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."

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

her my regards, and I'll wait for

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

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

Mum and began the drive to

in a soft glow while Lily and I waited backstage, watching her every movement. My nerves were on edge, prepared to step in if she became too

yet probing. "How did you feel when you found out that your husband had

and for 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

betrayed," she admitted. "Not only by my husband, but by a woman I welcomed into

another question, clearly relishing this sensitive topic. "What

voice grew softer as

of her side

cried the day Salome told me she 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 sisters. As sad as I was that she was leaving, I was also proud that she wanted to create something for herself... but what I didn't realize was that

as you claim, why didn't you visit

took a steadying

many times to reach

she was staying so

the question. She'd

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

Mum handle each question. The interview seemed to be progressing smoothly, and

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

up, we decided to treat ourselves and planned to pick up the boys for

everyone's attention, including mine. She marched toward me, her eyes blazing with anger, her hand raised to strike. But before she could make contact, Lily stepped