Becoming Strangers Again by Lily

Chapter 132

When 1 woke up the next day, the sunlight was straining through the curtains. I reached out, expecting to hnd Ryan, but the space beside me was empay. For a moment, panic flickered through me, bad then I remembered where i was and took a deep breath

i stretched, feeling the remnants of soreness fan also a renewed strength. After a quick shower, 1 dressed and made my way downstairs, the smell of breakfast wafting through the air.

Asi reated the bottom of the stairs, I saw them my boys, my precious triplets Noah, Liam, and Ethan. They were gathered around the dining table their chatter filling the room. The moment they saw me, their faces lit up with pure joy,

"Moin!" they shouted in unison, scrambling out of their chairs and running towards me.

i dropped to my knees, opening my arms wide. They barreled into me, their little bodies warm and endid, and I wrapped my arms around them tightly. Tears streamed down my face, and I didn't "Oh, my babies, I cried, holding them close, feeling their familiar weight and warmth. "I missed you so much"

They hugged me back fiercely, their small hands clutching at me as if they were afraid I'd disappear again. "We missed you too, Mom Noah said, his voice muffled against my shoulder.

"Are you okay. Mom?" Liam asked, pulling back slightly to look at me with his big, concerned eyes,

I nodded, smiling through my tears. "I'm okay now I'm so much better now that I'm with you."

Noah, always the quietest, held onto my hand tightly, his face buried against my side. "We were so worried, he whispered.

"I know, sweetheart. I'm so sorry you had to go through that. But I'm here now, and I'm not going anywhere, I reassured them, kissing the tops of their heads.

We stayed like that for a while, just holding each other, the relief and love between us evident. Finally, I pulled back slightly, looking at each of their faces, memorizing every detail,

"Let's go have some breakfast," I said, my voice shaky but filled with happiness. "And then you can tell me everything I missed"

They nodded eagerly, and we made our way back to the table, hand in hand. As I watched them chatter excitedly, their faces animated and bright, feh a deep sense of gratitude. We were together, safe, and that was all that mattered.

Ryan appeared in the doorway, a soft smile on his face as he watched us. I met his eyes, silently thanking him for everything. He nodded, as if to say. "I'm glad you're home."

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Chapter 122

As I sat with my boys, soaking in their presence and their animated stories, I heard footsteps approaching. I looked up to see Richard and Sarah, Ryan's parents, standing in the doorway. Their faces were filled with warmth and relief.

"It's nice to have you back home, Lily," Sarah said, her voice gentle and sincere.

Richard nodded in agreement, his eyes kind. "We were all so worried about you. It's a relief to see you safe and sound."

stood up, feeling grateful for the support they offered to Ryan and the boys. "Thank you, Richard, Sarah. I can't even begin

in a warm hug. "You're family, Lily.

back reassuringly. "We're all here for you. Whatever you need,

and smiled at them. "Thank you, really. I don't know

to have you back where you belong." he

who were now happily digging into their breakfast, their faces bright and carefree. Then I

sweet on my tongue. "It's good to be

their laughter echoing through the house. I stayed at the table, savoring the moment of peace. Ryan came over, a serious expression on his face,

me.

need to talk about," he began gently, taking

nodded, bracing myself. "What is

New York, at least until after Jake's case

took a deep breath, processing his words. "I understand," I said quietly.

of and Jake is no longer a threat, we can come back. You can regain your position at the hospital and pick

off."

job at the hospital, to the life I had worked so hard to build, seemed like a distant dream. But with Ryan's support, it

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III

Chapter 182

kiss my forehead. "We'll get there, Lily. One step at

nodded, "When do we

need to make sure the boys are sealed and safe, and them we can focus on the legal matters. Richard and Sarah will help us with helping you

over at Richard and Sarah, who were watching us with supportive smiles. "Thank you both," I said, feeling deeply grateful for their

nodded. "We'll take care of everything here. Just focus on getting things sorted

York.".

people here who help handle your issue here, Lily. We'll make

said, taking a

around

what about Stephanie's funeral?" I asked softly, knowing

on behalf of the family? he replied matter factly. "They're dealing

a close friend. Her death had been a shock, but it

know."

to her, curiosity mingling with apprehension.

mother is blaming Ryan