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.

made our way inside, with me carrying the portrait and Lily carrying the cake. "We were just about to have an early dinner, so

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

Lily dropped the cake off in the dining room, she headed to the kitchen to retrieve an extra plate for me, while the boys returned to their unfinished meal. Following her into the kitchen, I

her

to help me," she protested the moment she

planted a

III

salty, Lily traced her hand along my neck. "What do you have for me?"

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

she exclammed, lifting her head to meet my gare. "I love

sock to her, causing her to kiss my check instead Seeing the slight frown that creased her brow, I reached out to gently touch her jaw, turning her

softly, my voice tilled with tenderness. Im the one

Lily offered me a tight smile. "Thank you so much; I

1

and intertwining our fingers. Tm sure the kids are waiting for us." It was evident that that was

room and enjoyed dinner with the kids. Afterward, we indulged in the

Lily's voice broke through my thoughts, drawing my attention back to her.

her own conclusions. "I sent Angelo on a mission, and he's giving me updates, I explained. hoping to alleviate any concerns she might have

small "O" "Is it something I should know about?" she inquired,

hint of concer

keep her in the dark. I nodded. The Lamborghini you returned to Jake is being auctioned tonight, and Angelo is going to find out

forehead. Isn't Jake the seller?" she questioned, puzzled by

for the car is the one setting it up for auction. They're also the one assisting Jake, and this is our opportunity to find out more. She nodded thoughtfully, understanding the significance of the situation. "Please keep me updated on whatever you find.

any worries she might have. As she returned her attention to the television, I seized the opportunity

"I met him outside my gate and I broke

spread across my face. For real?" I

again, her smile matching