Becoming Strangers Again by Lily

LILY

I could hardly believe what I was seeing the entire internet was blowing up with the most shocking news about my husband's family.

Just yesterday, we were focused on the reading of Richard's father's will, but today, I wake up to find the headlines consumed by a scandal. The news claimed that Richard had cheated on his wife, and not just with anyone with the nanny. And as if that wasn't devastating enough, it turns out he allegedly has a daughter with her, a girl named Maya.

Stunned, I grabbed my phone, my hands trembling slightly as I scrolled through the articles. I couldn't sit still. I had to know the truth. So, without hesitation, I dialed Ryan's number, hoping he could explain this mess to me. But he didn't pick up.

When Ryan didn't respond, I immediately dialed Angelo's number, knowing he might be with Ryan or, at the very least, have some insight into what was going on.

Finally, Angelo answered, his voice calm but cautious. "Lily?"

"What is going on, Angelo?" I demanded. "What's all this news about Richard and a daughter? What's this nonsense about him having an affair with the nanny? And where is Ryan? I need to talk to him, right now." I couldn't shake the feeling that this had to be some ridiculous rumor. Richard's wife had just lost her husband under such tragic circumstances, and now the media was piling this scandal on top of her grief? It was unthinkable.

"He's dealing with the press," Angelo responded. "This whole thing took him by surprise too."

"Took him by surprise?" I repeated, trying to make sense of the situation. "What do you mean by that? How could this have taken him by surprise? Does this mean..." My voice trailed off as a sudden, sinking realization washed over me. "Wait a minute," I said, my heartbeat quickening. "Did Ryan know about this? Did he know about Richard's affair and the child?"

Angelo inhaled sharply on the other end of the line. "He didn't discuss this with you?"

"No," I snapped, the frustration bubbling over. "Just like he didn't discuss the fact that his father was poisoned." Why was Ryan keeping all of this from me? The moments we could have spent working through things together, he wasted on petty arguments about Amell. It was infuriating.

"I'm sure he has his reasons," Angelo muttered, as if he was trying to defend Ryan's secrecy.

"What silly reasons could possibly justify keeping something this serious from me?" I retorted sharply. Taking a deep breath, I tried to calm myself, staring out the window to distract my anger. "You know what? I shouldn't be taking this out on you. Just tell Ryan to call me when he's free."

Without waiting for a response, I disconnected the call. Tossing my phone into my purse with more force than necessary, I grabbed the plastic bag I had brought along from the passenger seat and stepped out of the car, trying to refocus my thoughts. Walking up to the front door, I rang the doorbell and waited, expecting Amell to answer as usual. But when the door finally creaked open, it wasn't him. A young woman, probably in her early twenties, stepped outside instead. She blinked at me, clearly not expecting a visitor.

"How may I help you?" she asked, her tone polite but confused.

for her to explain; she looked so much like him that

cautiously. "Yes, I

a friend of Amell," I

warmly as she opened the gate wider,

we walked further into the yard, a man, probably in his late forties or fifties, emerged from the garage. His movements were slow and deliberate, and when his eyes landed on me, I felt a slight chill. There was something about his gaze

can't drive himself around, and I can't help much since I don't have

at me made me uncomfortable, though I couldn't quite place why.

she continued. "And as far as I

introduced him, walked over to us with a neutral expression. He stretched his hand out for a handshake. "Since she's introducing me, I thought it'd be respectful to

hesitated briefly but then took his hand, giving a polite nod. "Nice to meet you, Clover." Despite his friendly gesture, there was something still unsettling in his presence, but I brushed it off, reminding myself not to jump to conclusions. "I am Lily, Lily

to meet you, Ms. Williams,"

out, a warm smile spreading across his

lifted the plastic bag in my

you had anyone to fix you something, since you can't

eyes. "Thank you, but Jean already fixed us something

fine," I reassured him. "I can always hand the food over to my secretary. I'll be

are heading to the hospital, right?" he asked, and I nodded in confirmation. "Then give me a ride. I am

surprised as I was. "Isn't that the reason you

"Why stress him when you can help

going to drive you home?" I shot back,

he replied, already hobbling toward the

sister chimed in with a question. "I can come along

responded, glancing back at us before disappearing outside

Jean. "It was

she replied with a bright smile. "And thank you for

"You're welcome."

me as I got settled. I drove off with Amell