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.

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

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 to my ear. I heard a familiar voice,

a chill down my spine. "I see you. received my

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 syllable punctuated by a painful. cough as blood trickled from my lips. "Is this your twisted way

"You've been relentlessly pursuing my woman ever since you learned of her divorce, and I've allowed

have confided in him, I surmised silently,

what is the meaning of this?"

"Sending your lackeys

I won't involve the authorities this time. Perhaps I'll handle you myself, treating you like the lowlife scum you truly

you!" I spat at the phone,

Chapter Ton

up if you ever dire to make

leave me here?" I shouted after them, my voice. echoing in the

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

home. This wasn't the first time I'd been subjected to such brutality, and I knew exactly what needed to

kit and set about treating my injuries with practiced efficiency. Amidst the stinging pain and throbbing bruises, I reached for my

prompting me to persist until

sent some thugs to beat me up,"

tone devoid of concern. "Why are you bothering to call

I'm capable of. If you don't rein him in, I'll make you

response was laced with amusement, her laughter ringing hollow in my ears. "Did you 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

a cruel reminder of my own inadequacies in the face of her husband's wealth

back a bitter chuckle at her dismissive attitude, steeling myself as I laid bare the extent of my capabilities.

3/4