Becoming Strangers Again by Lily

LILY

Three days ago, Ryan called me to ask if it would be okay for his mom to come stay with us for a while. He explained that she needed a break from the paparazzi and a change of scenery, something to help keep her mind off everything. Plus, spending time with the kids would help lift her spirits. I had no problem with it. I completely understood what she was going through. After all, being betrayed by someone you've loved deeply and devoted your life to is something no one should have to face. I was more than fine with her staying for as long as she needed.

The kids adore her, so I figured it would be nice for everyone. On top of that, having her here meant Ryan would be around more often, and I desperately needed that. Ever since his father passed away, it feels like I barely see my husband anymore. I thought it was the perfect solution-for everyone.

At first, it seemed like a good idea. But soon enough, she started to become more of a burden than a help. I know she's grieving and dealing with a lot of emotional pain, and I've been doing my best to be patient with her. I didn't want to bring her behavior up to Ryan because I knew it wasn't easy for her either. But lately, she's been testing my limits. Her attitude has become more and more difficult to overlook, and it's getting harder to keep my frustration to myself.

The bathroom door creaked open, and Ryan stepped out, a white towel wrapped loosely around his waist, his skin still damp from the shower. This was his first time back in Canada since the news about Maya had surfaced. His mother had arrived earlier, escorted by his security team.

"You want to explain why you didn't tell me what's been going on with you?" I asked.

He paused mid-step, his hand resting on the knot of the towel. "I was going to tell you when I got home," he said, the words sounding more like a weak excuse than an explanation.

I wasn't convinced. "When did you find out about Maya?" I pressed, unwilling to let this slide.

Ryan let out a long, tired sigh. "Can we not argue about this right now?" he mumbled, walking into the closet, clearly hoping to end the conversation. But I wasn't backing down. I followed him. His back stiffened slightly, a clear sign that he knew I wasn't going to drop it. He was trying to dodge the question, but I wasn't about to let that happen. "When did you find out, Ryan?" I repeated, more insistent this time.

"The week you visited New York," Ryan finally admitted with a heavy sigh, turning to face me.

My eyes widened in shock. "Wow... so you've known for that long and still didn't tell me anything?"

He closed the gap between us, gently placing his hands on my shoulders. "I'm not going to make excuses for keeping things from you, which is why I'm going to apologize instead. I'm sorry."

I wanted to accept his apology, but I still needed an explanation. "Why didn't you just tell me, Ryan?"

He hesitated before answering, his eyes flickering with frustration. "Because every time I tried, Amell would somehow show up. Either he'd call or you'd be with him, and yeah, I'm a jealous man. I can't help but get angry when it happens."

Amell again. I sighed. "He's not a problem, Ryan. He never has been." I knew his suspicion came from what happened with Jake, and I understood that fear. "Amell's not interested in me, and I don't care about his past. I'm not going to let the kids get close to him the way I let them with Jake. I learned my lesson."

exhausting. I needed him to understand that not every man in my life

Ryan repeated, his voice firmer than before, as if he wanted to make sure I truly understood. "I feel uncomfortable every single time

emotions get the better of him. He was trying to make a point, but I couldn't let his insecurities keep dictating my life. I let out a

more measured. "I'm going to help him pick out furniture today, just like I promised him I would. But after that, I'm going to

"Really?" he

"this has to be the last

the condition I'd set, but I

or a female colleague. I trust you, and that's what matters.

in agreement. "I will," he said, his voice softening as he stepped closer. He wrapped his arms around

being

small laugh bubbled up from my chest as I stood on my tiptoes and kissed him lightly on the lips. "You sure were," I teased, though there was a softness in my voice that let

easing as he let go of me and turned back to getting dressed

back against the vanity table, crossing my arms as I watched him button up his shirt. "While we're at it," I began slowly, choosing my words carefully, "I think we need to have a conversation about

slightly furrowed in curiosity. "What about her?" he asked, clearly

took a deep breath. "I don't like the way she talks to me in my own home," I pointed out. "I'm only tolerating it because she is your mother, but honestly, she snaps at me over every little thing, and I don't

for his hair

then settled onto the stool in front of the mirror. I started gently combing his hair. "She literally snaps at me too over any little thing," he confessed, a hint of frustration in his voice." think she's just

head gently and placed a soft kiss on his forehead before resuming my task of combing his

boys," he said, giving me a reassuring smile. I

my attention to getting ready for the day. I didn't have much planned-just a furniture shopping trip with

************

out the furniture for his sister, and after that, he suggested we grab a drink, which I agreed to, not because

queued to make an order, his sister excused herself to use the restroom. Left alone with Amell, we discussed random work issues and laughed about

tried persuading me to stay, but I refused, insisteing

***********

Stepping out, I immediately noticed that Ryan's SUV wasn't in the garage. The absence of that car was a clear sign that Ryan wasn't home with