Becoming Strangers Again by Lily

Chapter 90

REAN

"It's clem that you've lost your damn mind, exclaimed, my fredation boiling ever as I surveyed the room, dismayed by the silent agreement of the other ocupants "Have you completely lost touch with reality? My gaze here into Stephanie's, saching for any trace of reason amidst the madness.

un

She shrugged stifferently, her demeanos seitlingly calm. "Who would want in marry a woman with diminished chances of bearing children?" she retouted colilly.

The callousness of her statement struck a nerve, and I felt a mirge of anger the within me. Some men wouldn't care about vw by things I Lily had been in Stephanie's position, I would lune loved her unconditionally, regardless of her inability to

Tim genuinely sorry that this has happencil to you, Stephanie, lidmitted, my voice tinged with empathy. "But attempting to mansalate me into marriage through hlas kinail will only lead to a lifetime of mise for you. I cannot and will not love you, Mier the circumstances

"Let that be my concern, Stephanie replied stoically, her resolve unyielding. You have from today until I'm discharged to consider me proposal. If I don't hear from you by then, I'll proceed with legal action against her"

Her ultimatum felt like a slap in the face, and I struggled to contain my anger. "You're resorting to blackmail? 1 retorted increstulously, my tone laced with contempt. "You're hoping to provoke a response from me, aren't you?" With a humorless chuckle, I shook my head in disbelief. "Well, congratulations, you'll get one." With that, I turned on my heel and stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind me. Angelo offers to take the wheel, knowing that driving in such state of agitation wasn't advisable. I tossed him the key and settled into the passenger seal

"Where to?" Angelo inquired as he started the engine, his eyes focused on the road ahead.

"Home," I murmured, uny mind swirling with conflicting thoughts and emotions. Angelo wordlessly obeyed, navigating the car out of the parking space and onto the familiar route home.

made a promise to Lily, vowed to protect her from the repercussions of Stephanie's accinations. But the ultimatum Stephanie

me in my tracks, "I think it's safe to say

I snapped, frustration bubbling to the surface. Why should I have to rely on my father to solve my problems? "Don't even think about breathing a word of this to him,

understanding.

scoff at his sudden willingness to engage in conversation. "I thought you weren't talking?"

his expression serious. "That was my way of letting you know I won't say anything to your father, unless you want me to," he clarified. "So, what's the plan?" he pressed once more,

don't have one yet," 1 admitted, frustration creeping into my voice. "But hopefully, I'll conse up with something after

Chapter 90

he raised his hands in a placating gesture. Don't kill me yet," he joked, attempting to

reluctantly acquiesced, allowing him to make his

that she's taking

to blindly follow my mother's directives, her influence was undeniable. If she presented her version of events before

skeptical. "My father isn't the type to make decisions just because my mother told him to, I countered, shaking my head.

sure

word in response to Angelo, I pushed open the door and made my way to my bedroom, my steps heavy with exhaustion. Collapsing onto the bed, I sank into the soft mattress and quickly

shrill ringing of my phone shattered the silence of the room, jolting me awake. Blinking blearily, I reached

father's voice boomed through the room, his tone laced with anger

identity. "Call you over what?" I replied groggily, still half-asleep. "Last 1 checked, you're fine." "Don't you dare try to play smart with me," he shot back, his voice steely with resolve. "How many times have I told you to reach out to me anytime you're faced with such serious and confusing situations, especially ones that directly or