Becoming Strangers Again by Lily

Chapter 40 LILY For an entire week, the absence of communication from Ryan leftgrappling with doubts, and I found myself second-guessing the decision to inform my kids about their father. I know it is too much to take in, going to bed without any parental responsibilities and then waking up as a father to three. However, I reasoned that Ryan required sufficient tto absorb the news. My simple wish was for him to acknowledge my calls or respond to my messages. Despite persistent attempts through texts and calls, there was total silence on his end. It reached a point where Jake, sensing my frustration, advisedto cease my efforts, emphasizing that if Ryan genuinely desires involvement in the kids' lives, he would eventually initiate contact or make an appearance. Unexpectedly, today happened to be the day when circumstances took an unexpected turn. He decided to show up today. Bringing my car to a stop near the gate, I disembarked and made my way toward Ryan's vehicle. "Hey, I greeted, a faint smile playing on my lips, "What brings you here? It would have been nice if you had givena heads-up." My response was met with a lack of reciprocation as his gaze drifted pasttowards my car. "Are they inside?" Instinctively, I followed his line of sight before shaking my head. "No, they're with their nanny. I had to pick them up from school since she was out sick." I gestured toward one of the security guards. "Could you please open the gate?" Tossing my car keys to one of them, I turned back to Ryan. "Do you mind if I catch a ride with you? Responding with a sharp nod, devoid of any acknowledgment or warmth, Ryan swiftly entered his car, ignited the engine, and kept his gaze fixed onthrough the windshield as I completed my round around the vehicle. The gate widened, granting us passage. "Ryan..." I uttered, hoping to capture even a fraction of his attention, yet he remained distant, not sparing a glance in my direction. "What's the plan?" Finally, after what felt like an eternity, he shifted his gaze toward me. "What do you think the plan is?" he replied flatly, his tone lacking any hint of emotion. "Of course, I'm here to see my kids." Nodding in resignation, I settled back into my seat, fixing my gaze forward. "I understand that you're upset with me, Ryan, but could you please make an effort to temper that anger whenever we're in the presence of the kids? They'll undoubtedly pick up on it, especially Liam." Suddenly, his countenance softened, a flicker of recognition crossing his face. "Liam?" he repeated softly, releasing a deep exhale, "that's his name?" With a nod, I completed their names, "Liam, Ethan, and Noah." A gentle smile graced my lips as I thought of my children. "Noah is a sweetheart, they all are, but he is the quietest among them. He rarely argues and is willing to comply with any request you make. However, Liam and Ethan, especially Liarn, will question it endlessly." For the first tsince our encounter outside the gate, Ryan reciprocated with a smile, diffusing sof the tension in the car. Bringing the car to a halt on the driveway, he switched off the engine and began to exit the vehicle. Following his lead, I stepped out of the car. "They'll likely be in their room working on assignments," I suggested. "If you wait in the living room, I have a chance to talk to them. Perhaps you could join us for dinner later. Reaching for the back door, Ryan opened it and retrieved three gift bags that had gone unnoticed byuntil now. "Did you tell them about me?" he inquired, his tone tinged with curiosity and perhaps a hint of apprehension. I nodded, feeling a nervous tension gripas I bit my lip anxiously. "I mentioned that their father is back and would love to meet them. Why am I the nervous one when it should be Ryan? "And what was their reaction?" he probed further, his gaze searching for clues. It wouldn't bode well to say that the kids perceive Jake as their father figure and are resistant to the idea of another paternal figure. "Ethan and Noah seem fine with it, but Liam is a bit hesitant to accept you," I admitted cautiously, choosing my words carefully. Ryan's expression softened as he pondered my response, his tongue poking into his cheek while his left hand found its way into his 11:41 AM Chapter 40 pocket. "Why is he hesitant?" he inquired, pausing by the door. "What did he say?" "Oh, damn," 1 muttered under my breath, feeling a knot of anxiety tighten in my stomach. "He's questioning why you've been absent all this tand only showing up now." His once-relaxed expression hardened into one of anger. "His anger is completely justified," he spat out, his tone seething with frustration. "I would have asked the squestion." Catching sight of my nervous habit of biting my finger, he softened slightly. "Don't worry, I'm not going to let them know that I was unaware of their existence because you kept them away from me. I'm not that heartless. With a gesture toward the door, he instructed, "Lead the way." I pushed the door open and stepped inside, confirming my suspicion that the living room was deserted. Gesturing toward the sofa, I offered, "Please, have a seat. I'll go call them." Leaving Ryan in the living room, I ascended the stairs and made my way to their study room. As I pushed the door open, a wave of warmth washed overas their faces lit up at the sight of my arrival. Noah, in his usual behavior, was the first to spring from his seat, racing towardsand enveloping my legs in his tiny embrace. Bending down, I scooped him up into my arms and planted a ki*s on his cheek. Moving over to the other boys, I bestowed ki*ses on their cheeks as well before casting my eyes over their work. "There's someone I want you all to meet, I announced nervously. Noah and Ethan's smiles widened instantly, Ethan's dimples becoming more pronounced, their eyes sparkling with excitement. Noah wasted no tin speaking up. "Is our father here?" I nodded, mirroring their smiles. "Yes, he's in the living room, and he's eager to see all of you." Noah and Ethan promptly closed their books, signaling their readiness to meet Ryan. Liam, however, remained visibly hesitant, his reluctance casting a shadow over the moment. With Noah and Ethan's hands securely in mine, I guided them downstairs. As we descended, Ryan's back was turned towards us, his focus fixed on the family portrait adorned with a picture of Georgina. "That's our grandmother, Ethan offered, unprompted, breaking the silence and drawing Ryan's attention away from the picture. Turning around, Ryan's eyes glistened with emotion as he beheld the children. Anxious, he glanced in my direction, seeking reassurance, and I responded with an encouraging nod. Gathering his composure, he moistened his lips before stepping forward, his smile masking his nervousness. "Hi, he greeted warmly, lowering himself to their eye level. Tm Ryan Williams." Noah blinked shyly, his curiosity shining through his eyes. "Mummy said you're our daddy," he observed, his gaze searching Ryan's face for confirmation. Ryan stole another glance at me, and I mustered a strained smile to offer him ssupport. Redirecting his focus to Noah, Ryan spoke with warmth, "Yes, I'm your father, and I'm very happy to see you." He extended the gift bag towards Noah. "I brought you something" Noah beamed at Ryan, his eyes bright with anticipation. Thank you,' he said, accepting the gift with genuine gratitude.. Ryan's eyes welled up with emotion as he fought back tears, his heart undoubtedly overflowing with a mix of joy and apprehension. Turning to Ethan, he continued, "I got something for you too." With gentle care, he handed the gift to Ethan before shifting his attention to Liam. "And for you too." Ethan and Liam murmured their thanks as they accepted their gifts. "Can I please get a hug?" Ryan requested, his eyes brimming with longing. Ethan and Noah hesitantly approached him, wrapping themselves in his embrace. Ryan planted tender ki*ses on their cheeks before turning his gaze to Liam, his expression hopeful, awaiting his response, Rather than moving forward, Liam took a step back, seeking refuge behind me. A silent exchange passed between him and Ryan until Liam redirected his gaze to me. "Can I go continue my homework, mummy?" he asked, subtly expressing his discomfort. "You don't want to give him a hug?" I dared to ask, and he nodded in response. Gazing apologetically at Ryan, I acknowledged the reality that I couldn't compel Liam to do something he wasn't comfortable with. "Sure. You can go, love," I affirmed, understanding his need for space. With that, Liam walked out of the living room, vanishing up the stairs.