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."

the boys. "Thank you, Richard, Sarah. I can't even begin to express how much your support means to

a warm hug.

"We're all here for you.

but they were tears of gratitude and relief. I pulled back and smiled at them. "Thank you, really. I don't know what I would've done

have you back where you belong." he said, his

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

said softly, the word tasting sweet on my tongue. "It's good

off to play, their laughter echoing through the house. I stayed at the table, savoring the moment of

me.

to talk about," he began gently, taking my

myself. "What

York, at least until after Jake's case is handled. It's important for your

took a deep breath, processing his words.

his eyes searching mine. "Once everything is taken care of and Jake is no longer a threat, we can

off."

the hospital, to the life I had worked so hard to build, seemed like a distant dream. But with Ryan's support, it felt attainable. "I want that," I said. "I want to get back to

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III

Chapter 182

smiled, leaning in to kiss my forehead. "We'll get there,

"When do

them we can focus on the legal matters. Richard and

watching us with supportive smiles.

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

York.".

lot of people here who help handle your issue

said, taking a deep breath.

around mine. "Thank

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

the family? he replied matter factly. "They're dealing with

of sadness for Stephanie's loved ones, even though she hadn't been a close friend. Her death had been a shock, but it didn't evoke the same emotions as losing someone dear. Sarah interjected with

know."

mingling with apprehension.

blaming Ryan