Becoming Strangers Again by Lily

Chapter 91

LILY

Who would have imagined that my trip to New York would thrust me into 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 regard me with 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 come to that

Becky paused, her full attention now fixed on me as 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 scenario for 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 sees me humbling myself, if she witnesses the depth of my remorse, she might reconsider pursuing legal action against me or jeopardizing my professional license," I reasoned.

hate to deliver such bleak news, Lily, but no amount of pleading or self-flagellation will sway her," she declared

yet resolute. "That woman's long-held desire to start a family with Ryan never materialized. She watched as

matter wur

Becky's assessment was painfully accurate.

breaking the heavy silence that enveloped

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Chapter 91

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

stating the obvious. "But he might have

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

acknowledging the validity of my stance, Fair point,"

staff promptly answered it. In walked Ryan, carrying a plastic

heart skipped a beat as I watched him enter, my feet propelling me forward instinctively. Racing into his embrace, I buried my face in his chest, overcome with emotion at the sight of him. Why did the mere sight of him bring tears

eves!

his breath warm against my skin as he

guided me back 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 some food." None of us has the appetite, I am sure of it.

darkened slightly at the mention of hiring a lawyer. "That won't be necessary," he interjected firmly, his tone brooking

in her eyes. "You've convinced her to change her

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

sigh was heavy as he mustered a forced smile in my direction. "She wants me," he

had been taking a sip of juice, choked on her drink

you?" I asked cautiously, the mere thought leaving a bitter taste in my throat. "She wants you both to start seeing each

tightening on my hand. I sensed there was more to his revelation than he was letting on. "She wants more

"What does she

he confessed. "That's the only way she'll drop the