Becoming Strangers Again by Lily

LILY Three days ago, Ryan calledto ask if it would be okay for his mom to cstay with us for a while. He explained that she needed a break from the paparazzi and a change of scenery, something to help keep her mind off everything. Plus, spending twith the kids would help lift her spirits. I had no problem with it. I completely understood what she was going through. After all, being betrayed by someone you've loved deeply and devoted your life to is something no one should have to face. I was more than fine with her staying for as long as she needed.

The kids adore her, so I figured it would be nice for everyone. On top of that, having her here meant Ryan would be around more often, and I desperately needed that. Ever since his father passed away, it feels like I barely see my husband anymore. I thought it was the perfect solution-for everyone.

At first, it seemed like a good idea. But soon enough, she started to becmore of a burden than a help. I know she's grieving and dealing with a lot of emotional pain, and I've been doing my best to be patient with her. I didn't want to bring her behavior up to Ryan because I knew it wasn't easy for her either. But lately, she's been testing my limits. Her attitude has becmore and more difficult to overlook, and it's getting harder to keep my frustration to myself.

The bathroom door creaked open, and Ryan stepped out, a white towel wrapped loosely around his waist, his skin still damp from the shower. This was his first tback in Canada since the news about Maya had surfaced. His mother had arrived earlier, escorted by his security team.

"You want to explain why you didn't tellwhat's been going on with you?" I asked.

He paused mid-step, his hand resting on the knot of the towel. "I was going to tell you when I got home," he said, the words sounding more like a weak excuse than an explanation.

I wasn't convinced. "When did you find out about Maya?" I pressed, unwilling to let this slide.

Ryan let out a long, tired sigh. "Can we not argue about this right now?" he mumbled, walking into the closet, clearly hoping to end the conversation. But I wasn't backing down. I followed him. His back stiffened slightly, a clear sign that he knew I wasn't going to drop it. He was trying to dodge the question, but I wasn't about to let that happen. "When did you find out, Ryan?" I repeated, more insistent this time.

"The week you visited New York," Ryan finally admitted with a heavy sigh, turning to face me.

My eyes widened in shock. "Wow... so you've known for that long and still didn't tellanything?" He closed the gap between us, gently placing his hands on my shoulders. "I'm not going to make excuses for keeping things from you, which is why I'm going to apologize instead. I'm sorry." I wanted to accept his apology, but I still needed an explanation. "Why didn't you just tell me, Ryan?" He hesitated before answering, his eyes flickering with frustration. "Because every tI tried, Amell would somehow show up. Either he'd call or you'd be with him, and yeah, I'm a jealous man. I can't help but get angry when it happens." Amell again. I sighed. "He's not a problem, Ryan. He never has been." I knew his suspicion cfrom what happened with Jake, and I understood that fear. "Amell's not interested in me, and I don't care about his past. I'm not going to let the kids get close to him the way I let them with Jake. I learned my lesson." Ryan's jealousy wasn't new, but it was exhausting. I needed him to understand that not every man in my life was a threat.

"I don't like him," Ryan repeated, his voice firmer than before, as if he wanted to make sure I truly understood. "I feel uncomfortable every single the's around you. It just doesn't sit right with me." I pressed my lips together, taking in the man standing beforethe man I'd fallen in love with, who, despite his good heart, sometimes let his emotions get the better of him. He was trying to make a point, but I couldn't let his insecurities keep dictating my life. I let out a slow breath before speaking.

"Okay, fine," I began, my tone softer, more measured. "I'm going to help him pick out furniture today, just like I promised him I would. But after that, I'm going to try my best to keep sdistance. I'll give you that." His eyes brightened immediately. "Really?" he asked, clearly surprised by my response.

I nodded. "Really. But❞—I raised my index finger, holding it between us. "this has to be the last tyou try to interfere or end any friendship I have with the opposite sex. I mean it." He frowned, clearly not happy with the condition I'd set, but I wasn't going to let him brush it aside this time. "Ryan, you work around women all the time. You don't seemaking a big deal out of it, or throwing a fit every tyou have a late meeting with your secretary or a female colleague. I trust you, and that's what matters. So I won't stand by and let you keep acting like every man who comes nearis a threat. You need to start working on your jealousy and insecurities, because this can't keep happening." He hesitated for a moment, processing my words, before finally nodding in agreement. "I will," he said, his voice softening as he stepped closer. He wrapped his arms aroundagain, pullinginto a warm embrace.

Leaning down, he pressed a gentle kiss to my forehead. "I'm sorry for being a jealous jerk all this time," he murmured, his breath warm against my skin.

A small laugh bubbled up from my chest as I stood on my tiptoes and kissed him lightly on the lips. "You sure were," I teased, though there was a softness in my voice that let him know I wasn't angry anymore.

He chuckled, the tension between us finally easing as he let go ofand turned back to getting dressed for the day. I watched him as he moved around the room.

Clearing my throat, I leaned back against the vanity table, crossing my arms as I watched him button up his shirt. "While we're at it," I began slowly, choosing my words carefully, "I think we need to have a conversation about your mother." Ryan glanced atthrough the mirror, his brow slightly furrowed in curiosity. "What about her?" he asked, clearly wanting to know what was bothering me.

I took a deep breath. "I don't like the way she talks toin my own home," I pointed out. "I'm only tolerating it because she is your mother, but honestly, she snaps atover every little thing, and I don't like it at all." Reaching for his hair comb on the vanity, he handed it toand then settled onto the stool in front of the mirror. I started gently combing his hair. "She literally snaps attoo over any little thing," he confessed, a hint of frustration in his voice." think she's just hurt by everything that's happened. But I will definitely talk to her about it. She can't inconvenience you in your own hwhen she's just a guest." "Thank you," I said, feeling a little more at ease. I lifted his head gently and placed a soft kiss on his forehead before resuming my task of combing his hair.

Once I finished, Ryan stood up and stretched slightly. "I'm going to check on the boys," he said, givinga reassuring smile. I nodded, appreciating that he was willing to address the issue with his mother.

After he left the room, I turned my attention to getting ready for the day. I didn't have much planned-just a furniture shopping trip with Amell and his sister, which felt simple enough.

************ Just as I promised Amell. I accompanied him to pick out the furniture for his sister, and after that, he suggested we grab a drink, which I agreed to, not because I had any intention of staying, but because the weather was kind of hot to an extent, and I needed something cold in my system.

While we queued to make an order, his sister excused herself to use the restroom. Left alone with Amell, we discussed random work issues and laughed about it while still waiting for our turn.

Eventually, we were able to order, and after that I told Amell I was leaving. He tried persuadingto stay, but I refused, insisteing that I needed to get back hto my husband and kids.

*********** As I pulled over and parked the car, I picked up the lunch I had grabbed for everyone. Stepping out, I immediately noticed that Ryan's SUV wasn't in the garage. The absence of that car was a clear sign that Ryan wasn't hwith the boys; he only takes it out when they're going for a drive together.