Becoming Strangers Again by Lily

Chapter 28 Once more, images of Ryan andhave resurfaced across various corners of the internet. Although the situation isn't as dire as our previous or discussions surrounding us persist. The particular photo in question depicts the moment when I was conversing with Ryan en route to the restroom. It seems that the deliberate distance I maintained between us steered conversations away from us and towards Ryan's choice of accessories for the evening. Additionally, there are snapshots capturing the events of that fateful night in the medical room. The photographer managed to capture the alarming moment when James raised his hand in a threatening manner towards me, in addition to Ryan's timely intervention to protect and defendThe comments, I noticed, weren't solely fixated onbut also included Ryan. They portrayed him as my knight in shining armor, my hero. Interestingly, James seemed to bear the brunt of the criticism this taround, which admittedly broughta sense of satisfaction. It will be Intriguing to witness how Victoria will handle the challenge of convincing the board to entrust hospital leadership to James amidst the swirling allegations of harassment and abuse tarnishing his reputation across the internet. erve of opening my With a heavy sigh, I let my phone slip from my grasp, deciding to channel my focus onto work instead. Just as I was on the verge laptop, a soft, almost hesitant knock reverberated against the door, preceding its slow, deliberate swing inward. In stepped Jake, his countenance etched with a familiar expression of remorse. "Hey," he greeted, mustering a faint smile. "Hey," I responded, offering no reciprocal smile. There seemed to be no incentive to mask my discontent or to extend false cordiality towards him. "I cto see you," he mumbled softly, his voice barely audible as he settled into the empty seat opposite mine. "I figured," I replied calmly, leaning back and folding my arms, fixing my unblinking gaze upon him. "So, what do you want to talk about?" "I read the news," he muttered, his words almost lost in the quiet of the room. I maintained my stole expression, continuing to stare at him intently. "And? Did you cofwith Ryan?" ne here to start anoth start another argument because of those pictures He shook his head, his expression earnest. "I cto make sure you're fine, he corrected me, his tone gentle. "I saw the news about James trying to strike you, and I wanted to check on you to make sure you're okay." I almost let out a sigh of relief, sensing his genuine concern and glad that he wasn't here to argue abour Ryan again. "Thank you for checking in, bur I'm fine," I reassured him, offering a small, appreciative smile. "He wasn't able to follow through with the hit he intended, While credit should rightfully go to Ryan for his intervention, I chose to refrain from mentioning his nin order to maintain a sense of peace between us. Letting out a soft, contemplative sigh, Jake reached forward, his hand extending across the table to tenderly clasp mine within his own. "I will do better, I promise. It seemed that lately, promises flowed freely from him, and I harbored a hope that he would be able to uphold each and every one of them. "I should have been the one there to defend you, but instead, I found myself at home, consumed by needless frustration over something that shouldn't have even been a concern." With a deliberate slowness, I blinked, meeting his gaze unwaveringly, "You're allowing Ryan to becan unnecessary complication in our relationship, and it shouldn't be that way." ny word that I am committed to doing In response, Jake nodded solemnly, acknowledging the truth in my words. "I understand, and I give you my better." A gentle smile graced my lips as I responded, "We both need to put in the effort "What steps do I need to take to mend things between us, Lily!" Suggesting a change of venue, I replied, "Let's save that discussion for home. Recognizing the importance of maintaining professional boundaries, I knew that my workplace wasn't the appropriate setting for discussing our personal relationship. With a nod Jake rose from his seat, his movements deliberate as he circled the table. Following suit, I stood up as well, meeting him halfway. He envelopedin a warm embrace. I love you, Lily. Never forget that." Returning his embrace, I affirmed, "And I chose you, Jake. Never forget that." He chuckled softly, planting a tender ki*s on my temple before gently pulling away. "I'll let you from the table where it had been left earlier, he added. " see you at hlater," get back to your work now. Retrieving his phone "Sure," I replied, offering him a faint smile as he exited my office. Settling back into my chair, I had barely begun to refocus on my tasks when my phone began to ring. I glanced at the caller ID and saw Becky's nflashing on the screet. 1:36 AM 19 Chapter 28 "What's up, girl?" she greeted the moment I answered the call. Feeling suddenly drained from the day's events, I mustered a weak smile. Tm fine," I replied, though the weariness in my voice betrayed my true feelings. Becky's voice carried through the phone with a soft chuckle, her tone laced with amusement rather than judgment. "Are you sure about that?" she queried. "Why are you and the sman constantly popping up all over the intethese days? Her words held a teasing quality, not an ounce of condemnation in them. "And isn't it amusing how they've taken to calling his fine ass your knight in shining armor!" I couldn't suppress a chuckle at her remark. "His fine ass?" I repeated, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips. "Since when did Ryan becthe object of your admiration?" I've always found him rather attractive, Lily," Becky deadpanned, her attempt at seriousness failing spectacularly as laughter spilled from her lips. But let's face it, being good-looking doesn't absolve him of crazy asshole behavior. He's more akin to the devil in Prada." Her colorful analogy prompted a burst of laughter from me. "Has anyone ever mentioned to you that you're certifiably insane, Becky?" You never miss an opportunity to remind me," she retorted playfully, the warmth of her tone evident even through the phone. "But on a more serious note, how's Jake handling all of this now?" she probed, smoothly transitioning the conversation. "You mentioned he was rather upset about The last picture." At the mere mention of Jake, it felt like a weight descended upon me, pulling at my spirits. "He just left a few minutes ago, I responded quietly. He's more concerned about the fact that someone almost struckthan the pictures ofand Ryan." There was a brief pause on Becky's end as she absorbed my words. "So, that's good news, right?" she asked cautiously. "Of course," I agreed, though I couldn't shake the lingering sense of unease. When Jake walked through that door just moments ago, for yet another argument. Then why do you sound like that, Lily! Becky pressed gently, her concern evident in her voice. Ibraced myself I let out a weary sigh. "I don't know, Becky, I admitted honestly. It felt like walking on a minefield whenever I was around Jake lately. "It's almost as if it's exhausting to even speak or be with him. Despite my earnest desire for our relationship to thrive, Jake's behavior was making it increasingly challenging. "It's like I'm constantly walking on eggshells around him" "What exactly is going on, Lily?" Becky inquired. "I don't know," I confessed, the frustration evident in my tone. One moment, we were blissfully happy, and the next, we found ourselves embroiled in arguments. "He always seems to find something to argue about, especially when it comes to Ryan. Last time, he even blamedfor it. Becky offered her perspective, suggesting. "Maybe he's just feeling jealous. You guys really need to sit down and have a heart-to-heart talk about this. Nodding in agreement, I shared, "Yeah, I'm planning to have a conversation with him tonight. Hopefully, we can find a way to address his insecurities regarding Ryan." Curiosity took hold of Becky as she moved into Ryan's side of the equation. "But what's preventing Ryan from going back? I bumped into Stephanie the other day, and it gotwondering why Ryan is still around if the woman who should be accompanying him to the fertility specialist is in New York. ters to attend to, I offered, I hadn't disclosed to Jake or Becky that Ryan had canceled his session with Dr. Sarah. "Maybe he has sbusiness matters to not going into the specifics of his reasons. After all, his personal affairs were no longer my concern. "Or maybe you are the business he has to run, Becky asserted with a hint of speculation. "Why do I get the feeling that he's trying to win you back?" "Let's not go into that, Becky, I pleaded feeling a surge of frustration. "Even if he does wantback, it's irrelevant because I have no interest in going back to him. I've moved on." Becky fell silent, her response weighted with a sense of caution. "Never say y never, Lily," she breathed out softly. "Never say never." "Now you're just aggravating me," I retorted, feeling my patience wane. Just then, the emergency bell chimed, signaling a diversion. "I have to get back to work, Becky," I informed her, grateful for the interruption. "Til talk to you later. With that, I ended the call, hastily grabbing my lab coat as 1 rushed out of my office to attend to the emergency.

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