Becoming Strangers Again by Lily

Chapter 60 LILY Today marks Ryan's move into his new home, and I'm on the lookout for the perfect housewarming gift. It's quite amusing, actually, that he's already throwing a housewarming party. I didn't expect him to have a social circle here just yet, but then again, he's a prominent businessman, so it's no surprise he's gathered people around him. Choosing a gift for someone who seems to have everything poses a challenge. After sthought, I settled on a cozy bedwarmer and a practical microwave. Unfortunately, the microwave won't arrive until tomorrow. Meanwhile, Liam, being the artistic soul that he is, sketched a beautiful portrait of us as a family. I'm confident Ryan will appreciate this heartfelt gesture. As we arrived at Ryan's new place and opened the door, we were met with a surprising sight. Instead of a bustling crowd, it was just Ryan and Angelo in the living room, accompanied by soft background music. It was a peaceful and intimate setting, a far cry from the bustling party I had imagined. Releasing Noah's hand, I ventured further into the room, my brows furrowed in confusion as I observed the scene before me. "I thought this was supposed to be ssort of party?" Ryan, raising has wine glass, nudged Angelo's leg, prompting him to do the same. "We've got wine, and with two, it's already a gathering." he remarked casually. 1 let out an exasperated sigh. "Are you serious right now?" Just the two of them for a party? "So, this housewarming celebration was just for you and Angelo Ryan shook his head in response to my question. "So, are m are more people coming?" I pressed further, only to receive another shake of his head. "What exactly are you trying to tell me, Ryan!" He chuckled at my bewildered expression. I'm saying that this gathering isn't solely forand Angelo," he explained, a warm smile spreading across his face as Ethna nestled against his thigh. "We've got you, Ethan, Noah, and Liam. That's six of us, and trust me, six is more than enough." Shaking my head in response to Ryan's explanation, I handed him the bedwarmer before settling comfortably onto the sofa. "How's everything going, Angelo? I inquired, directing my attention to the young man who seemed to be Ryan's constant companion With a warm smile, Angelo replied, "I'm doing just fine." Meanwhile, Liam presented Ryan with the gift he had brought, eliciting an instant sparkle of excitement in Ryan's eyes. "You got something for me?" Ryan asked, his voice tinged with childish delight as he unwrapped the painting book Liam had gifted him. His smile widened as he gazed upon the artwork. "Is this meant to represent our family?" he questioned, looking to Liam for confirmation. Liam nodded in response to Ryan's inquiry, prompting Ryan to lower the book to his thigh so he could better examine the images. Slowly, he traced his finger over the pictures, identifying each family member depicted within. That's you, mommy, me, Ethan, and Noth he said Ryan's grin widened, and I couldn't help but notice the genuine happiness radiating from him, especially considering Jake's absence from the picture. Thank you," he murmured gratefully, leaning down to plant a ki*s on Liam's cheek. TI hang this in the living room," he declared, his gaze returning to the picture. And could I commission another one for my office?" he added, turning to Liam with a hopeful expression Liam responded with an enthusiastic nod and a wide smile. Td be delighted to sketch another one for you," he assured Kyan. I chimed in, offering sinsight into Liam's passion for drawing. "He'd be more than happy to do it. He enjoys sketching more than his schoolwork." I explained, directing my words to Ryan. His warm gaze shifted towards me, and he blinked with a hint of gratitude in his eyes. "Thank you for the bedwarmers, I really appreciate it," he expressed sincerely. Angelo interrupted the moment by clearing his throat and rising to his feet. "We've ordered dinner. Ill go beat it up before serving" he announced As I rose to lend a hand, Ryan unexpectedly gripped my arm and gently guidedback onto the sofa. "Let him handle it," he insisted. referring to Angelo, who had already headed towards the kitchen. I watched Angelo's retreating figure, noting the absence of any domestic staff. "When are your staff coming in?" I inquired, curious about the logistics of maintaining such a spacious home. Chapter 60 Carefully placing the painting on the table, Ryan turned to face me, his full attention now on our conversation. I won't be having live-in staff, he explained calmly. They'll cover on Sundays to ridy up and restock the kitchen, and then they'll leave My brow furrowed involuntarily. "You mean you'll cook your own meals? Do your own laundry?" I couldn't help but feel skeptical about the idea Clicking his teeth in a casual manner, Ryan leaned back on the sofa, resting his elbow on the armrest and propping his head up with his hand. They'll take my diny clothes to the laundry on Sunday, but I'll pick them up myself. And as for meals, Il be preparing them myself," he reiterated calmly. "Sure..." 1 muttered skeptically, my disbelief evident in my tone. "Let's see how long you stick with this decision of yours" Throwing his head back, Ryan erupted into hearty laughter at my challenge. "On that note, I'd like to grab skitchen utensils, and I could use your help in picking out good ones. Can you make tfor that tomorrow?" Confusion knitted my brows together. "What's going on? Where's the real Ryan, and who's taken over his body? I wondered aloud, struggling to comprehend the sudden change in his behavior. "And why aren't you having someone fetch them for you? Why go to the trouble of getting your kitchen utensils yourself?" "I want to experience a simple family life with my kids and with you too." His words caughtoff guard, and a frown creased my forehead as 1 processed his unexpected declaration. "You want to experience a basic family life with your kids andtoo?" 1 repeated, uncertainty lacing my tone. Seeing my reaction, Ryan hastened to clarify. "I mean, if that's something you'd like to be a part of," he added hastily, his s mile faltering slightly. The direction this conversation was slowly taking wasn't one I was prepared for, and I knew I needed to put an end to it. "Fine," 1 relented, deciding to change the subject. "I can free up my lunch for you" A bright smile lit up Ryan's face, and he clapped his hands together in excitement. "That's perfect! Thank you," he exclaimed gratefully. Just then, Angelo emerged from the kitchen with a tray laden with food. Ryan suggested we dine in the living room, and we all settled on the floor, sharing a meal and exchanging laughter over a random joke found on the internet. The next day during lunch, I wrapped up work earlier than usual to make tfor the plans I had with Ryan. After parking my car near his place, we hopped into his vehicle, with Ryan taking the wheel, his playful spirit evident despite his role as the driver. "Did I mention look even better in jeans?" he quipped, shootinga quick glance accompanied by a boyish grin you Shaking my head, I kept my attention on the road ahead. Tellwhy you didn't just order these utensils online," I inquired, hoping for a straightforward answer "Because I wanted to spend soire quality twith you," Ryan responded promptly, his sincerity contrasting with his playful demeanor. I couldn't help but roll my eyes at his response. It seemed like he had taken it upon himself to turn everything into a joke. "Is teasingbecoming a new hobby of yours!" I teased back, though my question held a hint of seriousness. "I was actually being serious when I asked you that question: He glanced atonce more, his gaze holding a hint of sincerity. I was actually being serious," he replied, his eyes meeting mine with meaningful wink. I genuinely want to spend twith you, Lily That's why I've chosen to live without staff, in the hope that you and the kids will caround more often. And I'll even find a laundry service near your place, so I'll have a reason to stop by more frequently 1 was utterly dumbfounded. Staring at him in disbelief, I struggled to find the right words. He couldn't just drop bombshells like that and expect everything to remain normal. What are you up to, Ryan?" I whispered, my voice barely audible as I tried to make sense of his unexpected confession. He too remained silent for a while as if thinking of a reason. "I know you are engaged to be married, I know you have moved on, but that is not going to stopfrom loving you, or from showing it." SEND GIFT

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