Becoming strangers again (Lily and Ryan)
Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Chapter 5 LILY As the sun rose the following morning. I parked my belongings shortly after Ryan’sdeparture for work. Climbing into my car, I embarked journey to Becky’s place. The night before, Ihad phoned her to share the distressing news, and she graciously offered her home as a sanctuaryuntil the divorce proceedings concluded. Becky’s sacrifice to remain home today was solely on myaccount. Upon arriving at her residence, I spotted her standing in the driveway, patiently. awaitingmy arrival. Bringing my car to a stop, I stepped out and walked into Becky’s embrace. Tearsstreamed down my face, mirroring the heartache of a child who had just lost her favorite treat. myhudand Well, maybe my tears is justified, seeing that I just lost my Becky signaled her housekeeperto retrieve my bag from the trunk, then guided me into her home, leading me straight to theguestroom she had arranged for my stay. “I’m sorry, baby girl she murmured softly as she patted myback. I am really sorry.” My tears dampened her shirt, but she didn’t seem to mind. “All I did waslove him,” I sobbed. “All I did was dedicate my time and affection to him. and this is wha

t I get in returni Becky gently pulled my shoulder back and cupped my face, her thumb tenderlywiping away my tears. “You are going to be fine. Lily. You are a strong woman, and I believe youcan overcome anything” Feeling utterly lost, I confided, I don’t even know what to do right now, Iknow this happened because of Stephanie. I am sure of this.” Letting out a heavy sigh. Beckyeased back, leaning against the sturdy bedframe, her hands folded in front of her. “Let’s not dwellon the reasons behind Ryan’s decision to file for divorce. It won’t change anything at this moment.We should focus on planning for your life after the divorce,” she suggested, her gaze steady as shelooked at me. “Are you considering accepting the divorce settlements?” Just the mention of divorcethreatened to bring tears to my eyes. “Of course, I’m taking it. I deserve it after leaving my job and

devoting four years of my life to him” “You shouldn’t have listened to him and quit your job, Beckymurmured softly, her tone tinged with regret. “But that’s not our concern right now.” I couldn’t helpbut regret my decision. If only I had known that our marriage would end like this, I wouldn’t havesacrificed my career to be the perfect wife to Ryan. Tm considering going back to work,” I admitted.Becky’s expression shifted to one of exasperation. “Of course you should go back, Lily. You’re amedical doctor, and a very astute one at that,” she emphasized, her tone tinged with conviction.Licking her lips, she leaned in closer. “You were the brightest in our class. I was genuinelydisappointed when you mentioned quitting your job to focus on starting a family with Ryan.” “Iknow,” I admitted with a heavy sigh. I realize now that it was a foolish decision. I may not haverecognized it back then, but it’s crystal clear to me now Becky extended her hand, gently claspingmine. “Returning won’t be an issue. All you need to do is have your credentials reviewed, engage inongoing professional development, and complete a few necessary steps. Then you’ll be back ontrack, she reassured me with a reassuring smile. “I don’t want to stay in New York, I reflected, asense of unease settling over me. “I don’t think I can handle the thought of running into Ryan orseeing him with that woman at events,” Becky’s eyes lit up with a glimmer of hope. “I knowsomeone in Canada who could help you secure a job at a hospital,” she disclosed, her voice filledwith assurance. “Mrs. Georgina is a remarkably affluent widow. Her late husband owned one of thelargest hospitals in Canada, and upon his passing, he entrusted its operations to her. She’s beensuccessfully managing the hospital ever since, and I’m certain she’d welcome you to her team “Andhow did you come to know this remarkable woman?” I inquired, curious about the connection A shysmile graced Becky’s lips. “We met at a conference, and we’ve been friends ever since Becky hadalways possessed an infectious charm and a warm demeanor that drew people to her effortlessly. Itwas such a meaningful connection with Mrs. Georgina. no wonder that she had formed I would trulyvalue the recommendation; I expressed gratefully. The idea of moving to Ganada seemedincreasingly appealing, offering a tresty start far away from Ryan and his family. 11:28 AM Chapter5 Three weeks later, the divorce was finalized. I was presented with five apartment complexes inNew York and a compensation package of five million dollars. It appeared to be a reasonablearrangement, so I accepted the money, intending to invest it for the future of the baby. In my

perspective, this was not merely compensation ion for a failed marriage. Instead, it was securing aportion of my child’s entitlement to his father’s wealth. While Ryan might view it as compensation, tome, it was ensuring my child’s rightful share in his father’s legacy. As soon as the legal seal wasaffixed, I swiftly grabbed my purse, rose from my seat, and made my way out of the office. Steppinginto the elevator, I anticipated a moment to gather my thoughts, but to my surprise, Ryan enteredjust before the doors closed, accompanied by his lingering shadow, Luke I chose to ignore him,fixating on the descending floor number. “I’m truly sorry that things had to end this way, Lily,” Ryanapologized, “We both had our moments during the course of this marriage, and I’m sure youwouldn’t label it a failure, considering the substantial fortune you’ve gained from it.” Finally shiftingmy gaze from the numbers, I stared at him, starting from his shoes and moving upward. “I made afortune?” I questioned incredulously, “Do you genuinely believe this money can compensate for theheartache you’ve put me through!” Ryan’s smirk persisted. ‘Oh, it will. A week in Paris or Miami willmake you forget about this divorce,” he asserted, slipping his hands into his pockets. “It didn’t workout. Lily. Suck it up and move on with your life.” As the elevator pinged, signaling our arrival, Iresponded evenly, “You don’t owe me anything, Ryan. At least I no longer expect anything from you,and when you don’t have expectations of someone, you don’t become disappointed or heartbrokenby their words or actions. “Cut to the chase, Ryan interjected, his tone impatient. “Stephanie is thereal reason why you ended our marriage, isn’t she?” I confronted him directly, refusing to dancearound the truth any longer. “I’ve reiterated this countless times, and I’ll repeat it again for clarity:Stephanie had absolutely no bearing on the dissolution of our marriage, Ryan maintained firmly, histone unwavering “Cease attempting to attribute blame to someone else for your perceivedshortcomings.” His denial provoked a scoff from me “This marriage isn’t solely my failure, Ryan. It’sa collective failure.” I asserted with a hint of bitterness, striding purposefully out of the elevator andtowards my awaiting car. As I was about to ignite the engine, the arrival of another vehicleinterrupted the moment I observed as the car pulled into the parking lot, and to my dismay,Stephanie emerged from within. She hastened into Ryan’s awaiting embrace without hesitation.Right before my eyes, she carefully rose on her tiptoes, planting a tender ki*s upon his lips, andRyan made no move to deter her advances. For someone who vehemently denied any involvement

with Stephanie, who insisted she wasn’t the reason for the divorce, he seemed all too comfortablereceiving and indulging in her affectionate gestures. Chapter 6