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."

1/4

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."

Ryan and the boys. "Thank you, Richard,

a warm hug. "You're family, Lily. We're just

in, patting my back reassuringly. "We're all here for you. Whatever you need, just

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 without

joining us. "We're just happy to have you back where you belong." he

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

softly, the word tasting sweet on

the table, savoring the moment of peace. Ryan came over, a serious expression on his face, and sat

me.

something we need to talk about," he began gently,

myself.

squeezed my hand reassuringly. "We need to return to New York, at least until after Jake's case is handled. It's important

processing his words. "I understand," I said quietly. "It makes

and Jake is no longer a threat, we can come back. You can regain

off."

hard to build, seemed like a distant dream. But with Ryan's support, it felt attainable. "I want that," I

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III

Chapter 182

to kiss my forehead. "We'll get

nodded, "When do

are sealed and safe, and them we can focus on the legal matters. Richard and Sarah will help us with helping you back at

were watching us with supportive smiles.

here. Just focus on getting things sorted

York.".

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

a deep breath.

tightened around mine. "Thank

I asked softly, knowing her passing had occurred

he replied matter factly. "They're

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 a troubling

know."

turned to her, curiosity mingling with apprehension. "What

mother is blaming Ryan for her