Becoming strangers again (Lily and Ryan)

LILY

Monday arrived far too quickly, sweeping away the weekend and thrusting me back into the demands of my life in Canada. There, responsibilities waited impatiently-my job, my sons' sports practices, and their academics. Every part of me felt the pull to be elsewhere, to stay by my husband's side, battling against the woman who dared to call herself his sister. The sterile hallways of the hospital only reminded me of where I didn't want to be.

The sound of a familiar voice jolted me from my thoughts. "Did you decline because of him?"

I stopped in my tracks, taking a moment to breathe, trying to ease the irritation that was already brewing inside me. Turning slowly, I forced a smile as I faced Amell. "No, I didn't decline because of my husband," I said, trying to keep my tone light. "I declined because I could, and because I wanted to."

He took a step closer, slipping his hands into his pockets and studying me with a knowing gaze. "You're forcing that smile," he observed, his tone almost gentle but piercingly accurate. "Which tells me you'd rather be anywhere else than standing here talking to me." I raised an eyebrow, fixing him with a sharp look. "Not everything is about you, Amell," I said, my voice tight with irritation. "I'm sure you've been following the news and have seen the madness my family's been dealing with. Don't you think that's enough to make me lose interest in someone who just stands around whining?"

I fully expected him to get angry at my bluntness, maybe even walk away in a huff. But instead, he tilted his head slightly, studying me. "You're bottled up," he said calmly, a strange softness in his tone.

I blinked, momentarily thrown. "I beg your pardon?"

"Maybe," he continued, unbothered by my reaction, "I should have a meal with your husband and let him know I'm not his enemy-and that I'm definitely not interested in his wife."

A headache was beginning to pulse at my temples, and I fought the urge to rub them right in front of him. I took a deep breath, gathering the last of my patience. "Amell, listen. I have a lot on my plate right now, and honestly," I said, licking my lips as I pointed toward his feet, "you really shouldn't be putting pressure on that leg by standing for so long."

He shifted his weight onto his crutches with a casual shrug. "I'm fine."

He wouldn't be fine for long if he kept putting pressure on that leg, though. "What are you even doing here, Amell?" I asked, crossing my arms. After all, I was the one who'd signed off his leave, and he wasn't supposed to be back at work until next month. A faint smirk crossed his face. "I was bored. And Jessica just got back to work today, so I figured I'd come down here."

"Suit yourself," I replied, my tone indifferent as I looked past him. That's when I noticed the security guard who'd accompanied me, standing a few steps behind Amell. His expression was serious, maybe even tense, and it made my stomach tighten. Something was wrong. "Are you alright?" I asked, concern slipping into my voice.

He shook his head, looking uneasy. "Ma'am, I really need to speak with you."

I nodded, gesturing toward my office. "Come on in." If nothing else, I was grateful for the distraction, even if it brought more tension to my day.

As the guard walked past Amell and into my office, I felt a little guilty for how curt I'd been with him. Glancing back at Amell, I softened slightly. "Please, take it easy on that leg," I said quietly.

"I'll do that if you promise to take it easy on yourself too," he bargained, a gentle smile on his face.

"I will," I assured him.

He nodded, still smiling, before turning to head toward the elevator. I watched him maneuver with his crutches, a part of me wanting to offer help, but I held back, letting him be. He disappeared as the elevator doors closed.

When I stepped into my office, I found Fred seated, beads of sweat dotting his forehead. It struck me as strange, and I quickly glanced at the thermostat to make sure the room wasn't too warm. "Are you okay?" I asked, my concern growing. He shook his head, looking uncomfortable. "I'm not feeling too good, ma'am."

Without hesitation, I moved closer, squatting down beside him, ready to assess him. "Can you tell me exactly how you're feeling?"

He flushed slightly, looking embarrassed. "I don't know if it was something I ate, but I've been having a runny stomach. I've used the restroom so many times I've lost count, and now I'm feeling pretty weak."

It was clear he needed hydration. "Alright, I'm going to assign you a ward so you can get some rest. I'll have one of the nurses set up an IV infusion to help you regain your strength. That should get you back on your feet soon enough."

"I don't need an infusion," he insisted, trying to wave off my suggestion. "I just need to lie down for a few minutes. I should be fine after some rest."

Of course, I understood the need for rest, but his condition seemed more serious than he was letting on. "Take the whole day off," I said. "Go back to the manor and rest. You'll be better off that way."

He blinked in surprise at my suggestion. "I don't mind lying here for just a few minutes," he said, clearly still not convinced.

"You'll feel better if you're comfortable," I insisted. "Take the car, go home, and have a proper rest. That's the best thing for you right now."

He hesitated for a moment, then nodded gratefully. "Alright, I'll take your advice. Call me when you're ready to pick up the boys from school or head home. I'll come get you."

I waved him off with a reassuring smile. "It's fine. I can find my way home."

He seemed a little skeptical at first, but eventually agreed. As he stood to leave, I couldn't help but notice how sunken his eyes looked. It was clear he hadn't been resting properly, and I made a mental note to give him more time off to recover fully. He needed it.

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

I was still deep in the details of the

complex surgeries I would be performing tomorrow when the familiar buzz of my alarm went off, signaling that it was time to pick up the boys from school. With a slight sigh, realized I'd need to shift my focus for the rest of the day. decided to take the work home with me instead of continuing to stay at the office. The boys had been looking forward to me picking them up today, and I didn't want to let them down.

As I made my way toward the entrance, I pulled out my phone to try and book a cab. "Are you leaving already?"

I lifted my head in surprise, momentarily distracted by Amell's voice. He was standing near the doorway, looking like he had just been in a discussion with a patient. His posture was relaxed, but his eyes briefly flicked to his wristwatch.

"It's not your official closing time yet,” he said, almost as if he were

questioning why I was leaving so

early.

ет

I smiled slightly, adjusting the strap of my bag. "I promised the boys that I'd pick them up from school today," I explained. "It's something I've been meaning to do for a while, and I don't want to break that promise."

Amell nodded, acknowledging my

reason, then turned to dismiss the young man he'd been speaking with. After that, he stepped toward me, his eyes narrowing slightly in

thought. "Is your driver back lifet?

he

asked, looking past me toward the parking lot. "I noticed your car wasn't there when I left for a quick lunch

earlier."

I paused for a moment, a bit surprised by his observation. "No, he's not back yet," I replied, then gave a small shrug. "I'll just take a cab today. It's no big deal."

Amell frowned, his expression shifting as he considered my words. "I still have some paperwork to finish up," he said. "You can have my driver take you to pick up the kids and then drive you all home. It won't be a problem."

I shook my head immediately, not wanting to impose on him. "I really don't want to inconvenience you, Amell," I said, trying to be polite. "I'm sure I can manage just fine."

He rolled his eyes, clearly not willing to let it go. "Lily," he said with a hint of amusement, "let Clover drive you to pick up the kids and take you home. It's not a big deal."