Becoming Strangers Again by Lily

Chapter 91 LILY Who would have imagined that my trip to New York would thrustinto such situation? I arrived with the simple intention of supporting Ryan as he got out of jail, yet now I find myself confronting the very real possibility of a prolonged jail term.

"I should head back, I announced abruptly, my mind already racing with thoughts of the boys and their disrupted lives. "The boys have already missed two days of school, and I need to get them back on track." Becky, who had been engrossed in her laptop, paused at my declaration, lifting her head to regardwith a silent gaze, "Yes, you should do that," she conceded quietly, her attention swiftly returning to her screen, Intrigued by her prolonged focus on her laptop, I couldn't help but lean in for a closer look. Frowning, I took in the contents. displayed on the screen, my brows furrowing in confusion. "What's this?" I asked. Caught off guard by my inquiry. Becky hesitated for a moment before responding. "You need a good lawyer, she stated matter-of- factly.- My face hardened, and my lips pressed into a thin line. I refuse to entertain the idea of going to jail, I declared firmly, clinging to denial as a shield for my sons sake. It won't cto that Becky paused, her full attention now fixed onas she closed her laptop. "Ryan promised to handle the situation, and 1 want to believe him, she began, her voice filled with uncertainty "But this, she gestured towards her laptop, "this is a precautionary measure. The sooner we secure a good lawyer in case things escalate, the better for everyone involved "It was a mistake," I mumbled, the weight of remorse heavy in my voice. "I never intended to harm her or cause her to lose her baby. It was all a regrettable error that I wish I could undo "News flash honey, you can't undo what's been done," she stated firmly, her words a stark reminder of the irreversible nature of the situation. "All we can do now is play our cards wisely to avoid the worst-case scenafor the sake of your kids," Exhaling heavily, I sank back into my seat, feeling the weight of exhaustion settling over me. Closing my eyes, I couldn't help but wonder if fate harbored a vendetta against ine, continually hurling obstacles in my path.

"Should I attempt to visit her at the hospital again?" I pondered aloud, seeking Becky's counsel in my moment of desperation "What good would that do?" Becky countered, her attention already diverted back to her laptop.

Turning to face her, I couldn't suppress a sense of frustration at her apparent indifference. "Maybe if she seeshumbling myself, if she witnesses the depth of my remorse, she might reconsider pursuing legal action againstor jeopardizing my professional license," I reasoned.

"I hate to deliver such bleak news, Lily, but no amount of pleading or self-flagellation will sway her," she declared with a somber shake of her head.

Her tongue darted out to moisten her lips as she pondered the situation, her gaze drifting into the empty space before returning to fix on me. "Consider it from her perspective, Lily, she began, her tone measured yet resolute. "That woman's long-held desire to start a family with Ryan never materialized. She watched as he moved on and found happiness with you Then, just when she discovers she's pregnant-the one thing tying her to Ryan-her hopes of reuniting with him are shattered by none other than you, the woman he chose over her Can you see why she's so hell-bent on seeing you suffer, no matter wur As much as I hated to admit it. Becky's assessment was painfully accurate. This situation was utterly dreadful. "Have you reached out to Jake?" Becky inquired, breaking the heavy silence that enveloped us. I shook my head in response.

8 +69%1 Chapter 91 "He's the least of my concerns right now, I confessed, my mind reoccupied with more pressing matters. Ever since our encounter here in New York and his altercation with Ryan, I'd avoided any contact with him. Despite his persistent calls, I had more important issues to contend with than his dubious prience, "He's a scam artist, Becky stated bluntly, stating the obvious. "But he might have sinsight or resources that could be useful in this situation." 1 scoffed at the suggestion. I highly doubt someone who can't even afford a Lamborghini would be of any help right now," I retorted, my disdain for Jake's opportunistic nature obvious. The thought of relying on him for assistance was utterly repugnant to me; I'd sooner endure imprisonment than owe hire any favors.

Becky chuckled softly, acknowledging the validity of my stance, Fair point," she conceded.

The doorbell rang, interrupting our conversation, and one of Berky's household staff promptly answered it. In walked Ryan, carrying a plastic bag that undoubtedly contained take-out.

My heart skipped a beat as I watched him enter, my feet propellingforward instinctively. Racing into his embrace, I buried my face in his chest, overcwith emotion at the sight of him. Why did the mere sight of him bring tears to my eves! Ryan's arms enveloped me, his touch offering a sense of comfort and security. He pressed feather-light kisses against my neck, his breath warm against my skin as he murmured, "I missed you," as though we hadn't seen each other just yesterday.

"I miss you too," I murmured in response, my words tinged with genuine longing. Pulling away slightly, he guidedback into the living room, where I settled down beside him. "Hey, he greeted Becky warmly, depositing the bag of food on the table. "Have you ladies eaten?" he inquired, casting a glance in my direction. "I brought sfood." None of us has the appetite, I am sure of it. "She's been scouting for the best legal representation, just in case Stephanie decides to take this to court, I informed Ryan.

His expression darkened slightly at the mention of hiring a lawyer. "That won't be necessary," he interjected firmly, his tone brooking no argument.

Becky's head snapped up, surprise evident in her eyes. "You've convinced her to change her mind already?" she inquired, her disbelief mirrored by my own As Ryan nodded in confirmation, a nagging sense of unease gnawed at me. There had to be more to this than meets the eye. "What did she want in exchange for dropping the case?" I pressed, my voice tinged with suspicion. It seemed unlikely that Stephanie would simply relent, especially given the tragic loss she had suffered.

Ryan's sigh was heavy as he mustered a forced smile in my direction. "She wants me," he admitted reluctantly. Becky, who had been taking a sip of juice, choked on her drink at Ryan's revelation, her eyes widening in shock. Blinking slowly. I struggled to comprehend Ryan's statement. "What do you mean by you?" I asked cautiously, the mere thought leaving a bitter taste in my throat. "She wants you both to start seeing each other again?" Ryan cleared his throat uncomfortably, his grip tightening on my hand. I sensed there was more to his revelation than he was letting on. "She wants more than just us rekindling a relationship," he admitted reluctantly.

My heart sank as his words sank in. "What does she want, Ryan?" I whispered, dreading the answer.

"She wants us to get married," he confessed. "That's the only way she'll drop the case and pretend like none of this ever happened.

Suppressing the surge of pain and I anger rising within me, I withdrewmy hand from his grasp. "Do you want to marry her?" 1 asked quietly, my voice barely above a whisper. Chapter 91

Ryan's frown deepened at my question, his reaction bordering snapped, his tone filled with frustration. "The only woman I wan not anyone else." "Then don't," I insisted firmly, my voice strained with emotion. my sake. I'll find the best lawyer to fight this." Ryan shook his head, his expression grave. "The original CCTV in her possession, and she'll undoubtedly manipulate it to her ac My heart sank at the realization of the dire situation we were fac pressed.

Ryan leaned in closer, his breath mingling with mine as he spokem searching for something bigger than that video she's holding ove Uncase settled overat his apprehension. "For how long ds. "And how long do you plan felt like a heavy burden to bear.

?" The thought of sacrificing His grey eyes danced around my face nervously. "For as long as i "And marriage?" "it could happen Lily, but not for long. I am leaving her ass the n X