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.

it to consume me as I lay helpless on the ground, coughing up blood and feeling the sickening crunch of bones snapping beneath the relentless

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, taunting and

a chill down

this brutal assault?" I demanded, each syllable punctuated by a painful. cough as blood trickled from my lips. "Is this

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 believe I would suddenly decide to

him, I surmised silently, my mind

is the meaning of this?"

"Sending your lackeys

was devoid of remorse, each syllable dripping with malice. "Consider this a warning, Jake," he sneered. "Perhaps I won't involve

at the phone, seething with rage

Chapter Ton

to f**k you up if you ever dire to make Lily your target again," his menacing voice retorted before abruptly terminating the

through 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

they climbed into their car

of strength within me, I struggled to my feet and began the slow journey back home. This wasn't the first time I'd been subjected to such brutality, and I

retrieved the first aid kit and set about treating my injuries with

ignored my calls, prompting me to persist until

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

of concern.

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

cruel reminder of my own

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

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