Chapter 70
RYAN
Things did go better than I expected. As I pulled the car to a stop at a safe distance, I turned to Lily, concem etched on my face “Are you okay I asked softly, reaching out to touch her hand.
She licked her lips nervously, her gaze fixed on her trembling hands. Tm fine,” the replied unconvincingly, but I could see the pain hidden beneath her facade.
Gently. I squeezed her hand, offering what little comfon I could. It was strange to find myself in this position, comforting my ex wife over another man. “You don’t have to act strong in front of me.” I reassured her, my voice Elled with sincerity. “I promise not to hold it against you”
She looked up at me, her eyes filled with vulnerability. “I just feel so stupid,” she admitted quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. With a better chuckle, the shook her head. “Having my ex–husband comfort me over my ex–hance wasn’t exactly on my to–do list for this
year
A sad smile rugged at the corners of my lips as I reached out to brush a stray hair from her face. “Shir happens,” I replied softly
“I know, right?” Lily sighed, her gaze fixed on the passing scenery outside. I should have been more careful” she murmured, her tone filled with regret. “I should have looked into him to make sure that he is really who he claims to be before introducing him to my children”
I couldn’t bear to see her blame herself for the deceitful actions of that scoundrel. This isn’t on you, Lily” I reassured her, my voice firm “Who would have thought that he would end up being a fraud?”
When she continued to stare out the window, lost in her thoughts, I reached forward and gently turned her face towards me, using my fingers to guide her chin. “Where were you these past two days?” I asked unable to shake off my suspicions.
Lily stared at me wordlessly for a moment before letting out a soft chuckle. That’s the most random question, she remarked, a smile tugging at the comers of her lips. How long have you been wanting to ask me that!”
“Ever since you went MIA.” I confessed. “Ive been worried, Lily, and I still am I can only calm down if I know what’s going on with you.”
Lily’s response confirmed my suspicions. “I want to sue Jake for impersonation, she declared her tone resolute. It was clear that she had taken matters into her own hands, just as I had feared Tvisted his company and confirmed that he didnt really work there. I also went to the school he claimed to have attended, and of course, there was no record of him there. Leven found another Jake Willows who, like you said, died a few days after his graduation. I visited his gravesite and took pectures of everything which should serve as evidence against him in court”
I couldn’t help but be both shocked and impressed by Lily’s determination and resourcefulness in uncovering the truth. I don’t know if I should be worried right now or proud of you,” I admined my admiration for her growing with each pawing moment
“None” Lily deadpanned, her tone firm. “I didn’t do all of that to be acknowledged by you.” She folded her hands, deep in thought before continuing “However, I am conflicted about confronting him first before suing him or confronting him during the trial”
I couldn’t help but notice the change in Laly. The old Lily would have cowered and let someone else handle the situation for her, but the woman sitting beside me now exuded an aura of strength and determination. She was an alpha female, ready to take control of her own destiny. If I wanted to support her. I needed to approach the situation with care.
“I understand that you want to go after him, and trust me when I say I’m not trying to stop you” I began carefully, but confronting him right now might not be the best course of action.
“And what is the best thing to do? Lily rasped, her frustration palpable. “Not do anything and let karma take its course?”
I shook my head. “Someone is working with him,” I interjected, hoping to steer her away from thoughts of inaction. “Someone who is wealthy enough to pay for a Lamborghini they don’t even own.”
Lily eyed me skeptically. “So what are you insinuating?” she asked, her tone cautious.
“I’m saying you should give me time to find out who else is involved in this,” I replied, my mind already spinning with possibilities, “and then you can go ahead and sue him for impersonation”
Her expression softened slightly as she considered my proposal “Are you sure you’re going to let me sue him in the future?” she questioned, seeking reassurance.
I nodded firmly. “Yes, I promise I affirmed. If there was a larger conspiracy at play. I intended to uncover it and ensure that Lily had all the ammunition she needed to seek justice. Fine, I’ll lay back for now and let you do your thing, she relented, placing her trust in me.
Chapter 70
“Great,” I smiled at him before turning on the car and driving off “what do you say we catch dinner?” I asked even though I have already had dinner with the boys and isn’t exactly hungry at the moment, I don’t just want the evening to end just yet.
“Sure,” she replied with a returning smile. “let us have dinner.
Grinning like a fool, I drove down to a restaurant that I had discovered. There no picture policy was one of the things that drew ΠΙΕ the redturant. “You are going to tell your security not to let him into the premises any more.” I instructed Lily. What I saw in Jake’s eyes is an unwillingness to give up. That young man isn’t ready to give up on their relationship just yet.
“Is that an order?” she asked with an arched brow.
I glanced at her briefly then chuckled just to lighten the atmosphere of the car. “I am just trying to look out for you Lily.”
She sked. “That sounded more like a command.”
“Or a request” I countered. “Please do not let him into your premises Lily, and also tighten the security on the kids. I will equally put my security on them.”
She shook her head. “Adding extra security won’t be necessary.”
“It is most definitely necessary.” I countered the fastest way to get back to us is by hurting those boys, and it will be easy for him to lure them because they already know and trust him, and the only way to make sure that doesn’t happen is being keeping him away from them completely, and that can only happen if we have more than enough security watching them.”
“Fine.” She mutterd, finally conceding “I don’t mind your security watching them, but they shouldn’t be in their face. Noah is very shy around strangers, and don’t even get me started with Liam.”
“They won’t even notice their presence, I promise.”
Pulling over at the restaurant, my phone rang and when I saw Stephanie’s name on the screen, I ignored the call it wasn’t until I lifted my head did I find out that Lily saw the caller too
“You can pick the call. She informed me, “I really don’t mind.”
“I do mind” I argued softly, “I can’t be answering a call from my ex in your presene
Rolling her eyes, she got down from the car. “do not confuse yourself Ryan, this isn’t a date. This is just two adults who are hungry then decided to grab food together.”
I opened the entrance door for her. “I never said it was. I just do not want to be disrespectful to you.” I explained Halting abruptly. I blocked her path. “Do you want it to be a date!”
She shook her head, fighting a smile. “Get out of my face and pick your babymama’s call.”
That was when I realized that my phone has started ringing again. Fighting back my frustruation at the incessant ringing. I turned off the phone.
-What did you do that for?” she asked, surprised that I actually turned it off, “what if you get a business call?”
Who cares? “when I am with you Lily, I am with you and no distractions are welcomed.
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