Becoming Strangers Again by Lily

Chapter 93 +69% Ryan toldthat it was okay to return to Canada, that he has the situation with Stephanie under control. I told him that I needed to see her, so Iran apologize sesin for the damage I have caused and he toldthat it was fine, that I do not owe Stephanie an apology anymore.

I hate the fact that I am pushing him into a marriage with Stephanie, and I hope and pray with everything inthat it doesn't get to than point I pray everything is resolved before the get to the alter The cas pulled over to the gate and I watched my kids as they slept. If Ryan didn't make that sacrifice, they would have been separated fromand I am sure Ryan parents would have gladly taken them and raised them in the doctrine and pattern they believe a Williams should have.

I had to mouse the boys from their slumber, ensuring they had a shower and dinner before indulging in a movie night in the living room. Taking a moment to compose myself, I reached for my phone and sent Ryan a text.

"TAM REALLY SORRY FOR EVERYTHING" Almost immediately, Ryan's response popped up, as though he had been eagerly awaiting my message.

"YOU DON'T HAVE TO APOLOGIZE FOR ANYTHING LILY. ALL THESE WOULDN'T HAVE HAPPENED NOT FOR His words, though comforting, did little to ease my guilt.

"THAT DOESN'T MAKEFEEL ANY BETTER IN THE SLIGHTEST YOU WON'T BE GETTING MARRIED TO HER IF NOT FOR ME" In response, Ryan sent a smiling emoji, his usual way of lightening the mood.

"IF YOU ARE REALLY SORRY, MAKEDINNER WHEN I CBACK TO CANADA" His mention of returning caughtoff guard. Wasn't he supposed to be marrying her? 7 WILL COOK YOU A WHOLE FEAST WHEN YOU CBACK He didn't respond and I thought he has returned to what he is doing but another text followed, one that made my heartbeat quicken.

I LOVE YOU My finger hovered on the keyboard as I struggled with my response. There is no doubt that I still have feelings for him, but telling that I love him, doesn't seem like the best thing to the moment.

My phone vibrated as Jake's nflashed on my screen. With a loud hiss, I disconnected the call. Liam looked up at me. "Are you okay mummy?" I forced a smile for him. "Yes, mummy is fine." My phone vibrated again and I disconnected but it rang again and I angrily swiped the receive button. "When someone isn't taking your call, it means that the person doesn't want to talk to you!" I yelled before disconnecting the call again.

"Rose!" I called out to the nanny who showed up instantly. "I am going to take a nap, keep an eye on the kids." "Yes ma'am." 1/3 Chapter 13 I walked up the stairs and disappeared into my room, hoping that a nap will makefeel better about all of this.

69%1 The next day, I decided to drop off the kids myself and just as I drove past the gate. I saw Jake standing outside the gate. For a moment. Helt the urge to run him over.

Pulling over, I told the boys who were excited to see unele Jake after a long tto stay put in the car.

I got off the car and approached him. "Didn't I tell you to stay away from my kids until I am ready to involve them in your life again." "Tim sorry," he murmured softly, his tone tinged with contrition as he shifted uncomfortably under my gaze. "I've attempted to reach out to you, but it seemed as though you were avoiding my calls. So, I thought perhaps showing up here might won't be a bad idea Arching a skeptical eyebrow, I maintained my defensive stance, crossing my arms in front of me. And do you honestly believe that just appearing here will suddenly compelto engage in conversation with you?" Shaking his head, he sighed. "I understand, Lily. I truly am sorry: Is this all stemming from our encounter in New York?" "Isn't it understandable that I would be upset with you, Jake? Younot only publicly humiliated me, but you also questioned my choices Admitting defeat, he nodded, his admission tinged with vulnerability. 111 be honest, Lily. I was consumed by jealousy, Seeing you in New York with him-it caughtoff guard." A flash of anger surged withinas 1 recalled the hurtful words he had uttered. "You branded him a murderer, I stated bluntly, the memory still fresh and painful. You directly accused the father of my children of such a heinous act. Tell me, Jake, did you witness him committing murder!" "It was all over the news," he insisted, his tone defensive. And honestly, I didn't mean what I said. It was just... out of anger.

"I don't care about your reasons," I snapped, feeling the weight of exhaustion settling in. "Besides, the news also made it clear that he was falsely accused." Running a hand down my face, I let out a weary sigh. "You know what, Jake? I think it's twe put an end to this." With everything else going on, dealing with him was the last thing I needed. "I've tried, but this isn't working out" Jake's frown deepened. "You got back together with him, didn't you? Rolling my eyes at the question, I turned to head back to my car, but he grabbed my forearm. Stopping in my tracks, I shot him a glare as his hand tightened around my arm.

"My kids are watching from the window, I warned through clenched teeth, feeling a surge of anger rising within me. "So, I suggest you take your hands off me." He glanced towards the window, then reluctantly released my arm. It can't end like this, Lily, he murmured hoarsely, his voice filled with desperation. "Not until I say it's over, and I'm certain I've said this before "You've lost your mind, I spat, my patience wearing thin. "Don't you ever dare test my patience again." With that, I swiftly stepped into the car and drove away, leaving Jake behind.

Glancing at Liam and Ethan through the rearview mirror, I couldn't shake the guilt of having that confrontation in their presence. "Do you boys have something you want to ask mummy? I prompted gently, wanting to address any concerns they hight have.

Is Uncle Jake still your friend? Liam's innocent question pierced through the tension.

9 +69% 14:56 Wed, Jul 24 Chapter 93

Finding a safe spot to pull-over, I unfastened my seatbelt and turned to face them. "Jake isn't your undlem anymore) and he's no longer mummy's friend, I explained. "So, if you see him, don't go near him." I berated myself for ever introducing them. to Jake in the first place. "Why?" Noah's voice was barely a whisper, his curiosity piqued despite his usual focus on his drawing book.

I hadn't realized he was paying attention to the conversation, given how absorbed he seemned in Aish artwork He lied to mummy," I replied, opting for the simplest explanation. "And anyone who lies to mummy isn't mummy's friend."

Liam tilted his head, his brow furrowed in contemplation. "I've lied ΟΠΙ to you before," he confessed quietly, his admission catchingoff guard. "Does that mean I'm not your friend anymore?" Surprised by his confession, I inquired, "What did you lie about? I've never given you a reason to lie to me." "He was the one who broke the cup last time," Ethan interjected with a chuckle, pointing to Liam.

1 shifted my gaze from Ethan to Noah, a frown creasing my brow. "Then why did you say it was Noah who broke it?" "He caused the accident, Liam explained matter-of-factly. "So I blamed him." "That doesn't excuse it, I reprimanded firmly. "Always own up to your actions." He nodded earnestly. "Yes, mum" Liam peeked up at me, his eyes searching for reassurance. "So, I'm still your friend?" Reaching out, I gently tousled his hair. "Of course you are, sweetheart So, you want us to avoid Uncle Jake?" Ethan chimed in, seeking clarification I nodded decisively. "Yes, you need to stay away from him. He's not your uncle anymore." Their safety was my priority above all else.

"We promise to stay away from Uncle Jake, they chorused in unison.

"Perfect, I replied, relieved that they understood the importance of their promise.

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