Becoming Strangers Again by Lily

Chapter 99

RYAN

The next day. I made a quirk or what was suppose to be a quickarop to pick up my final gift for Lily-a stunning oil portrait of her. Trained with pure gol However, upon my arrival, I discovered that there had been some errors in the production. process, resulting in the portrait not being ready as scheduled. Adjusting my plans accordingly. I rescheduled my trip to

sice that the portrait would be completed by the time I departed.

Thankfully, upon my returns, the portrait was ready, and the tear at the studio apologized profusely for the delay. To make amends, they offered me a complimentary portrait, a gesture that I graciously accepted without hesitation.

By the time I arrived in Canada, evening had already descended. Making a quick detour at the cake shop, I selected a deberous cake for Lily before making my way to her place

Upon reaching the gate, it swung open wide to welcome me, and I drove through without hesitation. Coming to a stop. I was pleasantly surprised when the front door of the house swung open, and the boys came rushing out to greet me. With a smile. I left the cake safely in the car to prevent it from being damaged and to give myself the freedom to lift the boys into

Ethan was the first to reach me, and I lifted him up, showering his face with affectionate kisses. Liam followed, though he seemed less enthusiastic about the display of affection, playfully pushing my face away. Lastly, Noah approached, and I had to set down the other two boys to lift him up into my arms.

He wrapped his tiny arms around my neck, and my heart swelled with emotion as he whispered. "I missed you. Dad: The pain in his voice tugged at my heartstrings, and I fought to keep my emotions in check as I held him close.

I missed you too, big man" I replied affectionately, kissing Noah's neck before setting him down and turning to embrace Lily as she approached. She melted into my arms, and I held her close, whispering softly. "I missed you, love," while planting a gentle kiss on her neck

"I missed you too, she murmured, pulling back slightly to meet my gaze.

Grinning with excitement. I stepped back from the embrace and retrieved the cake from the car. "Happy birthday, love." I declared, presenting the cake to her with a warm smile.

Her eyes welled up with tears of joy. "You remembered, she whispered, clearly moved by the gesture.

Td be a fool not to, I replied earnestly, my heart swelling with affection for her. Reaching into the back seat, I retrieved the portrait and presented it to her. I wanted to add my face to it, but then I realized that today is all about you"

Lily chuckled through her tears, her expression radiant with happiness. "Thank you so much, I love it, she exclaimed.

"Come on, let's go in." I suggested, gesturing towards the house.

inside, with me carrying the portrait and Lily carrying the cake. "We were just about to have an

wouldn't miss this for anything, I reassured her, a genuine

retrieve an extra plate for me, while the boys returned to

her

me," she protested the

arm around her waist and planted a kiss on her

III

salty, Lily traced her hand along my neck. "What do you have for me?" she whispered, unable to contain her she cared

unwrap it. As she revealed the contents, her words trailed off, and

exclammed, lifting her head to meet

my sock to her, causing her to kiss my check instead Seeing the slight frown

softly, my voice tilled with tenderness. Im the one who isn't worthy of you right now, Lib, isot until I've

smile.

1

Tm sure the kids are waiting for us." It

our way back to the dining room and enjoyed dinner with the kids. Afterward, we indulged in the cake settling in to watch a

my thoughts, drawing my attention back to her. "You've been staring

before she could come up with her own conclusions. "I sent

I should know about?" she inquired, her expression filled

hint of concer

no need to keep her in the dark. I nodded. The Lamborghini you returned to Jake is being auctioned tonight, and Angelo is going to find out who the seller

Jake the seller?"

it up for auction. They're also the one assisting Jake, and this is our opportunity to find out more. She

course, I will," I assured her, wanting to ease any worries she might have. As she returned her attention to the television, I seized the opportunity to shift the conversation. "Have you heard from Jake since you

him outside my gate and

grin spread across my face. For real?" I asked, unable to contain my excitement at the

her smile matching mine.