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.

promise to Lily, vowed to protect her from

tracks, "I think it's

snapped, frustration bubbling to the surface. Why should I have to rely on my father to

signaling his understanding. "So what's the plan?" he inquired, his gaze steady as

sudden willingness to engage in conversation. "I

won't say anything to your father, unless you want me to," he clarified. "So,

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

Chapter 90

think you should talk to your father, Ryan," Angelo persisted, indeterred by my earlier dismissal of the idea. Sensing my growing frustration, he raised his hands in a placating gesture. Don't kill me yet," he joked, attempting to lighten the mood. "Just

acquiesced, allowing him

voice solemn. "And I have every reason to believe that she's taking their

influence was undeniable. If she presented her version

my mother told him to, I countered, shaking my head. "If he's not in support of it, it doesn't matter

you sure about

to Angelo, I pushed open the door and made my way to my bedroom, my steps heavy with exhaustion. Collapsing

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

you intending on calling me?" my father's voice boomed

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