Becoming Strangers Again by Lily

Chapter 16 JAKE She also toldI really wasn't expecting to find them standing outside her gaze. Lily already toldwho he is and what led to their separation. S that he is the father of her triplets and that he isn't privy of their existence and she wants it to remain like that. "Are you okay?" Lily asked, drawingout of my thoughts. "You've been quiet ever since we left my house." She reached for my hand across the table. "Do you want to talk about it!" I shouldn't be worried or jealous, but I can't help it. There always is something about first love that scares me, "What was he doing there?" How did he even find out where she stays. "I don't know how he foundor what he wants," she replied whilst massaging my hand, "I saw him at the hospital earlier with his mistress. They cto see Dr. Sarah but turned into a nuisance when they were told that they can't see her without an appointment. He noticedand asked for my help to see Dr. Sarah, which I refused." cto see her "Who is Dr. Sarah?" To be honest, I do not care much about who she is or why they cto "She is a fertility specialist. I think they are trying for a baby." She pulled her hand away and grabbed her fork. We are a couple, and as much, we ought to share our insecurities; there is no need hiding it. "Lily, there's something I need to talk to you about," 1 began my gaze searching hers for a flicker of understanding. Her eyes, usually so comforting, seemed distant tonight. "What is it, Jake?" Lily replied, her voice carrying a hint of concern. Taking a deep breath, I decided to lay my cards on the table. "It's about Ryan. I can't shake this uneasy feeling whenever he's around. It's like an unwelcguest at our table." Lily's eyes widened slightly, and she reached across the table, placing her hand on mine. Jake, you know I divorced him for a reason. It's you I love, not him. Ryan's just a part of my past. I nodded, trying to absorb her words, but the knot in my stomach persisted. "I know, Lily. But seeing him tonight, it stirred up something in me. I need to know that we're solid, that you and I are in this together? Lily's gaze softened, and the squeezed my hand gently. "Jake, I chose you. I love you. Ryan is history. He's just the father of my children, and that's the only connection we have. You are my present and future." I took a moment to let her words sink in, the weight on my shoulders lifting gradually. The flicker of vulnerability in Lily's eyes spoke volumes, and I felt a renewed sense of security in our connection. "I appreciate that, Lily. It's just hard forto shake off the feeling of uncertainty," I admitted, my voice wavering. She leaned in her eyes never leaving mine. "Jake, I understand your concerns, and I'm committed to making you feel secure in our relationship. Let's work through this together. We're a team, and I'm not letting anything or anyone jeopardize what we have." Now that is just a fraction of my worry."Lily, how do you plan on keeping the triplets a secret from Ryan, especially now that he's back in town?" Her gaze faltered for a moment, a subtle hint of worry flickering arross her face before she steadied herself. "Jake, the best way to handle this is to avoid Ryan completely," she said, her voice carrying a note of resolve. "He doesn't know about the triplets or the fact that they're his. I've kept that part of my life hidden, and I intend to continue doing so." I nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation, yet unable to shake the unease that lingered. "Avoiding him might not be as easy I remarked, my mind conjuring scenarios of unexpected encounters and the potential complications that could arise. as it sounds," Lily sighed, her fingers tracing invisible patterns on the tablecloth. "I know it won't be easy, Jake. But I can't risk exposing the truth to Ryan. The triplets deserve to grow up without the complications of their past. We'll be cautious, choose places and times carefully. If we happen to see him, we'll keep our distance and act like it's just a coincidence? As she spoke, I couldn't help but admire her strength, her determination to shield our family from a storm that threatened to shatter the delicate prace we had found. "I just worry about you, Lily: 1 admitted, my voice a quiet confession. "Keeping what if he finds out? such a significant part of your life hidden is bound to take a toll. And Lily squeezed my hand reassuringly. "Jake, I've been doing this for years. I've built a life for us, away from the shadows of the have you, and that's all I need." past, We'll b be okay. T With a gentle exhale, I made the decision to let the matter of Ryan and the triplets settle for the evening. Despite the lingering concerns nigged 11:32 AM Chapter 16 at the corners of my mind, I resolved to cherish the present moment with Lily, to bask in the warmth of our I love undisturbed by shadows of the Dipping my hands into my pocket, I retrieved the wrapped box I had carefully tucked away, a token of my affection, a testament to the journey we had embarked upon together. Placing it gently in front of Lily, I met her gaze, a flicker of anticipation dancing in her emerald eyes. "Happy anniversary, Lily," I murmured, my voice laced with tenderness as I watched her delicate fingers unravel the gift, anticipation painting her features with a hint of curiosity. Her eyes widened in surprise as she beheld the contents nestled within the folds of the wrapping paper. A key, sleek and polished Lamborghini keys, rested in the palm of her hand. "Lily," I began, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips, "you'll see it when you get home." Her lips curved into a radiant smile, a symphony of joy and gratitude that filled the space between us, illuminating the dimly lit restaurant with the warmth of her affection. As Lily's excitement bubbled over, she couldn't contain her eagerness to see the Lamborghini waiting at home. "Jake, let's end the dinner, she grinned, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "I can't wait any longer to see the car!" 1 chuckled, captivated by her infectious enthusiasm. "Alright, let's go," I said, signaling for the check. With a sense of contentment, I settled the bill, and we made our way out of the restaurant, the cool night air wrapping around us like a comforting embrace. The drive hwas filled with lighthearted banter, our laughter blending with the gentle hum of the car's engine. Lily's anticipation was palpable, her excitement building with each passing mile. As we pulled into the driveway, I could sense the thrill coursing through her. Unlocking the door, Lily practically skipped into the garage, her eyes widening in sheer delight when she laid eyes on the sleek, modern Lamborghini. Jake, is this...?" she began her voice a mix of disbelief and joy. I nodded, a grin spreading across my face. "Happy anniversary, Lily," I said, savoring the moment as her squeal of delight filled the air. The car, a symbol of our journey together, gleamed in the soft glow of the garage lights, a testament to

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