Scarred by Love, Healed by Fate

After six years with Joel, Lyra landed in the hospital—sick and drained. The day she got discharged, she caught something in the hallway she wasn't supposed to hear. "Joel Fenwick, are you out of your mind? You gave Lyra's bone marrow to Renee without telling her? You knew her health was trash and lied about it being a stomach issue just to make her do it?" Renee. Joel's childhood flame. The girl he never got over. Lyra didn't cry. Didn't freak out. She just picked up the phone, called her parents overseas, and said yes to an arranged marriage with the Windsors. Chapter 1 Silvercrest Hospital, Lindale, Khelmark. Evelyn Fenwick burst into the hospital room, glaring at her younger brother slouched on the couch. "Joel Fenwick, are you out of your mind? You gave Lyra's bone marrow to Renee without telling her?" Joel Fenwick didn't flinch, just clenched his jaw. "Lyra was the only match. I didn't have a choice." She snatched Lyra's medical report off the table, eyes blazing. "NO CHOICE? You knew her health was trash and lied about it being a stomach issue just to make her do it? What's WRONG with you? Renee's got you whipped again? "Years ago, you nearly killed yourself racing just to make her smile and ended up paralyzed for five years. Who stuck by you the whole time? LYRA. "Now you're back on your feet, Renee shows up sick, and you sneak around to steal Lyra's bone marrow. Then as soon as Renee's better, you're off making TEST TUBE BABIES with her!" Lyra froze at the doorway, gripping the wall like it was the only thing keeping her upright. Her smile went stiff, a chill washing over her. Just half an hour ago, the doctor cleared her "stomach condition" and said she could finally go home. Joel had proposed right there—she'd cried happy tears and even posted online about it being the best day of her life. Inside the room, Joel hung his head, messy hair shadowing his eyes. "Evelyn, keep this to yourself. Don't let Lyra find out. Renee's grandma doesn't have much time left—she just wants to hold Renee's child before she dies. I don't want her leaving with regrets." Evelyn's eyes widened, face flushed with fury. "And what about Lyra? Everyone knows she's been in love with you for SIX YEARS! "Remember? Renee confessed to Stanley Pryce and got shot down. You used Lyra to humiliate him. Now Renee's pregnant, and after everything Lyra's done for you, what's your plan for her?" Joel stared at the floor. After a long pause, his voice came out rough. "I've got it all planned. Lyra will never know Renee's pregnant. As for the future... I'm used to having her around. I'll marry her..." Lyra didn't hear the rest. A nurse walked up, and Lyra quickly lowered her head, pretending she'd just come back from handling discharge papers. Inside, Joel and Evelyn shared uneasy glances before Evelyn dragged him out. On the way home, Joel rambled about wedding plans, but Lyra didn't hear a word. She just stared out the window, feeling cold all over. She'd met Joel at fifteen—some fancy party her parents threw. One look at that aloof, noble-looking teenager, and he was burned into her mind. At sixteen, she joined a racing competition under the alias 'Vesper' and ended up saving his life. That was the start of her long, silent crush. At twenty, Stanley Pryce was chasing her, and Joel hit her up on a chat app after a party. She'd been on cloud nine—until she learned about Renee Slutz, Joel's childhood sweetheart. Renee was wild, bouncing from guy to guy, never giving Joel the time of day. At twenty-one, Joel finally confessed, and she said yes. A year later, he got into that racing accident and wound up paralyzed. Everything changed. He turned moody and bitter, but Lyra stayed—out of love. She could've moved to Emmerica with her parents, but she didn't. At twenty-seven, Joel got back on his feet. His grandfather, Dominic Fenwick, announced he'd take over Fenwick Corp. He was on top of the world—while she collapsed at home and woke up in the hospital with a supposed "stomach condition." Surgery. Recovery. Lies. Now it all made sense—those endless blood tests at the hospital. Joel said it was for medical checks, but he'd tricked her into donating bone marrow to Renee. The Bentley pulled into the villa complex. Around midnight, Joel's phone rang—'Cutie ReeRee.' He swiped to decline and left in a hurry. Lyra moved to the window, watching the Bentley disappear into the night. She pulled out her phone and dialed her mom. "Mom, I've made up my mind. I'm agreeing to the arranged marriage with the Windsor family. Seven days from now, as soon as I land, I'll get the marriage certificate." Deborah seemed to sense what Lyra was going through. She offered a few comforting words before gently pointing out the reality. "Are you sure? Honey, our family isn't as influential as it used to be. "This marriage isn't something to take lightly. The Windsor and Fenwick families might be miles apart, but they are like fire and water. "If you marry into the Windsors, they might make you cut all ties with the Fenwicks." Lyra lowered her gaze. Six years ago, the Lebeau family moved their business to Emmerica. After a financial crisis, the Windsor family—also based in Emmerica—pushed for a marriage alliance, but her parents never forced her—because they knew she loved Joel. Now she just wanted him out of her life for good. Marrying into the Windsor family was the only way to make a clean break. "Mom, I've made up my mind. I never want to see Joel again!" Chapter 2 Deborah went quiet for a few seconds before saying, "Alright. Tomorrow, your dad and I will discuss the marriage with the Windsors." Lyra didn't sleep all night. The next morning, Joel still hadn't come back. Just one message: [Lyra, there's an issue at the company. I'm going on a business trip for three days.] She didn't bother replying. Instead, she booked a flight to Emmerica for a week later. Packing up felt like ripping out roots. Years of living with Joel had piled up way too much stuff. Since the Lebeaus were strapped for cash, she listed anything valuable online. By evening, a notification popped up—a message from an unfamiliar account: [Hi, Lyra.] She tapped it open. The profile pic was a positive pregnancy test, and the username read 'ReeRee Bliss.' Of course. Renee made a new, private account just to mess with her. Not brave enough to go public yet. A minute later, a social media post from Renee appeared—a photo of Joel at a prenatal checkup, captioned: [Hehe, gentle, caring, and filthy rich—the perfect dad 😘] Lyra saw through the petty scheme instantly. She liked the post and fired off a comment: [Got my bone marrow, got better, and now you're here to provoke me? Tell me, Renee Slutz—how does stolen life taste?] The next day, Lyra met up with her friends to say goodbye and sold off some luxury stuff to willing buyers. On the way home, her phone buzzed—another post from Renee. More photos, this time of Joel helping her pick out maternity clothes. Pink and white dresses, all fancy and cute. Curious, Lyra scrolled back to the last post and spotted Renee's smug reply to her comment: [It's not like I begged you to donate your bone marrow. Joel was just worried about me and forced me to accept it.] Lyra snorted and shot back a single question mark. By the third day, she'd sold all the gifts she'd given Joel over the years—shirts, shoes, watches. Every trace of him, gone. Then, another post from Renee popped up. This time it was about some luxury postpartum care center Joel had booked for her. The caption read: [Can't help it. People like me are just born lucky.] That afternoon, Joel finally showed up. He froze when he saw the half-empty bedroom, frowning at the pink suitcase by the door. "Why does the place look so empty? Those shirts you gave me are gone too. And why'd you suddenly buy a suitcase?" Lyra dropped her gaze, keeping it casual. "Those shirts were outdated, so I tossed them. Was planning a trip but changed my mind." Thinking she was just sulking because he'd been gone for three days, Joel pulled out a purchase contract and handed it over. "I've been busy with work, so I ordered you a new supercar. We'll go pick it up later." Lyra glanced at the contract. An exclusive Lamborghini—black and pink, just how she liked it. Even the seats were customized with her favorite animated character. Cars were her thing, way more than designer bags, and this model had definitely caught her eye recently. Six years together, and Joel still knew her tastes to a T. If she hadn't overheard his little chat with Evelyn at the hospital, she might've actually felt touched. "Thanks." She set the contract aside. Joel frowned and leaned in, gently pinching her cheek. "Still mad? There's a party tonight. I'll take you out to unwind." Lyra was about to say no, but he grabbed her hand and pulled her downstairs. They hadn't been on the road long when Joel's phone rang. The caller ID flashed 'Cutie ReeRee.' Lyra couldn't catch much—just a shaky, sobbing voice saying, "Joel... sob... hurry, save me..." Joel's jaw clenched. He tapped the screen, pulling up Renee's real-time location from some app, then whipped the car around. "Forget the party. Renee's been kidnapped. I have to get to her." He drove like a maniac, blasting through over a dozen red lights. Twenty minutes later, he spotted a black sedan up ahead and slammed the gas. Bang! The back of the sedan crumpled instantly. At the same moment, another car slammed into the Bentley's passenger side, sending it skidding. Lyra couldn't move fast enough—her head smacked against the window, and blood started streaming down her face. A sharp, stabbing pain shot through her skull like needles digging straight into her brain. She couldn't even make a sound. Joel didn't spare her a glance—his eyes stayed glued to Renee in the black sedan, completely oblivious to Lyra's injury. After three more collisions, the black car finally screeched to a stop. The attackers bailed, jumping into the accomplice's vehicle and speeding off. Joel shoved his door open and rushed to the back seat, scooping Renee into his arms. For the first time, pure panic flashed in his eyes. "You okay? Did they hurt you?" Renee curled into his arms, her face tilted up to show a red slap mark, eyes shimmering with tears. "It was my dad's business rivals... They just slapped me once. It's nothing serious." Seeing her like that made Joel's heart clench. He growled in frustration. "Nothing serious? Even when you were abroad, I spoiled you and kept you safe from stuff like this. What if something happened to the baby?" Renee sobbed harder. "It's your fault for taking so long... I was so scared..." "Don't be afraid. It's my fault. I'll get you checked out right now." He placed her carefully in the back seat, floored it to the hospital in five minutes flat, and carried her straight into the ER. Not once did he notice Lyra still sitting in the passenger seat—eyes red and swollen, blood soaking through her hair and streaking down her pale face. Chapter 3 Lyra watched them vanish into the hospital. She tipped her head back, fighting tears, and forced herself to move. Hands shaking, she pushed open the car door and headed for the entrance. By evening, rain was coming down in torrents, soaking straight through her wound. She didn't bother covering it up. A nurse at the triage desk went pale, rushing over to help and guiding her to get checked out. An hour later, Lyra was done with the exams—exhausted and barely hanging on. She grabbed her phone, spotting over a dozen missed calls—all from Joel. Without hesitating, she powered it off. Since the IV drip would take hours, she asked the nurse to set up a room for the night. In the quiet, memories swarmed her mind. After Joel's paralysis, she used to go to social events for him. One time at a business dinner, two CEOs got into it, and one flipped the table—plates shattered everywhere, and a shard cut her wrist. Joel showed up, livid, and immediately ordered his assistant to cut ties with both companies. Then he accompanied her to the hospital himself to get the wound cleaned up. She'd thought he was overreacting, but he'd just smiled and said, "Lyra, you're the most important woman in my life. I don't want any scars on you—except maybe from having our kids. Smooth skin looks best with beautiful clothes and jewelry." And now, with her face covered in blood, he'd brushed her off to take care of someone else. He once swore she'd never have to bear a scar, but he made her risk her life to donate bone marrow for another woman. Even marriage and kids—he'd planned all that with someone else behind her back. Before sleep claimed her, she saw a new post from ReeRee Bliss. It was a video of Joel, half-kneeling and gently washing Renee's feet to get her to sleep. Lyra played it on loop, heart aching more each time. Sleep never came. *** The next morning, Lyra dragged herself home. As soon as she stepped inside, Colin, the butler, appeared, looking uneasy. "Ms. Lebeau, Mr. Fenwick's waiting by the pool. He's... not in a good mood." She headed to the pool and spotted Joel comforting Renee, who was sniffling and playing the victim with fake tears streaming down her face. The second Joel saw Lyra, his anger snapped. Cold fury radiated off him. "Did you deliberately leak Renee's whereabouts to her dad's enemies?" Lyra froze, eyes shifting to Renee, who lounged on the couch with a smug, triumphant smirk. It clicked instantly—another setup. She rubbed her temples, exhausted. "I don't even know who her dad's enemies are," she shot back. "How would I leak anything?" Joel didn't budge. He yanked out a stack of photos and slammed them onto the table. "Then explain these—pictures of you meeting with them. What's going on?" Lyra glanced at the photos, her expression going ice-cold. They were from a few days ago when she'd been selling her secondhand luxury stuff at a coffee shop. No wonder the buyer didn't haggle—he'd insisted on meeting at that exact spot. When she didn't speak, Joel took it as guilt. His face got even darker. "Haven't I made it clear enough?" he snapped. "No matter what rumors are out there about me and Renee, we're innocent—there's nothing between us. I've always treated her like a sister. She's genuinely kind. "And you—six years. We've been together for six years. You know how I've treated you all this time. Didn't I just propose a few days ago? Yet you still insist on hurting her like this. Can you even justify it?" His words hit like a slap, but Lyra just stood there, holding it together while her heart cracked wide open. Six years. That's what he kept throwing at her—like it meant something. Funny how he forgot the first year was him chasing her just to piss someone off for Renee's sake. And the next five? Her taking care of the paralyzed, miserable man. She'd watched him fall apart—angry, broken, crying his eyes out night after night—all because he almost killed himself racing to boost Renee's ego. Real convenient how he forgot that part. She'd been there every single day, secretly learning rehab techniques, massaging his legs, and even meeting with top psychologists just to figure out how to keep him from spiraling. However, he acted like none of it ever happened. Honestly, it was pathetic. Lyra almost wanted to laugh and straight-up ask—if Renee was just his "sister," then why the hell was he making test tube babies with her? She took a slow breath. "Yeah, I finally get it now—how you've treated me and her these past six years." Joel's jaw clenched. "What are you trying to say now?" She didn't even bother arguing. Just pointed at the bandage wrapped around her head, giving him a bitter smile. "She got kidnapped yesterday, and I ended up with a head injury. Five stitches. You really think I'm dumb enough to hurt myself just to get back at her?" Even with the bandage right in his face, Joel didn't budge—still locked on protecting Renee. Typical. Seeing his cold, tense expression, something inside Lyra just... let go. Three more days, and she'd be out of here for good. "Fine," she said quietly. "Since you've already decided I'm guilty, just tell me how you wanna deal with it." Chapter 4 "I'm not saying I don't believe you, but I've known Renee for sixteen years and seven months—she's never lied to anyone." Joel paused, frowning hard as if deciding to end the matter. "You made Renee cry. Fix it." Right then, Renee—still fake sobbing—chucked the ring into the pool, gasping dramatically. "Joel! The ring you gave me... it accidentally fell into the pool!" She shot Lyra a smug little smile. "Fine—no apology needed. Just fish it out, and I'll forgive you for everything." The pool water was freezing—it was early winter, and Lyra's head was still messed up. She glanced at Joel. He just sat there, tapping his fingers, not even looking her way. It felt like something sharp stabbed right through her heart, splintering into a million tiny aches. She remembered that night—six months after Joel was diagnosed. Dominic showed up at the hospital, heard Joel might never recover, and started eyeing other successors. That night, Joel vanished. Lyra found him wheeling himself toward the raging sea, icy water climbing up his chest. Panicked, she ran to stop him, but he shoved her back. "Quit acting like you care. You're just my girlfriend, not my wife. If you're so set on controlling my life, the waves are rough tonight—swim a lap around the bay, and I'll listen to you from now on." Lyra froze, stunned. She wanted to scream that she wasn't pretending—that she wanted to be his wife. So, without thinking, she hurled herself into the sea, even though she couldn't swim. The waves hit hard, yanking her under. Everything went black. When she woke up, Joel was right there—face pale, jaw clenched, eyes locked on hers. "Why didn't you tell me you can't swim? Are you out of your mind? Jumping into the ocean when you don't even know how?" She looked up at him, voice raspy. "Even if your legs never recover, I still want to marry you. I... I love you more than you think." After that, he never took her to the beach again. Even the pool at home stayed empty, water drained. It wasn't until she joked about how weird it looked that he finally let the servants refill it—grudgingly—every day. Thinking about it now, Lyra let out a bitter smile. "You want me to get the ring? Fine." She didn't bother taking off her coat—just turned and jumped in. The icy water hit like a shock, soaking through her clothes, making her shiver so hard her teeth hurt. She sank slowly, fear clawing at her chest, but she bit her lip to keep from screaming. Then the water turned red—dark, blooming like a cruel flower. Colin's voice shot through the air. "Oh my God, Ms. Lebeau is bleeding from her head!" Joel's jacket hit the ground as he dove in, grabbing Lyra and hauling her out. "Enough! Why are you so stubborn? You could've just walked away!" Lyra tilted her head back, eyes locked on the diamond ring still glittering at the bottom. "You told me to make her happy. Aren't you satisfied now? Your precious Renee must be thrilled." Joel frowned, jaw tight. "I've told you a million times—I only see her as a sister. "Her family's status in Lindale isn't low either. What if people find out what you've done? You know how hard it is to keep public opinion under control these days. "I just wanted you to calm her down—for your own good." His tone was soft, like he was doing her a favor. Lyra just laughed—bitter, hollow. Public opinion, huh? Like when the almighty Fenwick heir wrecked himself in a car race for Renee—didn't they cover that up just fine? Or when Renee bullied half the school, hiding behind Joel's influence—didn't the Slutz family's reputation stay spotless thanks to him? Even their IVF attempts got buried, him guarding that secret like his life depended on it. But now? Now it was too hard to handle—just because it involved her? She'd never come close to Renee's place in his heart. Without another word, Lyra yanked off her soaked coat and headed for the living room. She barely made it a few steps before dizziness hit, and she crumpled to the floor. Joel's face changed in a flash—he moved to pick her up— But Renee dropped down beside her, sobbing. "Joel... My stomach hurts. Can you carry me upstairs to rest?" He froze, hand retracting from Lyra, then scooped Renee up without a second thought. Lyra lay on the cold floor, her head smacking hard as she fell. Joel didn't even look back. He glanced at Colin and ordered, "Take Lyra to the hospital." Chapter 5 When Lyra woke up, the first thing she saw was a pair of worried eyes. Joel shot up and called the doctor, finally breathing out when they confirmed she was okay. Lyra glanced at her left wrist—a bracelet with a cross. Looked just like Joel's. The assistant nearby smiled. "You were out for so long, Mr. Fenwick gave you his bracelet. Even prayed last night that if you woke up, he'd give up drinking and smoking for good." Lyra frowned, sliding the bracelet off and holding it out. "Don't change your habits for me." Joel didn't take it, just slid it back onto her wrist. "Didn't you make vows like that when you prayed for me back then?" Her heart clenched. Back in Joel's second year of being disabled, she'd heard that making a wish at Everlight Cathedral in Lindale was supposed to be especially powerful. One night, she took him there. They wrote their wishes on paper slips. Hers said: [I'd give up everything to make Joel healthy again.] Joel's slip said he wanted to marry her in five years. When she saw it, her eyes burned with tears. Joel pulled her into his arms and held her for what felt like forever. Those were the rare moments when his eyes were only on her—when Renee wasn't around. But now that Renee was back in Khelmark, she knew his focus would never be on her again. She glanced at Joel's eager expression, like he was waiting for praise, and looked away. "I'm a bit tired." *** When Lyra woke up, it was already afternoon. She sat up, ready to ask the doctor about getting discharged, but froze when she caught voices from the hallway. Evelyn sounded curious. "So, when's the wedding with Lyra?" Joel's voice was flat. "End of the month. I told her before." Evelyn nodded. "Make it grand. The gifts better be top-tier—nothing cheap. Lyra gave her bone marrow to your little sweetheart, remember? You owe her that much." Then her tone shifted, like something just clicked. "Weird coincidence—your wedding's this month, and I heard the Windsors are planning one too. The bride's name's Lyra... crazy, right?" Lyra didn't let them keep talking—she shoved the door open and cleared her throat, making them both shut up immediately. That evening, the doctor gave the all-clear for discharge. Back home, Lyra got a friend request—Weston Windsor. Must be the guy she was supposed to marry. She hit accept, and almost instantly, he sent over a gift list. The document was packed—line after line of meticulous details. Just skimming made her head spin. Two more messages popped up. [Here's the wedding gift list. Let me know if it's satisfactory.] [Mrs. Lebeau said your flight is the day after tomorrow, and you'll arrive the morning after that. I'll be at the airport with her to pick you up.] Lyra thought for a second before typing back. [The gifts are enough. Thank you.] He didn't respond, and she didn't bother checking again. That night, Joel kept trying to chat her up, but Lyra barely gave him the time of day. Figuring she was still mad about earlier, he decided to fix it by planning a pre-wedding bachelor party. He had his assistant spread the word, and by evening, the place was packed. As soon as Lyra showed up, Joel wrapped his arm around her waist and handed her a car purchase contract, his eyes fixed on hers. "I kept thinking that last supercar didn't really suit you, so I ordered a new one." Then he hesitated, shooting a quick glance at Renee, who looked all delicate and pitiful by the sidelines. Reluctantly, he handed her the original Lamborghini contract. "Renee, this car was originally for Lyra, but since she's got a new one now, you can have it. Sorry if it's a bit lacking." Renee's face lit up; she was trying to play humble. "It's okay—today's all about Lyra." But anyone could tell she was thrilled. The Lamborghini was a limited edition from Khelmark, while Lyra's new car was just a regular, though pricey, model. Guests nearby couldn't help but whisper. "Is Joel really marrying Lyra? This is supposed to be their bachelor party, but he's giving gifts to Renee?" "Yeah, right. Just an excuse to hand that limited edition car to Renee." "Everyone knows Lyra's obsessed with cars. Total slap in the face." "Shh, I heard Renee's some kind of racing prodigy. Rumor has it she's Vesper—saved Joel's life on the track. That's how he fell for her in the first place..." Lyra, sitting in the corner, frowned. Vesper? Wasn't that... her? Chapter 6 Before Lyra could wrap her head around it, people started flocking to Renee, drinks in hand, piling on the compliments. "Renee, Joel's so good to you—just handing over a supercar like it's nothing." "That white dress is gorgeous—you look like a princess." "Heard you're killer at racing—sweet and fierce. You and Joel are perfect together!" The crowd around Renee kept growing, completely forgetting the party was supposed to be for Lyra. An hour later, the place was buzzing—singing, games, people having a blast. Joel stayed glued to Renee's side, eyes never leaving her. When Renee reached for some crab, he stopped her, his voice low and gentle. "Be good. You're pregnant—you can't eat that. Once the baby's born, I'll get it for you." Renee pouted like she was about to throw a fit, so Joel sighed and pulled out an Amex Black Card, pressing it into her hand. The move sent another wave of whispers through the room. "He's still stuck on Renee, huh?" "Yeah... guess no one tops the first love. Poor Lyra." Lyra just sat in the corner, messing with her phone, acting like none of it bothered her. Renee scanned the room and spotted Lyra alone in the corner. Smirking, she strutted over in her heels. "This is your and Joel's bachelor party, but I stole the spotlight. "Everyone's flocking to me, showering me with praise. You must be so pissed. But no matter how much it bugs you, all you can do is grit your teeth and take it. "Stuck by Joel's side for five years—so what? The second I show up, I'm still the one he loves most." Lyra didn't bite. She'd run out of tears the day she left the hospital. When Lyra stayed silent, a chill flickered in Renee's eyes. She zeroed in on the chain bracelet around Lyra's wrist, jealousy flashing across her face. Suddenly, she yanked it off and gripped it tight. Lyra snapped. "Are you crazy? What are you doing?" She reached to grab it back, but Renee held on, knuckles white, rubbing the bracelet with a look of pure envy. "I heard this was from Mrs. Fenwick—a gift for the future daughter-in-law, huh?" Before Lyra could react, Renee shoved the bracelet into her mouth, yanking so hard at her lips that blood streaked down her chin. Red droplets hit the floor as she crumpled, the bracelet slipping from her hand. Tears welled up as she looked up, sobbing. "Lyra, I just thought Mrs. Fenwick's bracelet was pretty. Why did you shove it into my mouth? It hurts... it hurts so much..." A dark blur shot past, shoving Lyra hard. She couldn't keep her balance and crashed into the table holding the giant celebration cake. Pain ripped through her head as the wound reopened, fresh blood trickling down. The cake toppled over her, sticky icing smearing everywhere. Dazed and fighting back tears, she looked up just in time to see Joel rushing over—but not to her. He didn't even look her way, just pulled out a handkerchief and gently wiped the blood from Renee's mouth, his eyes soft with worry. Lyra finally got it—Renee was putting on one hell of a show. Wiping frosting off her face, Lyra spotted the bracelet on the floor. She picked it up and walked over to Renee, catching Joel's glare like he expected her to snap. Instead, she calmly grabbed Renee's wrist and fastened the bracelet on. "It's from Mrs. Fenwick. You like it, right? Keep it." Renee just stared, totally forgetting to keep up the whole helpless act. Joel frowned, clearly not getting what Lyra was up to. "That's Mom's birthday gift to you. Only the Fenwick daughter-in-law's supposed to wear it." Lyra pushed herself up, voice cold. "She touched it. It's dirty now. I don't want it." She didn't bother looking back, just limped out of the room. Behind her, Joel watched her leave, confusion clouding his face. Later that night, he finally got home, cleaned up, and slipped into bed, sighing when he saw Lyra still turned away. "Don't be mad. Stop picking on Renee. She really respects you, you know? Said she wants to patch things up, so... she'll be staying with us for a few days. Just... don't bully her, okay?" Lyra kept her eyes shut, staying quiet for a beat. Then, in a calm, almost detached voice, she asked, "If... and I'm just saying if... Renee wasn't 'Vesper,' would you still treat her like this?" Joel brushed his fingers through her hair, his voice low and rough. "She's like my sister. I'm good to her because she's Renee. Has nothing to do with being 'Vesper.'" Lyra just hummed faintly, gaze dropping. One more day—she just had to hang on one more day. Chapter 7 Lyra woke up to giggles from upstairs. Still half-asleep, she wandered out and spotted Joel and Renee messing around with flowers. They stood way too close, Joel showing her how to trim the stems like it was some big romantic moment. For a second, Lyra just stood there, frozen. Back when Joel was stuck at home, she'd taught him how to arrange flowers to keep him from losing his mind. He picked it up like a pro—never needed a second lesson. Every morning after that, he'd order fresh flowers and leave a bouquet on her nightstand. But ever since Renee waltzed back, that little tradition died. Lyra dropped her gaze, swallowing the knot in her throat. She ignored them, just trying to get some breakfast. Didn't even make it halfway before— Bam! A heavy vase smashed into her, knocking her flat. Pain ripped through her skull, warm blood dripping down as she curled up on the floor. Through the haze, Lyra saw Renee gliding down the stairs, all smiles. "Oh no, Lyra!" Renee gasped, eyes wide with fake concern. "I just wanted to show you the flowers I arranged, but my hand slipped and the vase hit your head. "You're bleeding so much—it's super scary! Should I call an ambulance? I'm just so shaken, I can't even pick up my phone. "You're not mad at me, right? Just hold on a little longer..." Before Renee could finish her little performance, Lyra blacked out from the pain. A housekeeper eventually found her and freaked out, rushing her to the hospital. When Lyra came to, it was already noon. Her head throbbed, and she reached up to feel the rough stitches—thirty of them. The doctor said she had a mild concussion and temporary blindness in her right eye. Great. Joel stood by the bed, leaning in to see if she was in pain, helping her sit up and sip some water. His touch was gentle, but his words cut deep. "Renee feels awful," he said, like that was supposed to fix it. "She almost fainted from guilt earlier. "When the housekeeper brought you here, some gossip reporter snapped a pic, and now the media's all over it. "Just say you fell and hit your head, okay? That way, her family will owe you. You know, Renee's Vesper—the one who saved my life back then..." Lyra turned away, yanking the blanket over her head. Whether it was the pain or the heartbreak, her eyes stung as she curled up, holding back tears. She couldn't help but remember how Joel used to be—the guy who freaked out over her low fevers and kept three private doctors on call. When cramps hit during her period, he'd spoil her all day, making sure she stayed in bed and ate properly. But now... that guy was gone. Joel heard her quiet sobs and hesitated, guilt gnawing at him. Just as he reached out, a nurse burst in. "Mr. Fenwick, the young lady who came with you this morning just fainted from crying. Do you want to check on her?" The second he heard Renee's name, Joel didn't think twice—he rushed out without looking back. Silence fell, leaving Lyra completely alone. Ten minutes later, Lyra's phone buzzed—a text from ReeRee Bliss. [So what if you have thirty stitches on your head and lost vision in one eye? I don't even have to cry, and he'll come running to me.] [Lyra, I was gone for a few years, but the second I said I wanted his baby, he agreed. You really think he doesn't love me?] Then came a video. In it, Joel was holding a sobbing Renee, his eyes red and puffy. "Shh... Don't blame yourself. I promised to always protect you. Lyra just hurt her head—it's no big deal. She won't tell anyone you hit her. You're pregnant now, so take care of yourself and don't stress over this." Lyra watched in silence, her nails digging into her palms. Without another thought, she forced herself upright, got out of bed, and left the hospital alone. Six hours left before she was gone for good. Lyra made her way to Everlight Cathedral and found the wish slip she'd written herself—the one that said, [I want to marry Joel and be his wife.] She tore it down, the cold wind whipping past and scattering two old slips onto the ground. They were Joel's. The first one read: [Marry Lyra Lebeau as my bride in five years.] The second one made her breath hitch: [As long as you come back, no matter when, I will always choose you.] Of course. That one was for Renee. Lyra let out a bitter laugh. "Congrats, Joel Fenwick. You got exactly what you wanted." *** Back at the villa, Lyra's phone kept buzzing with Renee's petty texts. She ignored them, sitting at her desk to write a farewell letter. She set a photo of Vesper next to it, then grabbed her suitcase and headed downstairs. She slipped off the engagement ring Joel had given her, placed it in a gray velvet box, and handed it to Colin. "When Joel gets back, give this to him. Let him know there's a letter on the desk." Colin's face went pale—he'd noticed her taking off the ring earlier and knew something was up. "Ms. Lebeau... are you leaving?" Lyra gave him a faint smile. "Thanks for looking after me all these years. If fate allows, we'll meet again." With a small wave, she wheeled her suitcase to the door and called a cab to the airport. An hour later, at the airport entrance, her best friend, Poppy Pryce, pulled her into a tight hug, refusing to let go. "Lyra, don't you dare come back. Live your best life in Emmerica and forget that scumbag Joel ever existed!" Lyra's eyes were red as she hugged her back. She glanced over her shoulder at the city of Lindale one last time, tilting her chin up. 'Goodbye, Lindale. 'Goodbye forever, Joel.'