Becoming Strangers Again by Lily

Chapter 22 LILY Ryan decided to cancel their appointment with Dr. Sarah, I reached out to Dr. Sarah over the phone to inquire about the reason behind Ryan's cancellation. It was uncommon for her to informabout patient cancellations, but perhaps because I had recommended Ryan, she felt inclined to share the details with me. "Did something happen?" I asked, seeking clarification. "I have no idea what happened, Ma'am," Dr. Sarah responded, disregarding my preference for addressingby my last name. "He just called a few minutes ago to cancel" Considering the situation, I couldn't help but wonder if Stephanie might be pregnant. The possibility seemed plausible. I apologize for any inconvenience, Dr. Sarah, I conveyed sympathetically. I imagined Dr. Sarah had already rearranged her schedule to accommodate Ryan's treatment for the entire month, thereby turning down numerous other patients, only to face a last-minute cancellation. Well, who cares, right? At least they made amends by paying for the damages and compensating for the tand efforts wasted. "I apologize once again, Dr. Sarah. Rest assured. I will ensure this won't happen again in the future." "It's fine," Dr. Sarah replied, waving off my apology as if it were inconsequential, "I didn't call you for you to apologize or feel bad; I just felt that it was only right for you to know. I have to get back to work now! "Absolutely." I responded, acknowledging her words before ending the call A sense of relief washed overas I processed the situation. "This turn of events could actually work in my favor, I mumbled to myself, trying to manage my expectations. Their cancellation implies that he is leaving Canada, and if that's the case. I can finally bring my kids back home" Lost in contemplation and attempting to temper my excitement, my phone suddenly rang. A grin spread across my face as lighting up the screen. I accepted the call, swiping the receive button and bringing the phone to my ear. "Hello, love" "Hey," Jake's voice greeted ine, the m rasp in his tone evident. "What's your lunch like? Are you occupied at the moment!" saw Jake's number "Not too busy for you, I teased, relishing the playful banter with Jake, whose chuckle echoed through the phone. "You want to takeout for lunch? I inquired, already gathering my belongings. Although my initial plan was to grab lunch at the hospital's canteen, the notion of dining out suddenly seemed far more enticing. "Yes, I want to have lunch with you, he affirmed "I'll see you in ten." With the call concluded, I swiftly grabbed my purse, preparing to depart for our usual spot-the nearby restaurant we frequented. It was a convenient choice, situated in the middle of both of our locations Ten minutes ticked by, and to my surprise, Jake had yet to make an appearance-a departure from his usual punctuality. Despite attempting to reach him by phone, my calls went unanswered. Resigned to the delay. I decided to proceed with placing an order. My hunger pangs demanded attention, leadingto select extra-large rolls and a bottle of Coke to satiate my appetite. Just as I savored the first bite, my phone began to ring I quickly swallowed the lump forming in my throat as Jake's nflashed on my phone screen. "What's wrong? You gotworried," I blurted out, realizing that I had ordered lunch primarily to keep my mind occupied. The prospect of an idle mind conjuring up all sorts of scenarios was not one I wanted to entertain "Im sorry, Lily," Jake's voice cthrough in a remorseful whisper, causing a pang of concern to ripple through me, but I won't be showing up for lunch." A furrow formed between my brows. "Why?" My decision to forego the hospital canteen had been motivated by the desire to spend twith Jake. "Did something happen?" He began to explain about an impromptu meeting with a client, expressing his apologies for the unexpected change in plans, but I couldn't help but interrupt his rambling. "It's fine," I interjected, trying to convey understanding despite the slight disappointment. This is his first tof doing something like this, "I understand." I've equally left him standing a few times due to an impromptu surgery. "I'm already eating, so I'll just hasten up and return to the " My words caught in my throat as Ryan materialized, standing in front of the vacant seat that should have been reserved for Jake. The unexpected sight leftmomentarily speechless, my mind struggling to process the situation. Did something happen? His concern was evident, mingling "Lily?" Jake's soft voice broughtback to the ongoing conversation. "Are you okay? D with the confusion clouding my thoughts. I cleared my throat, regaining my composure. "Yes, I was just distracted for a m ordered. I'll just finish mine and get back to the hospital" a moment," I replied, steadying my voice. "As I was saying. I've already "Alright," Jake responded, his tone understanding. "I'll talk to you later, after the meeting. I love you, Lily." 11:34 AM Chapter 22 "I love you too." I reciprocated before the call disconnected, leavingto confront Mykel's unexpected presence. "What are you doing?" 1 inquired. lifting my gaze to meet his.. He dared to flash a smile in response. "Can I at least sit down!" With a resigned sigh, I continued munching on my rolls. "Would it make any difference?" I posed the question, skepticism coloring my tone, as I took a sip of Coke "Yes, it would," he asserted, his expression sincere. Meeting his gaze, I weighed his words carefully. "I won't sit if you don't wantto sit." I scoffed, feeling a hint of exasperation creeping in. "Will you leave if I want you to leave?" I retorted, the edge in my voice softening as he chuckled in response Ignoring his presence, I focused on my snack, hoping that if I ignored him long enough, he would eventually take the hint and depart. Yet, it seemed my hopes were misplaced. "Please, can I stt, Lily? I just want us to talk," he implored. Wondering how my lunch had taken such an unexpected turn, I gestured towards the empty seat beside me. "Sure, let's get this over and done with," I relented, resignation evident in my tone. Glancing around, I noted Angelo's absence, reflecting on how, once upon a time, I had yearned to be in his constant company like Ryan's shadow. Now, however, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pity for him. "What do you want to talk about!" Relaxing back, Mykel's gaze lingered on my Coke as though he hadn't eaten in days. "I was reflecting last night, and I figured out that I've not actually apologized to you for what I did to you in the past," he confessed, his tone earnest. Tilting my head, I regarded him with a mixture of curiosity and wariness. "Before we go into the apology, I have a question for you," I interjected. seizing the opportunity to address my lingering doubts. He nodded, silently encouragingto proceed. "How did you know to findhere?" A smirk tugged at the corners of his lips. "Should I tell you a common lie or the truth?" he quipped, his gaze meeting mine. When I remained silent, he elaborated, "It was purely coincidental" I narrowed my eyes at him, knowing all too well that Ryan never believed in coincidences. "How exactly did you findhere!" I pressed, a note of skepticism coloring my tone. "I was informed that you frequented this place for lunch, so I decided to stop by," he explained matter-of-factly. "I also knew that you often chere with your boyfriend, and I wasn't going to approach you if you were with him. But while you were answering the call, I realized he wasn't showing up." "Right, I acknowledged, finishing the last portion of the rolls before delicately wiping my mouth with the provided napkin. "So you were really going to leave if Jake was with me?" I couldn't help but express my doubt. He smiled, his demeanor softening. "No, I would have waited for an opportunity to talk to you," he admitted, his sincerity evident. I rolled my eyes in response, unconvinced by his words. Leaning forward, he placed both elbows on the table, his expression earnest. "I broke my promise, I admit that, and for that, I'd like to ask for your forgiveness." I watched him intently as he began to speak. "I am sorry it tookover six years to seek forgiveness," he admitted, his voice heavy with remorse. His gaze dropped to his hands, fingers fidgeting nervously. "I messed up, Lily, and instead of facing the truth, I buried myself in denial." I continued to observe him, silently urging him to continue. "Why?" I finally interjected, unable to contain the question any longer. "Why did you cheat onwith Stephanie?" He shook his head adamantly. "I never cheated on you with Stephanie," he asserted softly, his tone carrying a hint of frustration. "I didn't have anything to do with her until after the divorce." "I saw her kits you in the parking lot that day," I countered, the memory still vivid in my mind His brow furrowed as he tried to recall the incident. "That was the first tI ki*sed her since she returned," he admitted with a heavy sigh, his lower lip caught between his teeth. "I understand that cheating doesn't necessarily involve physical contact with the other person, so I suppose you could say that I cheated on you with my thoughts. But I never touched her physically until after the divorce." "What do you want from me?" I asked, my voice tinged with a mixture of exhaustion and apprehension. "Your forgiveness," he pleaded earnestly. "At the very least, civility. I want you to be able to look atwithout wanting to tearapart." As if on cue, my wristwatch chimed, signaling the end of my break. I rase to my feet, "Im relieved that you didn't mention friendship in all of this," I remarked, inceting his gaze unwaveringly. Despite the frown that creased his brow, I knew I had to speak my truth. "I'll be civil with you, but we can't be friends. I can't look at you without being reminded of the heartbreak I endured." Wah my piece said, I turned and walked away, leaving him to grapple with the weight of his actions and the consequences they had wrought.

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