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.

the topic, I reached for his glass, hoping a change in focus might help. But he didn't even pause; instead, he

it?" Angelo asked, his eyes focused

but he seemed oblivious to my attempt to steer things in

did. Think about it. For my father to have allowed them to stay at the estate for so long, it must mean he had accepted Maya as his 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.

didn't add her to the will..." Ryan's voice trailed off, his head tilting as he went deeper into his thoughts. "He left his will unsigned for so long, like he was leaving the door open to

taking over his

I also want you to dig into them. Something must have happened to make

wasn't ready to let it go tonight, I'd let him work through it in his own way.

a message

JUST GOT A JOB AND SHE WANTS TO CELEBRATE. SHE'S INVITING YOU TO DINNER AT HER

it up could potentially upset Ryan. The last thing I wanted was to

a response to

EXTEND MY CONGRATULATIONS TO YOUR SISTER AND TELL HER THAT

my phone down on the table, trying to shift my attention

okay?" Ryan

declined." Ryan glanced down at my phone and then back up to my face, his brow furrowing slightly. "Why did you decline?" he asked, his tone cautious. "I hope it's not because of me or Mum. I certainly

knew that if he knew the invitation was from Amell, he'd likely be relieved by my decision. "I didn't decline for your sake," I lied smoothly, offering him another smile. "I just don't feel like dining with anyone right now." His eyes searched my face, as if trying

shrugged, trying

hand, leaned in and kissed the outer part of his palm, just to show him that I was fine with the choice I made. I needed him to see

he gave me a small, reluctant

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

a good idea to visit the estate. Ryan had

driver pulled up outside the gate, and I stepped out, my eyes immediately drawn to the

the window. The driver, looking just

doing here, sir?" I demanded. "This

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

she stepped out, carrying a small travel bag. My gaze immediately sharpened on her. I cocked my head, slightly surprised, and