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."

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

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

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

threatened to spill again, but they were tears of gratitude and relief. I pulled back and smiled at them. "Thank you, really.

to have you back where

into their breakfast, their faces bright and carefree. Then I looked around at

tasting sweet on my

echoing through the house. I stayed at the table, savoring the moment of

me.

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

myself. "What

to return to New York, at least until after Jake's

took a deep breath, processing his words. "I

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

off."

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.

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III

Chapter 182

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

"When do

and them we can focus on the legal matters.

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 out

York.".

"We have a lot of people here who help handle your issue here, Lily.

said, taking a

hand tightened around mine.

what about Stephanie's funeral?" I asked softly, knowing her passing had occurred under tragic

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

even though she hadn't been a close friend. Her death had been a shock, but it didn't evoke the

know."

turned to her, curiosity mingling with apprehension.

blaming Ryan