Becoming strangers again (Lily and Ryan)

RYAN

The internet has been on fire ever since Angelo released the photos and videos exactly as I instructed. The reaction was everything I'd hoped for it had the precise impact I wanted on Maya, and I'm relishing every moment of it. Watching the world buzz with chatter, knowing I orchestrated this drama, brings a twisted satisfaction. And yes, I even paid extra to keep the news trending at the top, just to be sure it wouldn't slip away quietly. Petty? Maybe. But sometimes, petty is worth every penny. Today, I agreed to accompany my mum for an interview she's been looking forward to, and to my surprise, Lily offered to join us. She mentioned she'd drop the boys off at her friend Becky's place before we headed to the venue together. We ended up arriving in New York earlier than we'd planned. Mum decided she wanted to go home first, so I had the driver drop her off. I rode along with Lily and the boys to Becky's place instead.

As we pulled up outside Becky's house, I slipped my phone from my pocket and dialed Angelo's number, eager to get a quick update.

"Hello, boss," he answered, his voice bright and cheerful. I could tell he was enjoying this whole operation just as much as I was. "Have you arrived in New York?"

"Yes." I replied, glancing at Lily, whose fingers were absentmindedly turning my wedding ring. "I want you to find a buyer. ASAP."

"What are you selling?" Angelo sounded slightly taken aback. He knew I rarely let go of any of my investments.

"The estate," I replied, catching his surprised chuckle. "I want it sold." This wasn't just about money or business-this was a move to make it clear that only one woman had the power to influence my choices, and that was my wife, Lily.

As I spoke, I leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to Lily's forehead. "If you can find a buyer before nightfall and arrange for an inspection, I'd really appreciate it."

Lily tilted her head thoughtfully, a faint smile playing on her lips. "I'll buy it," she mused, straightening up a little. "I can have someone inspect it for me, but I'm willing to make the purchase myself."

I blinked at her, taken aback by her offer. "You actually want it?"

Lily nodded. "I feel like that building should stay in the family, and since you want to spite Maya by selling it, me buying it would be like killing two birds with one stone."

I shook my head. "If you want it, then it's yours, but there's no way I'm taking your money for it."

She scoffed lightly. "Bringing sentiment into business, are we?"

With a smile, I leaned down and kissed her, savoring the moment. "With you, nothing is ever just business."

I turned my attention back to Angelo. "Don't worry about finding a buyer. I'm gifting the property to Lily. She'll have someone inspect it and get back to you ASAP."

"Got it, boss," he replied smoothly. "Please send her my regards, and I'll wait for her call." With that, the line went dead.

As we arrived at Becky's house, her excitement to have the boys over was unmistakable. It was a relief knowing that Lily had such a warm and caring friend. After a few quick goodbyes, we left the boys in Becky's capable hands and made our way to prepare for the interview.

************

By three in the afternoon, we picked up Mum and began the drive to the interview venue.

Mum settled into her seat on stage, the bright lights casting her in a soft glow while Lily and I waited backstage, watching her every movement. My nerves were on edge, prepared to step in if she became too emotional or if the interviewer overstepped, pushing her into an uncomfortable corner.

The interviewer leaned in, voice gentle yet probing. "How did you feel when you found out that your husband had a child outside the marriage... with your son's nanny?"

Mum's gaze dropped to her hands, and for a brief moment, I caught sight of the wedding band on her finger-the same ring she hadn't worn since learning about Maya. She took a deep breath, gathering herself, then looked back up with quiet strength.

"I felt betrayed," she admitted. "Not only by my husband, but by a woman I welcomed into our home, a woman I trusted and treated with kindness."

The interviewer nodded and then followed up with another question, clearly relishing this sensitive topic. "What was your relationship with Salome like before this?"

Mum's voice grew softer as she

shared more of her side of the story.

"I cried the day Salome told me she wanted to retire and focus on building something better for herself. That's how close we were. She looked at the interviewer and let out a bitter chuckle. "People would sometimes mistake us for sisters. As sad as I was that she was leaving, I was also proud that she wanted to create something for herself... but what I didn't realize was that she was creating a child with my husband."

The interviewer pressed further. "If you both were as close as you claim, why didn't you visit her once? Wouldn't you have discovered her pregnancy?"

Mum took a steadying breath. "I

tried so many times to reach out, to

find out where she was staying so I

could visit. But every time, she'd dodge the question. She'd give. excuses, avoid my calls... and

sometimes, if she did answer it was with an attitude that pushed me away. Gradually, our friendship drifted, but it hurt to let it go."

Watching from backstage, I felt relief as I saw Mum handle each question. The interview seemed to be progressing smoothly, and Lily, by my side, squeezed my hand in silent support.

An hour had passed since she'd sent someone to inspect the estate, and I'd received a message from Angelo confirming that the inspection was done.

After the interview wrapped up, we decided to treat ourselves and planned to pick up the boys for dinner out. However, as we walked out of the building, something unexpected happened.

You bastard!" Maya's furious voice echoed across the lobby, instantly capturing everyone's attention, including mine. She marched toward me, her eyes blazing with anger, her hand raised to strike. But before she could make contact, Lily stepped forward, intercepting her with a firm grip on her wrist.

"Don't think for a second that I'll let

you lay a hand on my husband," Lily spat, her voice sharp. She shoved Maya back with a strength that surprised even me. "He might show you restraint out of respect, but don't assume I share that sentiment. Iwon't hesitate to slap you across the face, and I'll sleep quite happily afterward."

Maya's face twisted in rage as she regained her balance. "How dare you sell that estate?!"

I let a smug smile cross my face, pleased to see the exact reaction I'd hoped for. "Because it's my property, Maya. I can do whatever I want with it," I replied calmly. "If that bothers you, feel free to discuss it with my lawyer."

Lily stepped closer to her, meeting Maya's glare with an icy one. "You know what's even more interesting?" Lily said, her tone mocking. She tilted her head slightly. "That estate you've caused so much trouble over, creating all these scenes and stirring up havoc it wasn't even sold. It was given away. A gift."

Maya's face paled as Lily's words sank in. "Gifted?" Maya stammered.

"That's right," Lily continued. "While you were busy scheming, the estate was transferred to me. So, all that fuss? All that drama? It's been for nothing. I now own it, and it's entirely out of your reach."

"You fucking heartless bastard!" Maya yelled at me.

"I want you and your mother out within twenty-four hours," Lily said, taking another step closer to Maya. "The only reason you have the nerve to keep causing all this chaos is because you still have a roof over your head." Maya's face twisted in anger. "Screw you."

Lily merely shrugged, unbothered. "It's easy to manage your problems when you have a house, even if you're dealing with ninety issues. But lose that security, and even one problem will feel like a hundred." Maya's furious gaze flickered between us, searching for any sign of weakness. "So, that's how it's going to be, huh?"

"Looks that way," Lily replied, unshaken, a slight smirk tugging at her lips.

"Just know you've pushed me to the wall," Maya hissed. "I'm going to make you all pay for this humiliation. Every single one of you."

I couldn't help but chuckle at her desperate attempt to regain control. "Good luck with that, Maya," I said, amused. "Picking a fight with the Williams never ends well for anyone."

With one last withering glare, Maya turned on her heel and stormed out, leaving behind a crowd still watching in stunned silence.