Becoming Strangers Again by Lily

Chapter 102

RYAN

"It doesn't make any sense," I muttered, frustration evident in my voice. Why would Waper be working with Jake? I've racked my brain trying to come up with a plausible explanation, but nothing seems to add up. Waper and Jake working together just doesn't make any sense, period.

"Do you want me to find out?" Lily's voice broke through my thoughts, pulling me back to the present moment.

Shifting my gaze from the flower vase I had been staring at blankly, I blinked in surprise at her suggestion. "And how do you intend to do that?" I asked cautiously, hoping that her plan wasn't as concerning as I feared it might be.

"I can reconnect with Jake and gather all the information you need," she explained calmly. "The bastard will probably be willing to take me back."

My lips tightened as I struggled to contain the sudden surge of anger that welled up within me. "Let me get this straight," I said tersely, my tone laced with disbelief. "You want to go back to dating a man you just filed a restraining order against?"

She bit her lip, realizing the absurdity of her suggestion. "I won't entertain such thoughts again, Lily," I warned firmly, hoping to convey the seriousness of the matter. She nodded in response, but I wasn't entirely convinced of her sincerity. I couldn't trust her to abandon her plans in my absence. "Promise me you won't go back to that bastard for any reason."

Smiling softly, she approached me and settled onto my thighs. "I promise." Her eyes danced round my face. "I want to kiss you right now, but I know I shouldn't," she murmured.

To hell with Stephanie. Ignoring any lingering doubts, I leaned forward and pressed my lips against hers, kissing her slowly and tenderly. Her hand found its way to the back of my neck, and a soft moan escaped her lips. We continued the kiss, gentle and unhurried, until she finally pulled away and rested her forehead against mine.

I breathed in the comforting scent of Lily, finding love in her presence. In that moment, all I felt was peace and calm. "There isn't anything you shouldn't do, Lily,"

I whispered softly, my voice filled with tenderness. "I'm the only one with restrictions." Because I'm the only one paying for my sins.

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Chapter 100

us, and I glanced at the screen to see

why she's calling. "It's never anything important

I guess you won't be spending the night here," she

had to leave tomorrow. "I just want to hold you," I whispered, my heart heavy with the knowledge that soon we would be separated by distance once

her hand to me. "Come on,

I allowed her to lead me up the stairs to her bedroom, grateful for

I had to leave early to attend an early morning meeting. Lily saw me off at the airport, and as expected, the paparazzi failed to respect our privacy, snapping pictures of us as we said

headfirst into a flurry of meetings that seemed never-ending. Even after the last meeting concluded, there was barely

next one.

rolled up my sleeves, and loosened my tie, relishing the opportunity to

settled down to eat, my secretary buzzed

to see me. Initially, I was

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that no one was waiting

demeanor. I knew, however, that it was only a

during the weekend?" she questioned, getting

where I had

just want to catch a break during lunch before

night, weren't you?" she pressed, her

conceal her pain, Stephanie licked her lips, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "You do realize that you're clearly going against what the contract states," she

head-on. "And what does the contract say?" I challenged,

of your property when you cheat," Stephanie reminded me,