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.

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

measured yet resolute. "That woman's long-held desire to start a family with Ryan never materialized. She watched as he moved on and found happiness with you Then, just when she discovers she's pregnant-the one thing tying her to Ryan-her hopes of reuniting with him are shattered by none other than you, the woman he chose over her Can you

matter wur

to admit it. Becky's

breaking the heavy silence that enveloped us. I shook my head in

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Chapter 91

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

scam artist, Becky stated bluntly, stating the obvious. "But he might have some insight or resources

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 opportunistic nature obvious. The thought of relying on him for assistance was utterly repugnant to me; I'd sooner endure imprisonment than

validity of my stance,

household staff promptly

watched him enter, my feet propelling me forward instinctively. Racing into his embrace, I buried my face in his chest, overcome

eves!

sense of comfort and security. He pressed feather-light kisses against my neck, his breath

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. "She's been scouting for the best

the mention of hiring a lawyer. "That won't be necessary," he interjected firmly,

in her eyes. "You've convinced her to change her mind already?" she

be more to this than meets the eye. "What did she want in exchange for dropping the case?" I pressed, my voice tinged with suspicion. It seemed unlikely that Stephanie would simply relent, especially given the tragic

heavy as he mustered a forced smile in my direction. "She

who had been taking a sip of juice, choked on

do you mean by you?" I asked cautiously, the mere thought leaving a bitter taste in my throat. "She wants you both to

sensed there was more to his revelation than he was letting on. "She

as his words sank in. "What does

get married," he confessed. "That's the only way she'll drop the case and