Becoming Strangers Again by Lily

RYAN

The internet has been on fire ever since Angelo released the photos and videos exactly as I instructed. The reaction was everything I'd hoped for it had the precise impact I wanted on Maya, and I'm relishing every moment of it. Watching the world buzz with chatter, knowing I orchestrated this drama, brings a twisted satisfaction. And yes, I even paid extra to keep the news trending at the top, just to be sure it wouldn't slip away quietly. Petty? Maybe. But sometimes, petty is worth every penny. Today, I agreed to accompany my mum for an interview she's been looking forward to, and to my surprise, Lily offered to join us. She mentioned she'd drop the boys off at her friend Becky's place before we headed to the venue together. We ended up arriving in New York earlier than we'd planned. Mum decided she wanted to go home first, so I had the driver drop her off. I rode along with Lily and the boys to Becky's place instead.

As we pulled up outside Becky's house, I slipped my phone from my pocket and dialed Angelo's number, eager to get a quick update.

"Hello, boss," he answered, his voice bright and cheerful. I could tell he was enjoying this whole operation just as much as I was. "Have you arrived in New York?"

"Yes." I replied, glancing at Lily, whose fingers were absentmindedly turning my wedding ring. "I want you to find a buyer. ASAP."

"What are you selling?" Angelo sounded slightly taken aback. He knew I rarely let go of any of my investments.

"The estate," I replied, catching his surprised chuckle. "I want it sold." This wasn't just about money or business-this was a move to make it clear that only one woman had the power to influence my choices, and that was my wife, Lily.

As I spoke, I leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to Lily's forehead. "If you can find a buyer before nightfall and arrange for an inspection, I'd really appreciate it."

Lily tilted her head thoughtfully, a faint smile playing on her lips. "I'll buy it," she mused, straightening up a little. "I can have someone inspect it for me, but I'm willing to make the purchase myself."

I blinked at her, taken aback by her offer. "You actually want it?"

Lily nodded. "I feel like that building should stay in the family, and since you want to spite Maya by selling it, me buying it would be like killing two birds with one stone."

I shook my head. "If you want it, then it's yours, but there's no way I'm taking your money for it."

She scoffed lightly. "Bringing sentiment into business, are we?"

With a smile, I leaned down and kissed her, savoring the moment. "With you, nothing is ever just business."

turned my attention back to Angelo. "Don't worry about finding a buyer. I'm gifting the property to Lily. She'll have someone

my regards, and I'll wait for her

house, her excitement to have the boys over was unmistakable. It was a relief knowing that Lily had such a warm and caring friend. After a

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

picked up Mum and began the drive

seat on stage, the bright lights casting her in a soft glow while Lily and I waited backstage, watching her every movement. My nerves were on edge, prepared to step in

leaned in, voice gentle yet probing. "How did you feel when you found out that your husband had a child outside the marriage... with

for a brief moment, I caught sight of the wedding band on her finger-the same ring she hadn't worn since

by my husband, but by a woman I welcomed into our home, a woman I trusted and treated

then followed up with another question, clearly relishing this sensitive topic. "What was your relationship with Salome like

voice grew

of her side

wanted to retire and focus on building something better for herself. That's how close we were. She looked at the interviewer and let out a bitter chuckle. "People would sometimes mistake us for

further. "If you both were as close as you claim, why didn't you visit her

a steadying

many times

she was staying so

dodge the question. She'd give. excuses, avoid

that pushed me away. Gradually, our friendship drifted, but it hurt

I felt relief as I saw Mum handle each question. The interview seemed to be progressing smoothly, and Lily, by my side, squeezed

sent someone to inspect the estate, and I'd received a message from Angelo confirming

planned to pick up the boys for dinner out. However, as we walked out of

marched toward me, her eyes blazing with anger, her hand raised to strike. But before she could make contact, Lily stepped forward, intercepting