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."

"Don't worry about finding a buyer. I'm gifting the property to Lily.

send her my regards, and I'll wait for her call." With that, the

relief knowing that Lily had such a warm and caring friend. After a few quick goodbyes, we left the boys in Becky's capable hands

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

the afternoon, we picked up Mum and began

her every movement. My nerves were on edge, prepared to step in if she became too emotional or if the interviewer overstepped, pushing her into an

voice gentle yet probing. "How did you feel when you found out

a brief moment, I caught sight of the wedding band on her finger-the same ring she hadn't worn since learning about Maya. She took a deep breath, gathering herself, then looked back up

only by my husband, but by a woman I

another question, clearly relishing

voice grew softer

her

were. She looked at the interviewer and let out a bitter chuckle. "People would sometimes mistake us for sisters. As sad as I was that she was leaving, I was also proud that she wanted

further. "If you both were as close as you claim, why didn't you visit her once? Wouldn't you have discovered

a steadying

many times to reach out,

out where she was staying

visit. But every time, she'd dodge the question. She'd give. excuses, avoid my

if she did answer it was with an attitude that pushed me away. Gradually, our friendship drifted, but it

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

to inspect the estate, and I'd received a message from Angelo confirming that the inspection

decided to treat ourselves and planned to pick up the boys for dinner out. However,

with anger, her hand raised