Becoming Strangers Again by Lily

III

Chapter 86

LILY

The gentle touch of sunlight streaming through the window roused me from slumber. Turning to my left, I beheld Ryan, still deep in sleep, his hand resting lightly on my waist.

I couldn't help but admire his handsome features. How could one person be so stunning? His nose, perfectly contoured, and those long, enviable lashes stirred a hint of envy within me. Reaching out to gently trace my fingers along his face, I was interrupted by the ringing of my phone beside me. With a sigh, I reluctantly rolled out of bed and reached for my purse where my phone had been resting since the previous day.

Ryan certainly wore me out yesterday, I mused, a faint smile tugging at my lips. His stamina was something I had almost forgotten, but he made sure to remind me.

As I retrieved my phone from my purse, stifling a yawn, I answered Becky's call. However, instead of her voice, what assailed my ears were the piercing cries of Noah, echoing relentlessly through the phone. My frown deepened, a surge of panic coursing through me. "Why is he crying? What's wrong?" I blurted out, startling Ryan

awake

"I don't know what's gotten into him, Becky replied, her voice fraught with concern. "He woke up this morning screaming his lungs out. He's been calling for you, and I think he misses you Damn Tm heading home, I declared, swiftly ending the call, my mind racing with worry. Leaning into Ryan, I felt his presence behind me.

"I need to go back," I murmured, feeling his lips press against my neck. "Noah's been crying since morning"

His concern evident, Ryan pulled away slightly. "Is everything alright?"

my head, I straightened up and retrieved my dress from the floor. "I have to go,"

already moving towards the shower. Pausing, he flashed a playful grin. "Want to

won't be coming out anytime soon. Agreeing to what I said, he winked and walked

entered through the co-joining door in the bathroom. He grabbed phone from the pocket of his pants which was lying on the floor then moved the dirty clothes on

a while to get to the house due to the distance. Pulling over, we

house together.

the moment they heard the front door swing open. Spotting Ryan, they bounded to their feet, racing towards him with unrestrained excitement. Smiling at the heartwarming scene, I stepped back, granting them a moment alone, and

scoff, I shrugged off my jacket. "What's on your mind?" I asked,

1/3

Chapter 86

on my own saliva. Her eyes widened in realization. "You did.” Flushed with embarrassment, 1 glanced at Ryan, only to find him watching me with a knowing smile. "Can we not di this right now?" I requested, my lips drawn into a tight line,

smile had vanished a subtle indication of lingering tension stemming Ryan's past actions

a faint smile playing on his lips, an couldn't shake the feeling that he was privy to the conversation had just shared with Becky "I was thinking of taking the boys to the cinema," he suggested, as eyes lingering on me. "Would

Becky, and strategizi to handle Jake in

me. And I nodded in response. He said goodbye to Becky and I helped hi the boys

room. Becky dangled her brows at me. "I want you to tell me everything? Chuckling, I plopped down the sofa. "So we ran into Jake and he found out that I am dating Jake

where you said you got back together with Jake an

the euphoria of the recent encounter with Ryan evident in my demea "It was great," I admitted, unable