reluctance palpable. My gaze pleaded with him until, begrudgingly, he rose from his seat and joined the embrace. Whilst hugging them, I turned to Jake a mouthed a big thank you to him. He handled the situation a lot more better than I would. 11:41 AM Chapter 39

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