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."

boys. "Thank you, Richard, Sarah.

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

back reassuringly. "We're all here for you.

and relief. I pulled back and smiled at them. "Thank you,

just happy to have you back

into their breakfast, their faces bright and carefree. Then I

tasting sweet on my

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

me.

we need to talk about," he began gently, taking my hand

nodded, bracing myself. "What is

until after Jake's case is handled. It's important for your safety and to

a deep breath, processing his words. "I understand,"

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

off."

my 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 felt attainable. "I want that," I said. "I want to get back to our

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III

Chapter 182

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

"When

are sealed and safe, and them we can focus on the legal matters. Richard and Sarah will help

supportive

of everything here. Just focus on getting things sorted out in

York.".

your issue here, Lily. We'll make sure everything

a

hand tightened around mine.

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

expression remained stoic. "Angelo attended on behalf of the family? he replied matter factly. "They're dealing with

been a shock, but it didn't evoke the same emotions as losing someone dear. Sarah interjected with a troubling piece of information. "Lily, there's

know."

turned to her, curiosity mingling with apprehension. "What

Ryan