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.

had answered the door. There was no need for her to explain;

nodded cautiously. "Yes, I

a friend of

face brightened in recognition. "The boss who helped him pick out the jewelry?" she asked, and I nodded with a chuckle. Jean smiled warmly as she opened the gate wider, allowing me to step inside. "It's nice to finally meet you.

movements were slow and deliberate, and when

Amell hired. He can't drive himself around, and I can't help

the man looked at me made me uncomfortable, though I couldn't quite place why. But it wasn't my place to say anything-after all, he

continued. "And as far as I know, he's

a neutral expression. He stretched his hand out

there was something still unsettling in his presence, but I brushed it off, reminding myself not to

nice to meet you, Ms.

door swung open, and Amell hobbled out, a warm smile spreading across his face when

the plastic bag in

sure if you had anyone to fix you something, since

bag, curiosity flickering in his eyes.

I

right?" he asked, and I nodded in confirmation. "Then give me a ride. I am heading there

at Clover, who seemed just as surprised as I was. "Isn't that the reason you hired

chuckled lightly. "Why stress him when

shot back, my

later," he replied, already hobbling

wasn't quite sure what he was referring to until his sister chimed in with a question. "I can come along as well, right?

back at us

turned to Jean. "It was nice meeting you," I

a bright smile. "And thank you for taking care of my

"You're welcome."

my car, the familiar interior welcoming me as I got settled. I drove off with Amell seated