Becoming Strangers Again by Lily

Chapter 67 LILY It's been a full twenty-four hours, and i still find it difficult to believe what Ryan toldabout Jake. It's one thing to cheat, and it's another thing to be about every damn thing, like literally everything Rubbing my hand down my face. 1 let out a long sigh, feeling the weight of the whole situation pressing down onBecky, who had been staring atwith pity, remained silent, unsure of what to say in the face of such betrayal. "So what's the plan?" she finally asked, breaking the silence with a hesitant voice. "Are you going to confront him?" I turned my gaze lazily back to the screen, my mind still reeling from the limbshell dropped by Ryan. "Confront who? Jake?" I asked incredulously, my disbelief evident in my tone. When she nodded in response, I shook my head slowly. How can I confront him when I don't even believe what Ryan told me?" Becky tilted her head in contemplation, her brow furrowed with concern. "He has no reason to lie to you," she pointed out gently. I couldn't help but scoff at her naivety. "He has every reason to lie against Jake, I argued, frustration bubbling up within me. "Let's not pretend as if Ryan hasn't always wantedto end my relationship with Jake." Her expression softened as she tried to understand my perspective. "So you think Ryan is lying?" "To be honest. Becky, I don't know what to believe anymore," I admitted, feeling the weight of my confusion settle overlike a heavy shroud. The bell in my office chimed, interrupting our conversation, and I sighed inwardly, realizing that I needed to focus on my work instead of wallowing in the aftermath of my ended relationship with Jake. "Thave to go, Becky. There's an emergency at the hospital that I have to attend to." She nodded understandingly, concern etched into her features. "Do you think you're in the right frof mind to work?" she asked gently, her voice laced with genuine care. "My mind is stable enough to work," I reassured Blecky, appreciating her concern but knowing that throwing myself into any job was the best distraction from the chaos in my personal life. I love you gid, and I'll speak to you later? She smiled warmly in return. "Just know that whatever decision you decide to take in regards to this, I have your back in every way" "Thank you," I replied gratefully, feeling a surge of gratitude for her support. With a final nod of acknowledgment, I reached forward and disconnected the call. Grabbing my jacket, I made my way out of my office, my mind already racing with thoughts of what to do next After work, I found myself on my way home, the events of the day swirling around in my mind. Suddenly, something clicked in my brain, and without hesitation, I changed direction and headed for Jake's workplace. Instead of succumbing to uncertainty, constantly questioning who was telling the truth and who wasn't, I decided to take matters into my own hands and seek out the truth for myself. Pulling over at the company where he claimed to work, I walked into the building and approached the receptionist with a relaxed smile. "Good evening, ma'am, I greeted her politely. "I am here to see Mr. Jake Willows." Although her attention was divided between the computer i screen and me, she responded nonetheless. "Do you have an appointment with him?" she inquired, her tone professional yet courteous "Yes," I replied confidently. "I spoke with him over the phone about acquiring a property, and he toldto head over to his office" She glanced at her computer screen, quickly checking for any scheduled appointments. "Sure" she said after a moment, her gaze returning to me. "His office is on the first floor, the first office on your left." Smiling appreciatively at her assistance, I thanked her before making my way towards the elevator. Stepping inside. I pressed the button for the first floor. As the elevator doors slid open, 1 stepped out and followed the receptionist's directions. As I stepped outside the door of the office I was directed to, my eyes immediately fell on the ntag affixed to the door: Jake Willows Taking a deep breath to steady my nerves, I knocked lightly before pushing the door open and stepping inside. An older man, though not too old, looked up from his laptop as I approached him. He regardedwith a quizzical expression, dearly taken aback by my unexpected presence. "You aren't the one I was expecting to see," he pointed out, his tone polite but slightly puzzled. "You clearly aren't Ms. Gladdas, and she is the one I'm supposed to be meeting right now," he continued, his brow furrowing with confusion. Without waiting for him to offer, I took a seat in one of the leather chairs opposite his desk and crossed my legs, determined to make the most of this unexpected encounter. "Apologies for the inconvenience," I said smoothly, flashing him a reassuring smile. "But I promise not to take up much of your time. Folding his hands on the desk. Jake Willows regardedwith a mixture of curiosity and suspicion. "How may I help you?" he inquired. his tone polite but guarded. Tm Dr. Lily, and I have just a few questions for you," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady despite the nerves churning within me. He arched a skeptical brow. "If you're a doctor, why are you doing the work of a detective?" he asked, his gaze piercing as he searched for I offered him a wry smile. "More like the actions of a scorned woman, I admitted with a shrug. "You are Jack Willows, right?" 1 continued, redirecting the conversation back to the matter at hand. He nodded, confirming his identity. "Yes, I am." "How long have you worked here?" I asked, my mind racing with possibilities. "Almost twenty years now," he replied without hesitation, his tone matter-of-fact That meant he should be familiar with everyone who worked in the building. With a sense of determination, I retrieved my phone and pulled up a picture of Jake, sliding it across the desk towards him. "Have you seen this man in this building before?" I inquired, my heart pounding in my chest as I awaited his response. He glanced down at the photo, furrowing his brow in concentration. After a moment, he looked back up at me. "A few times outside the building, but never inside. he answered, sliding the phone back to me. "Why do you ask?" "I was told he works here, which is why I cto confirm, I explained. The young man shook his head, his expression apologetic. "I don't know who that is but one thing I can say to you right now is that he doesn't work here. Fury bubbled up insideat Jake's deceit, but I forced myself to remain composed. Standing to my feet, I picked up my phone from the desk and shoved it back into my purse. "If anyone asks questions about my presence here today, please, I need you to say that I was never here" He observedin silence for a moment before nodding in understanding. "Fine," he agreed reluctantly "Thank you," I murmured, my voice tight with emotion as I turned to leave the office. With each step I took, the weight of the truth bore down on me, threatening to crushbeneath its unforgiving we ght. Stepping outside into the cool evening air, I made my way to my car, feeling a sense of overwhelming exhaustion wash over me. Sliding into the driver's seat, I gripped the steering wheel rightly, leaning forward to rest my head against it as I struggled to catch my breath. Who exactly are you, Jake?" I whispered to myself. Exhaling shakily. I inserted the key into the ignition and drove out of the company's driveway, my mind consumed with thoughts of betrayal and deception. Instead of heading back home, I made my way to Ryan's place. "At least they say the devil you know is better than the angel you don't, I muttered to myself as I pulled over at Ryan's garage. Stepping out of the car, I dragged my feet over to the door and pressed the doorbell. feeling a sense of exhaustion weighingdown. A few minutes later, Ryan opened the door shirtless, his eyes scanning my face slowly as he took in my tired appearance. "Can I cin?" I asked wearily, my voice heavy with emotion He nodded silently, opening the door wider to usherinside. I walked in and sat down heavily on the nearest chair, feeling the weight of the day's events bearing down on me. Ryan moved to sit down next to me, his expression filled with concern. I couldn't help but glare at his bare chest, feeling a surge of irritation rise within me. "Can you at least wear a shirt?" I snapped. He glanced down at his exposed torso and chuckled softly. It's not like it's something you haven't seen before he teased, his tone light "I'm in no mood for your jokes, Ryan," I replied firmly, my tone leaving no room for argument. "It's either you go wear a shirt or I leave." Chapter 67 He winked atplayfully before sauntering off. A few minutes later, he returned wearing a shirt, his expression more serious now. "What's up"" he asked, taking a seat beside me. "Did something happen?" Exhaling tiredly, I shook my head, uncertain of whether to involve him in my problems. "Nothing happened," I replied evasively "How busy are you going to be this weekend?" I asked, changing the subject abruptly. Ryan tilted his head, sensing the shift in conversation. "Do you need my help with something?" he inquired, his eyes searching mine for answers "Just answer the question, Ryan," I pressed. He shook his head, a knowing smile tugging at the comers of his lips. I don't have much going on this weekend, why?" he replied, crossing his legs as he waited for my response. "You wantto accompany you somewhere?" "No, I stated firmly, facing Ryan squarely. "I want you to watch the kids this weekend" His eyes narrowed with suspicion. Don't getwrong, I'd love to spend twith my kids this weekend, but I want to know where you're going," he insisted. "None of your business," I replied flatly, feeling a surge of irritation at his probing questions. "So, are you looking after them or not?" "Of course, I am. They're my kids," he replied without hesitation, his expression softening with affection. "Thank you." I murmured, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. Without waiting for a response, I turned on my heel, grabbed my bag, and headed towards the front door. [

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