Becoming Strangers Again by Lily

Chapter 96 STEPHANIE Finally, the day had arrived when I would take on the nMrs. Williams. Who would have thought that after Lily cback into Ryan's life, such a milestone would be attainable? Although this wasn't the grand wedding I had envisioned, what did it matter? At the end of the day, I was getting what I wanted, which was Ryan Walking into the venue for the event, adorned in a simple yet stunning white dress that accentuated my features, I was accompanied by my father, who acted as my legal representative. Taking my place next to Ryan, I couldn't help but notice his indifference towards me, his attention seemingly elsewhere.

As the lawyer presiding over the event went through the formalities, I found myself lost in my thoughts, paying little attention to the proceedings. When it ctforto sign the documents, I inscribed my signature without hesitation, watching as Ryan did the same. The prenuptial agreement was handed to me, and without hesitation, I added my signature, sealing the deal.

After all the formalities were said and done, the lawyer rose to his feet, extending his hand for a congratulatory handshake. "Congratulations, Mrs. Williams," he greeted, to which I accepted his handshake with a wide smile.

He then turned to Ryan, extending his hand once more. "Congratulations, Mr. Williams," he said with a polite nod. However, Ryan left the lawyer's hand hanging, grabbed his jacket, and briskly walked out of the office without a word. 1 offered the lawyer an apologetic smile before hurrying to catch up with Ryan. "Don't you think we should ride back htogether?" I called out to Ryan as he attempted to get into his car.

"I'm heading to the office," he replied curtly, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Frowning, I quickened my pace and grabbed his arm, stopping tim from entering the car. "We just moved to a new place that I've only been to yesterday, and today we just got married, and you're leaving for the office?" I exclaimed, my frustration bubbling. "Who is supposed to spend twithin that house? I can't possibly be by myself there.

"Why should I go hand rest after a business deal?" Ryan retorted coldly, his tone cutting through the air like ice. My lips. tightened in frustration, but he only chuckled in response. "What's the matter, Stephanie? Are you angry? Isn't that what this is? A business deal?" Feeling a surge o day." of indignation, I insisted, "At least have Angelo drivehome. I can't possibly drive myself on my wedding "He's not your chauffeur, Ryan deadpanned before getting into the car. Angelo shota disapproving glare before taking his place behind the wheel. I stood there, wide-eyed, watching them drive away, a knot of disappointment and frustration. forming in the pit of my stomach Finally arriving at the house, I made my way to the master bedroom where I had packed my clothes the day before. However, upon stepping inside, I noticed that my toiletries were nowhere to be found. Assuming that the staff had simply forgotten to unpack them, I headed to the closet to retrieve them from my suitcase, only to discover that my suitcases were missing as well. "What the hell!" I muttered incredulously.

Stepping out of the master bedroom, I sought out one of the staff members. "What happened to my boxes in the master's bedroom" 1 inquired, my frustration evident in my tone.

"Mr. Williams instructed us to move them to the guestroom," she replied matter-of-factly.

1/3 000 Chapter 1 frka surge of agri rising within me. If Ryan didn't want to share a room with me, then he should be the one to leave, not ine. Tri going to take a shower, with his toiletries By the tcout. I expect to see my belongings back in the master's bedroom With that, I turned on my heel and stomped back upstairs to freshen up.

After taking my shower, having lunch, and indulging in a short ap. I woke up to find that Ryan was still nowhere to be seen.

tried calling him multiple times, but my calls went unanswerel Sighing in frustration, I dropped my phone face-flat on the bed. However, it immediately began to ring and I quickly snatched it up, hoping it was Ryan. But when I saw the annoying number flashing on the screen, I couldn't help but hiss in imitation Deciding to ignore the persistent caller, I reluctantly swiped the answer button as the calls persisted. "What the hell is your problem? 1 snapped into the phone, my frustration evident in my voice. "Do you realize that I just got married today?" "I'm surprised you are," cthe deadpan response: "This is important, Stephanie Rolling my eyes, I lifted my hands, inspecting my artificial nails with a bored expron. "You have five minutes." I stated curtly, my patience wearing thin.

My tone seemed to infuriate him, and he scoffed in response. "Don't talk tolike that, Stephanie. We're in this together." Unable to contain my amusement, I let out a loud laugh. "And who exactly does the 'we' entail? I retorted, feeling a surge of frustration at his audacity. When has this bastard ever been useful to me? "What do you want, Jake?" ily broke up with me," he revealed, his tone betraying a hint of vulnerability.

"And I got married to Ryan, Lreplied defiantly, refusing to let his frustration affect me. "Your loss and my gain." It wasn't my responsibility if she broke up with him; it wasn't the first time, after all "What am I supposed to do with that info?" "I don't know," he snapped, his frustration obvious. "Think of something. Stephanie! Think of how I can get her back! I need her, Steph I scoffed. "What else do you wantto do?" I retorted, my patience wearing thin. Tve constantly given you money to woo her, I even offered to pay for the Lamborghini you gifted her. I made you coff as rich and classy just so you could get her to walk down the aisle to you, yet you failed miserably "I wouldn't have failed if that bastard hadn't returned to her life again, he argued, his frustration boiling over. "You should have kept your man away from her." Shaking my head in disappointment, I clicked my tongue. "I don't think Ryan is the main issue in your relationship with Lily I countered, refusing to sugarcoat the truth. "Look, I got married to him, and yet she isn't with you." There was a moment of silence before Jake let out a heavy sigh. I could almost picture him running his hands down his face in frustration. "Fine, I admit that I messed up, Steph, he confessed, his voice laden with defeat. "But you have to help me. I can't walk away after all these months with nothing. They'll cafter me, and you know it."

"You got yourself into debt, Jake, I reminded him bluntly, feeling no m sympathy for his predicament, Rolling over to face the cream-colored sofa, I held my ground. "Whatever you're facing now and whatever you'll face after this sounds like a you problem. I fail to see how your debt affects

I will snitch if you don't help me," he threatened, his tone laced with desperation. "I don't think your beloved husband will want to stay! married to you if he finds out that you plantedin Lily's life with the promise to pay off my debt after you got married to him," he spat bitterly. "What do you think he would say when he finds out you equally got married to him because of his money?" I couldn't help but scoff at his feeble attempt to intimidate me. Is that supposed to scare me?" I retorted, my lau ter tinged with mockery, "You think he marriedbecause he loves me? Or because he wants to?" I added, the bitter truth of my own 2/3 14:57 Wed, Jul 24 Chapter 96

situation stinging. "I literally, purchased my wedding ring myself | continued, my voice dripping with sarcasm. "And you think sharing such petty information will make him file for a divorce? Gradually, the 'sly smile on my lips morphed into an angry frown. Who did Jake think he was, to threatenlike this? "Should I share a secret with you, Jake?" I seethed, my voice low and dangerous. "My husband cannot divorcefor any reason. I am the only one who can divorce him. You, however, can be charged with theft and impersonation, and I will personally see to it that you end up behind bars." "What the hell did you do to him? Jake demanded, his voice filled with fear and curiosity. "Something you should have done," I replied icily.

"Which is?" he pressed, his desperation evident.

"Using something Lily loves the most to hold her down. It could be those three tiny bastards," I stated matter-of- factly, a chilling edge to my words.

He exhaled shakily. T'm sorry for threatening you, Steph, but you have to help me, please..." "What?" I scoffed, my contempt for him apparent in my tone. "You're suddenly apologetic because you realize you can't threaten me? Get lost." With that, I disconnected the call and tossed the phone onto the bed, releasing a loud, deranged laughter that echoed through the room.

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