Becoming Strangers Again by Lily

Chapter 106 JAKE

When I remember that Lily keeps choosing that bastard over me, it pisses me the fuck off. What else does she want me to show her before she recognizes that that man isn't good for her and that I am the one who loves her dearly?

Yes, I admit that all of these started off as a game, then to a money making scheme, but then I fell in love. I want her love, I want her heart, I want her attention than whatever Stephanoe and her father has to offer to me.

Walking down the lonely alley with a lit cigeratte hanging loosely on my lips, I nodded to the sound of the music blasting in my car through the headset I have

1. on.

After a few moments, I became aware of faint shadows trailing behind me, causing me to instinctively halt my steps. With deliberate caution, I removed the hood of my hoodie, revealing my identity, and turned slowly to confront the looming figures behind me. Six intimidating individuals stood before me, their presence casting a foreboding shadow over the dimly lit alley.

Furrowing my brow, I demanded, "What do you want?" It was inconceivable that Agapa would dispatch his henchmen so prematurely; after all, my deadline had not yet elapsed. "Who sent you?" I pressed, searching for any hint of motive behind their presence.

"We'll reveal our sender once our message has been delivered," one of them replied, cryptically, a menacing tone underscoring his words. My heart quickened as I watched them brandish the sticks they had concealed, advancing towards me with deliberate intent.

Instinctively, I began to retreat, taking gradual steps backwards before breaking into a desperate sprint. Yet, no matter how swiftly I fled, they pursued me relentlessly. It was as if these men were once contenders in an Olympic race, their athleticism allowing them to close the distance with alarming speed, overtaking me before I could reach the safety of the alley's end.

The first blow from the stick struck me squarely on the shoulder blade, sending a searing wave of pain rippling through my body, from my back to my brain. Before. I could even process the pain, the onslaught continued, each strike landing with relentless force, leaving me reeling and gasping for breath. The blows came fast

14

Chapter 100

and furious, denying me even a moment to catch my breath as they pummeled me mercilessly.

With each strike, my body convulsed in agony, the excruciating pain radiating through every fiber of my being. I stumbled to the ground, unable to withstand the onslaught any longer, as they closed in around me like a pack of wolves, their blows raining down upon me without mercy or restraint.

ground, coughing up blood and feeling the sickening crunch of bones snapping beneath the relentless assault. They seemed driven by some

unconsciousness. Through the haze of pain and exhaustion, one of them squatted

sneered, its familiarity sending a chill down my spine. "I see you.

lashed out at him, my words dripping with defiance despite the agony coursing through my battered body. "What have I done to deserve this brutal assault?" I demanded, each

derisively, his laughter a cruel echo in the desolate alley. "You've been relentlessly pursuing my woman ever since you learned of her divorce, and

confided in him, I surmised silently, my

motives. "Then what is the meaning of

voice. "Sending your lackeys to inflict such brutality upon

I won't involve the authorities

at the phone, seething with rage and

Chapter Ton

dire to make Lily

the retreating figures of the men, incredulous at their callousness. "You're just going to leave me here?" I shouted after them, my voice. echoing in the empty alley. "If you've decided to break my legs, at least have the decency to take me to the hospital or drop me

retorted as they climbed into their car and sped away, leaving

to my feet and began the slow journey back home. This wasn't the first

first aid kit and set about treating my injuries with practiced efficiency. Amidst the stinging pain and throbbing bruises,

my calls, prompting me to

thugs to beat me up," I snapped, the frustration evident in my

did?" she responded nonchalantly, her tone devoid of concern. "Why are you bothering

my patience wearing thin. "You know full well what I'm capable of. If you don't rein him in, I'll make

to murder Ryan?" she chuckled incredulously. "With what resources, Jake?" she taunted. "I'm genuinely curious to know. You can't even afford a decent meal, let alone a plane ticket to New York. Yet you dare to

my own inadequacies in

her dismissive attitude, steeling myself as I laid bare the extent of

3/4