Becoming strangers again (Lily and Ryan) novel Chapter 146

RYAN

I have to be here a bit longer and I hate it. I hate the fact that I am being separated from my wife, I hate the fact that I am being kept away from my kids, but some things cannot be helped.

With my finger intertwined in Lily’s hand, we walked through the garden, each lost in their thought. Lily didn’t want to leave either, I saw it in the way she stared at her suitcase, I saw it in the way she kept sighing dejectedly whenever she stared at the date on her phone.

But none of us can do anything about it. If this was about her job, I am sure she would have ditched it and extended her stay, but this was about the boys' schools and I very much understand that she has to go back for them.

She sighed yet again, grabbing my attention. Reaching for her hand, I lifted it and planted a kiss on it. She glanced at me, then at her hand before looking away. “I hate to leave you all alone right now.”

“I know,” I muttered, coming to a halt. She stopped with me too. Pulling her closer, I placed a kiss on her temple. “I should round up everything here by next week, so by next week, I should be home to you and the boys.”

Nodding, she stood on her tiptoe and kissed my lips softly. “We can’t wait to have you home.” She muttered against her lips. “and I know you need me by your side right now.”

“I will be fine.” Smiling, I reached and tapped her nose lightly. “It feels good to be cared about, especially from a beautiful woman.”

She was about to respond when her phone vibrated in her pocket. Muttering an apology, she reached into her pocket and pulled out the phone.

The moment I saw Dr. Amell on her screen, my mood dropped instantly. I do not like the frequency at which this man keeps reaching out to my wife.

“Don’t take it.” I requested, “This is supposed to be a moment.”

Glancing up at me with a surprised expression, Lily chuckled. “this could be about work.” She explained, trying to give me reasons as to why she just pulled her hand away from mine and took a step away to take his call. “I am the hospital director, Ryan, I can’t be ignoring the calls of my employees.”

Yes, I did a good job hiding my jealousy from Lily. I do not want her to feel uncomfortable about anything at all. “This is eight in the night, Lily.” I pointed it out in case she missed that point.

She nodded. “I know what the time says, Ryan.” The phone stopped ringing and I was almost glad only for it to start ringing again.

“Lily…”

Her eyes pleaded with me to be considerate. Of course, I can’t say no to her and I can’t be inconsiderate either. I gestured for her to take a call. She swiped the answer button and stepped away to take it, while I walked over to the molded bench to take a seat.

I watched my wife from afar as she answered his call. Her soft laugh made me wonder what he told her that earned him his laughter.

Opting not to continue watching her or wallowing in jealously, I pulled out my phone and clicked around. That was when I noticed a message from an unsaved number.

I WOULD REALLY APPRECIATE IT IF YOU GRANT ME A MOMENT OF YOUR TIME FOR A MEETING TOMORROW.

Confused and lost about who I was chatting with and how the sender got my number, I typed my response. WHO IS THIS AND HOW DID YOU GET MY NUMBER?

Glancing up at Lily, I found her still engrossed in her phone call. My phone chimed, indicating a just received message.

The fact I was chatting with this person on my WhatsApp number made me very curious. I returned my gaze to my phone.

THIS IS MAYA, AND I LIVE IN YOUR FATHER’S ESTATE IN THE WEST WITH MY MOTHER. I HAVE AN URGENT MATTER TO DISCUSS WITH YOU, AND I WILL LIKE TO SEE YOU AND DISCUSS IT WITH YOU.

Something told me this could be a scam.

I DON’T KNOW HOW YOU GOT MY NUMBER, BUT I WOULD REALLY APPRECIATE IT IF YOU DON’T CHAT ME AGAIN. THIS IS ME ASKING POLITELY.

I shoved my phone into my pocket, only for it to ping again. Stifling a groan, I pulled it out again and clicked on the message.

I DON’T MEAN ANY TROUBLE. I JUST WANT TO TALK. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT TO ME.

I blocked the number before shoving the phone back into my pocket.

“Are you okay?” Lifting my head, I saw Lily standing next to me. “why are you frowning?”

“nothing.” Stretching my hand, I reached out for her and she took my hand, allowing me to pull her closer. “Just some scam number chatting me up, but I blocked it.”

“What was the number talking about?” she probed.