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.

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

day. However, Angelo's words halted me in my tracks, "I think it's safe to say you're in a dilemma,"

you lost your mind?" 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

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

to engage in conversation. "I thought you weren't

head, his expression serious. "That was my way of letting you know I won't say anything to your father, unless you want me

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

Chapter 90

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

acquiesced, allowing him

she's taking their side.

his argument carefully. While my father wasn't one to blindly follow my mother's directives, her influence was undeniable.

just because my mother told him to, I countered, shaking my head. "If he's not in support of it, it doesn't matter who brings it up to him. He'll make his own

sure about

door and made my way to my bedroom, my steps heavy with exhaustion. Collapsing onto the bed, I sank into

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

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

words to register, and I glanced down at my phone screen to confirm the caller's 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