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

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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.

I lay helpless on the ground, coughing up blood and feeling the sickening crunch of bones snapping

to envelop me, the barrage of blows finally ceased, leaving me battered and broken, teetering on the brink of unconsciousness. Through the haze of pain and exhaustion, one of them squatted down to me and placed his phone close

chill down my

I done to deserve this brutal assault?" I demanded, each syllable punctuated by a painful. cough as blood trickled from my lips. "Is this your twisted way of warning me to

laughter a cruel echo in the desolate alley. "You've been relentlessly pursuing my woman ever since you learned of her divorce, and I've allowed you to carry on with your antics. Do you truly

have confided in him, I surmised silently, my mind racing

what is

my voice. "Sending your

devoid of remorse, each syllable dripping with malice. "Consider this a warning, Jake," he sneered. "Perhaps I won't involve the authorities this time. Perhaps I'll handle you myself, treating you like the lowlife

spat at the phone,

Chapter Ton

if you ever dire to make Lily your target again," his

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 off

they climbed into their car and sped away, leaving me

my feet and began the slow journey back home. This wasn't the first time I'd been subjected to such brutality, and I knew exactly what needed to

own room, I retrieved the first aid kit and set about treating my injuries with practiced efficiency. Amidst the stinging pain and throbbing bruises, I reached for my phone and dialed

my calls, prompting me to persist until she begrudgingly

do realize that your deranged husband sent some thugs to beat me up," I snapped, the frustration

her tone devoid of concern. "Why are

what I'm capable of. If you don't rein him in, I'll make you a widow faster than

just threaten 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 threaten a man who can effortlessly

my own inadequacies in

a bitter chuckle at her dismissive attitude, steeling myself as I laid bare the

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