Becoming Strangers Again by Lily

LILY

Something didn't feel right, and I knew it the moment Ryan hung up the phone. He stood abruptly, ready to leave again. I insisted on coming along, refusing to let him go alone. We were all in this together-trying to find those responsible for Richard's death and to see that justice was served.

Before we left, I informed the kids' nanny that we'd be stepping out and asked her to keep a close eye on the boys. Sarah was asleep, so we didn't disturb her to explain where we were going.

Our destination turned out to be the detective's office, where Ryan wanted to share new information he'd received from his father's lawyer. The detective listened intently, then promised to investigate further and update Ryan with any findings.

As we stepped outside, I could feel the tension radiating off him, his shoulders rigid and his jaw clenched. I slipped my hand into his and gave it a squeeze. "How about we stop by a bar?" I suggested, hoping to ease some of the weight he was carrying.

He glanced at me, surprised. "You planning on having a bottle or two?" he asked, not taking his eyes off the road.

Honestly, I thought he needed it more than I did. "I think we both do." Pulling out my phone, I scrolled for Angelo's number. If anyone could help lighten Ryan's mood, it was him. "So, where are we headed?"

"The Haven's," he replied, a hint of relief in his voice. "It's a good place to avoid the paparazzi."

I quickly typed the address and sent it to Angelo. "Let's just leave everything behind, even if it's just for tonight," I said gently, "before you end up driving yourself crazy."

Ryan let out a laugh, a sound that was more relaxed than I'd heard all day. "If I didn't lose my mind when that doctor was all over you, I won't lose it now."

I rolled my eyes, turning to give him a teasing smile. "Amell was never all over me."

"Let's agree to disagree," he mumbled, a mischievous glint in his eyes that made me laugh.

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

Thirty minutes after we'd settled in, with only a glass of scotch between us, Angelo finally arrived. A security guard led him over to our booth, and Ryan's face lit up at the sight of him. I felt relieved at least now, maybe we could shift the conversation to lighter things. But as soon as they started talking, I realized they were diving right back into the very topic I'd been trying to pull Ryan away from.

"No matter how I look at it, something just doesn't add up," Ryan murmured, his hand resting on my thigh in an absent gesture. His fingers moved in gentle circles, but his mind was clearly elsewhere.

glass, hoping a change in focus might help. But he didn't even pause; instead, he brought

think they actually did it?" Angelo asked, his eyes focused on

seemed oblivious to my attempt to steer things in

daughter, at least on some level." He paused, the hand on my thigh stilling as he spoke. I understood exactly what Ryan was getting at. Mr. Richard had never been a generous man, especially with those outside his family. So, if he'd allowed

his will unsigned for so long, like he was leaving the door open to make changes-until he wasn't. And then he died on that very

them looked into," Angelo offered, a serious expression taking over his usually laid-back face. "Or

detective, but I also want you to dig into them. Something must have happened to make my father decide not to include her

ready to let it go tonight, I'd let him work through it in his own way. Pulling out my phone, I

top of my inbox, a message from

GOT A JOB AND SHE WANTS TO CELEBRATE. SHE'S INVITING

I also knew that bringing it up could potentially upset Ryan. The

quickly typed a response to

CONGRATULATIONS TO YOUR SISTER AND TELL HER THAT I AM

down on the table, trying to

everything okay?"

smile that I hoped looked reassuring. "Just a dinner invite that I declined." Ryan glanced down

feel like dining with anyone right now." His eyes searched my face, as if trying to gauge if I was truly okay with my decision. "Are

trying to sound

anyway? It wasn't worth stressing over. Taking his hand, leaned in and kissed the outer part of his palm, just to show him that I

eyes lingered on me for a moment, not entirely convinced, but he gave me

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

I decided it would be a good idea to visit the

and I stepped out, my eyes immediately drawn

window. The driver,

demanded. "This is private

glanced at the gate, then back at me, clearly unsure of how to respond. "I drove a young lady here," he explained, his voice almost apologetic. "She told me to wait while she picks up something. I didn't think I was doing anything wrong."

if on cue, the gate slowly creaked open, and she stepped out, carrying a small travel bag. My gaze immediately sharpened on her. I cocked my head, slightly surprised, and stood there