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

phone vibrated on the sofa beside us, and I glanced at the screen to see Stephanie's name. Quickly, I turned the phone over, avoiding

important when it

understanding. "And I guess you won't be spending the

I promised softly, longing to hold her close and cherish this moment of peace until I had to leave tomorrow. "I just want to hold you," I whispered, my heart heavy with the knowledge that soon we would

reached out her hand to me.

any calls or distractions. Taking hold of Lily's hand, I allowed her to lead me up

meeting. Lily saw me off at the airport, and

in New York, I wasted no time heading straight to my office, diving headfirst into a flurry of meetings that seemed never-ending. Even after the last meeting concluded, there was barely a moment's respite before it was

next one.

rolled up my sleeves, and loosened my tie, relishing the opportunity to take a deep breath and decompress. It was a small but well-deserved

as I settled down to eat, my

was here to see me. Initially, I was tempted to

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a moment of deliberation, I instructed

that no one was

demeanor. I knew, however, that it was only a facade, and it wouldn't be long before tensions escalated. There was no way we

were you during the weekend?" she

laced with accusation. She didn't need me to confirm where I had spent the weekend; the paparazzi had made sure to

my temple, feeling the weight of exhaustion settling in. "Please, Stephanie, I've had a long day, and I just want to catch a break

expression "You were with her when I called you last night, weren't you?" she pressed, her voice tinged with hurt. "Yes, I confirmed flatly, my own emotions overriding any concern for hers. "I was with her when

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 pointed out,

head-on. "And what does the

you