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

the sofa beside us, and I glanced at the screen to see Stephanie's

as she reached for my hair, fingers running through it. "Ryan," she whispered, concern evident in her eyes, "you don't know why she's calling. "It's never anything important when it comes to Stephanie." I replied dismissively, my hand finding it's way

in understanding. "And I guess you won't be spending the night here,"

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 be separated by

and reached out her hand to me. "Come on, let's go to bed," she suggested, her

Lily's hand, I allowed

off at the airport, and as expected, the paparazzi failed to respect our privacy, snapping

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 time

next one.

entered my office and closed the door behind me, I shrugged out of my jacket, 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 secretary buzzed through

Stephanie was here to see me. Initially, I was

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I instructed my

one was

door opened, and Stephanie walked in, appearing remarkably calm compar to her usual demeanor. I knew, however, that it was only a facade, and

you during the weekend?" she questioned,

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

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

when I called you last night, weren't you?" she pressed, her voice tinged with hurt.

unshed tears. "You do realize that you're clearly going against what the contract states," she pointed out, her voice wavering

arching a brow, I met her gaze head-on. "And what does the contract say?" I challenged, ready to defend my actions, regardless of

your property when you cheat," Stephanie