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.

about to have an early dinner, so you're welcome to join us." Lily offered, her

anything, I reassured her, a genuine

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 held out the diamond jewelry

her

don't have to help me," she protested the moment she

her protest, I wrapped my arm around her waist and planted a kiss on her neck. "I have another

III

you have for me?"

her vepted the bag and eagerly began to unwrap it. As she revealed the contents, her words trailed off, and her expression shitted to one of awe. "Are these real. she began, only

she exclammed, lifting her head to meet my

kiss, I turned my 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

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

her throat. Lily offered me a tight smile. "Thank you so much; I really love

1

on I said, taking the plate from her and intertwining our fingers. Tm sure the kids are waiting for

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

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

an explanation before she could come up with her own conclusions. "I sent Angelo on a mission, and he's giving me updates, I explained. hoping

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

hint of concer

you returned to Jake is being auctioned tonight, and Angelo

Isn't Jake

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

hand and squeezed it gently. "Of 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

"I met him outside my gate

For real?" I asked, unable to contain my

again, her smile