When He Broke Me, He Wanted Me Back novel
The wind hit me like a solid wall, slamming against my soaked clothes, but I didnt flinch. Nothing mattered anymorenot while Enzo, my little brother, was strapped to the edge of that skeletal crane arm, trembling like a leaf in a storm.
Three seconds, baby, Darian said, dragging his chair closer. His tone was unnervingly calm, the kind of precision that made every word feel like a blade. Sign the statement. Forgive Vivienne. Your brother walks away in one piece. Dont test me. You know I dont bluff.
Vivienne.
His mistress.
The woman who had set my mother on fire.
My hands shook uncontrollably, heart hammering against my ribs. Enzo clung to the rusted pipe, eyes wide and darting between the edge and me.
H-Lyra he whimpered, voice small and broken. Why are we so high? Can we go home now?
Darian, I croaked, lifting my gaze to himthe man I had once called my husband, the man I thought would protect my family with his life. She burned my mother alive. Locked her in that house like it was nothing. My mother is gone. Enzo hes all I have left. And youre holding him hostage to protect her? Do you even realize what youre doing?
He leaned forward, brushing a hand over my hair as though I were a prized possession. I wanted to sink my teeth into him.
Sweetheart, he murmured, voice dripping false sweetness, when you threatened legal action, did it ever occur to you how much she matters to me? How far Id go for her?
An eyebrow lifted, and then he began counting.
Two.
Panic clawed at me. I could barely breathe, barely see. This monster had everything: my trust, my years, my soul. I had believed I was his world.
Maybe I had beenuntil she returned from the dead.
I gripped the hem of his trousers, trembling. Just just let her admit it. Let me hear her say she did it. She burned my mother alive. Thats all I want. Just hear it from her.
A soft, cruel laugh. She says she didnt. Thats it. No guilt. No regret. Lyra I asked for compassion, and you refused. You let me down.
I looked up at him, and the truth hit. No forgiveness. No love left. There was no version of this story in which he still cared for me.
I swallowed bile, voice barely a whisper. Ill Ill sign. Just dont hurt him. Please.
The smile that spread across his face was sickening, predatory. Theres my good girl. Then it disappeared, replaced by a chill colder than death. But baby you went too far. I cant let this go.
One.
No!
Before my scream could escape, one of his men struck. A swift kick to Enzos chest.
My brother toppled.
One second he clung to that pipe, tears streaming, reaching for me. The next nothing. Only air.
My scream tore through the steel skeleton of the unfinished building. Lungs burning, arms flailing, I tried to leap, to save him, but two guards seized me, dragging me back as I thrashed like a wild animal.
The wind screamed around us, city lights below smeared behind my tears. And Darian he just sat there, untouched, perfectly calm.
Eight years ago, I had been Lyra Carrington. Respected. Feared. Admired. Queen beside the heir of Carrington Heights most feared mafia family. Then one fire destroyed it all.
My mothers house burned that afternoon. She was trapped inside. Official report said faulty wiring. An accident. But I knew better. Smoke, ash, a tarp over her bodyno fire trucks in sight.
That night, Darian held me. Promised vengeance. Swore hed burn her alive. But the neighbors security footage changed everything.
The woman at the back gate before the fire? Vivienne Sinclair. Thought dead. Alive. And suddenly, nothing else matterednot my mother, not justice. Only her.
I begged him to press charges. He refused. I demanded justice. He said she needed help. I pushed. And he snapped. Then he took Enzo.
My love, he said, voice sickly sweet, one signature, and this ends. Stop clinging to the past.
I had never imagined it would come to this. I had believed he loved me.
Darian Carrington had hunted me as though his life depended on it. I was dismissed as a fling, a pretty girl from the slums hed discard when bored. So I vanished. Faked my death. Disappeared.
He went mad. Found my clothes by the sea, nearly ended himself. Maybe he truly loved me.
Then I discovered the letter in his safe. A suicide notenot for me. For her. Vivienne. Dated the day I disappeared. Every tear, every cliff he had stood on none of it was for me. I was her shadow.
I cried for three days.
He held me, whispering lies. Baby, he murmured, Viviennes gone. Youre the one I live for. Ill prove it. If you doubt me, Ill jump every day until you believe me.
He went back to that cliff. No hesitation.
I broke. Begged him to come back. Told myself it was real. He even gave me command of his personal unit, his private kill squad.
Theyre yours now, he said, pressing the badge into my hand. If I cross you, use them. No mercy. Kill me. Deal?
I laughed through tears. Im not a killer. I just wanted you to love me.
He met my gaze. Darian only loves Lyra. Always.
Until Vivienne returned, and those words vanished.
Lyra, he had said one night, weary, soft, shes not okay. Give her time. Ill make it right with you.
I believed it. I believed he would return once he found closure. I was wrong. My mother was dead. My brother almost killed. And Enzos screams etched into my memory forever.
When we finally descended from that crane, I lost control. Screaming. Kicking. Threatening to burn the entire building if they didnt tell me where Enzo was.
Then the elevator doors opened.
A guard stepped out, holding him.
Enzo. Alive.
Weak. Barely conscious. But breathing.
Maam, the guard said softly, hes alive. Just fainted. Mr. Carrington set up safety cushions under the crane beforehand. He landed on them.
My legs gave out. I crumpled to the ground, choking on sobs so violent I couldnt see anything.
Darian walked toward me with the calm confidence of someone who believed hed done nothing wrong.
This is what happens when you go against me, he murmured, almost bored. Lets not repeat this, sweetheart.
Then he walked away as if I were nothing.
Rain started to pourheavy, cold, merciless.
And I just stayed there. With my unconscious brother in my arms.
Soaked. Frozen. Hollow.
I reached inside the hidden seam of my bag and pulled out the old burner phone he didnt know existed.
I dialed a number Id memorized years ago.
Its me, I said, my voice nothing but ice. Im leaving everything behind. I need a full wipe. One month. Make me disappear.
Understood, maam.
---
After Darian abandoned me on that cursed construction site, I carried Enzo on my back through the storm. No car. No escort. No umbrella. Only rain slamming down on us like punishment.
His skin was burning with fever. I wasnt much better. But I didnt stop. I couldnt stop.
I held him the entire walk homebarefoot, stumbling across gravel, mud clinging to my legsuntil the Carrington estate finally came into view.
I collapsed right in front of the gate.
When I opened my eyes again, I was lying in a hospital bed shivering uncontrollably, IV tubes snaking from my arms.
They said Id been unconscious for three days. My fever had been too high. My body almost shut down.
Enzo was in a room next to mine.
Weak. Terrified. Alive.
Darian didnt visit me. Not even once.
He was too busy playing house with Vivienne.
On the fourth day, they discharged us.
When we returned to the mansion, Vivienne was curled up on Darians lap like she owned the place. She didnt even pretend to look surprised.
Darian didnt look away from herjust continued stroking her hair as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
Vivienne hates storms, he said. Shell be taking the master bedroom until shes feeling better. Youll stay in the guest room.
I didn't shout. Didnt break anything. Didnt beg.
I simply stood there.
Alright, I replied. My voice was flat. Empty. Whatever you prefer.
He didnt know what I endured during those missing daysmy body burning, my tears soaking the hospital pillow, the nightmares replaying Enzos scream.
Whatever love I had for him didnt fade.
It died.
And I didnt want it resurrected.
---
Later that night, while unpacking in the guest room, he appeared at the doorway like he had every right.
Oh, Lyra, he said casually, Vivienne has a therapy pet. Youll be taking care of it.
I froze. What are you talking about?
The front door opened again, and a man in a raincoat carried in a large plastic crate with air holes.
Inside was a massive python, coiled tightly, its tongue flicking at the light.
I stumbled backward, slamming into the cabinet hard enough that pain shot through my shoulder.
Darian knew about my fear.
He knew how snakes hunted my nightmares.
After my father died, Mom, Enzo, and I lived in a tiny shack behind a scrap yard. One night, a python slithered in through the floorboards. It wrapped around my ankle before I could scream.
I still have the scar. Still remember the cold scales, the way it hissed in the dark.
But Darian just shrugged.
I know youre terrified, he said lazily, but her therapist says this helps her anxiety. That snake is her medicine. So do your part. Dont make this more difficult than it has to be.
There was a threat buried beneath each syllablesilent, sharp, unmistakable.
I swallowed every ounce of pride I had left.
O?okay, I whispered. Ill handle it.
Vivienne smiled like she was crowning herself queen.
Thank you, Lyra. Ohand isnt he cute? His names Armie. Same as you.
My vision blurred for a second, but I kept a polite smile.
So sweet.
From then on, I fed it, cleaned the enclosure, did everything requiredwhile staying as far from it as possible. Using tongs. Thick gloves. Long sleeves.
Every time I approached, the snake lifted its head and hissed.
One night, it struck at the glass so hard I nearly dropped the entire tank.
I didnt sleep until morning.
---
A week later, I returned from the market with Enzo quietly sipping from a juice box beside me.
The moment I entered the house, I heard frantic crying.
I rushed into the living room.
Vivienne was on the floor, shaking, gasping.
The snakes tank was overturned, shards everywhere.
Darian was pacing like a man possessed.
Where the hell is the doctor?!
Vivienne looked up, tears smeared across her cheeks.
Then her arm extendedpointing at Enzo.
Him, she whispered shakily. He did it. He killed Armie.
I blinked. Shocked. What are you talking about?
Darian turned toward me, voice low and dangerous.
What did she just say?
Vivienne held a broken ceramic dish from the tank, her hands trembling theatrically.
I saw him, she cried. He reached inside when I stepped out he smashed things I tried to stop him, but it was too late.
Thats not true! I shouted, stepping in front of them. Enzo wouldnt hurt anyone. He steps over insects. He cries when someone raises their voice. He wouldnt kill anything. Youre lying.
Vivienne stared at me like she was condemning me in court.
He has episodes, doesnt he? You told me yourself. He didnt understand. He just broke.
She clung to Darians arm, sobbing harder.
That snake was the only thing keeping me steady, Darian. And she let him destroy it.
He looked at menot angry.
Just disappointed, which somehow felt worse.
Your brother destroyed her therapy animal.
No, Darian, he didnt! How can a child
Youve crossed a line again, darling.
He nodded toward his guards.
Discipline the boy.
Enzos face went white. He backed against the wall, trembling.
I didnt I didnt I didnt touch it
I jumped in front of him.
NO! I screamed. Hit me instead! Please! Dont touch himhe cant understand whats happening!
Move, one guard ordered.
I spread my arms, shielding Enzo with my body.
Whip me, I begged. Im the one you hate. Im the one who ruined everything. Punish me instead.
Darian didnt answer.
The whip sang through the air.
The first strike tore into my back like a knife.
I screamed but clung to Enzo.
He was shaking violently, crying into my shoulder.
The second lash ripped skin. I felt warmthblood.
By the fifth, my legs trembled under me. The room swam.
By the seventh, I collapsed over Enzo, using my body as a shield, whispering, Its okay youre okay dont be scared
They kept going.
Until I could no longer lift my arms.
Until my screams faded into shallow gasps.
Until the world dimmed around me.
Until all I heard was Enzos desperate sobbing in my hair
And then everything went dark.
When I regained consciousness, I found myself in another hospital room. Harsh fluorescent lights glared down at me, antiseptic clinging to my skin like a second layer, and my body felt as if concrete had been poured into my veins.
And there he was.
Darian.
Sitting beside my bed, that permanent scowl etched on his facebut this time, his jaw was tight, and dark shadows lingered under his eyes, hinting at a concern I had never seen before.
You really need to stop testing me like this, he said, his voice rough, low, dangerous. I didnt want it to get that far, Lyra. But you keep pushing me, and I break. I warned you not to keep provoking me.
I turned my head, staring at the stark white wall beside me.
I know, I murmured softly. Too soft. It wont happen again.
He stayed quiet for a moment. My calm, passive toneit unnerved him. He could handle my screams, my sobs. But this silence? It made him feel unmoored, like control was slipping from his grasp.
He leaned closer, cupping the back of my head with a possessiveness that still made me shiver. Dont act like this. Dont make me think youre afraid of me. You know I hate that. Ive got something planned something big for you.
I didnt speak. I only listened.
Our anniversary is next week, he said. Three years. I reserved the yacht, docked under Carrington Bridge. Midnight.
Of course he had.
A floating palace on the water, moonlight reflecting off polished surfaces, candles scattered like stars, glasses of champagne waiting for meno escape, no privacy.
I dropped seven figures on it, he added, as if money could impress me. So dress nicely and show up.
I stayed quiet.
After a moment, I asked, Wheres Enzo?
He pulled out his phone, tapped a few times, and angled the screen toward me. A live video feed. There was my little brother, seated cross-legged on the floor of an opulent room, a tutor guiding him through phonics. A quiet nanny poured juice for him from behind.
Hes fine, Darian said. Homeschooling starts today. The best teachers, twenty-four-hour monitoring. Nothing happens to himas long as you dont give me a reason to change that.
I gave a single nod. Silent.
He studied me for a long moment, trying to read the expression I no longer wore.
But he couldnt.
Because I wasnt the same anymore.
---
Later that night, stepping onto the yacht, I was met with a deck bathed in candlelight. Crystal flutes shimmered on a table, each filled with champagne I didnt want. White orchids twisted along the railings. A violinist played softly beneath the stars.
And above it all, Carrington Bridge loomed, glowing as if the entire city were watching.
He took my hand, drawing me into a slow dance beneath the moonlight. His breath tickled my neck as he murmured, Three years, baby. We made it.
I didnt respond. No blink, no smile.
Something inside me had gone quiet.
Looking out over the dark water, I made a silent vow: one more month to erase every trace of myself. To disappear completely. This time not even Darian Carrington could find me.
Then the elevator chimed. Doors slid open. And there she was.
Vivienne.
Darian immediately went to her, and she draped her arms around him.
A bitter smile spread across my lips before I could stop it. It wasnt deliberate. Just instinct. Pain coiled in venom.
He noticed instantly and moved quickly. Dont start, he said. She just dropped something off for you. Thats it.
I looked down, pretending I didnt notice the way his fingers intertwined with hers. But I did. He did too. He straightened, giving me a look that said, dont make me clean this up tonight, Lyra. Not here. Not under these stars.
Thanks, I said quietly. Thats nice of her.
The fake composure pleased him. He finally let go of her hand and circled to wrap his arm around me, cold lips brushing my temple like a deliberate insult.
Vivienne said nothing. She simply pulled a velvet box from her clutch and handed it to me with that soft, condescending smile that never reached her eyes.
I opened it slowly by the glass railing, the dark water below shimmering like ink.
Inside rested a silver hairpin. Intricately etched. Familiar. My mothers. Not just any pinthe pin. Slightly burned. The one with our family crest, with a hidden blade in the stem. She had worn it the day she died. The same day Vivienne set her ablaze.
My fingers curled tightly around the box.
Where Where did you get this? I whispered.
Vivienne blinked, feigning innocence. Lyra I found it at a tiny estate sale on the East End. I thought it was pretty. I didnt realize it meant anything to you.
Youre lying, I hissed.
Im not, she said, eyes glossy. I just I wanted to give you something special. Its your anniversary. I thought I wanted you to be happy.
You knew exactly what this was. You knew, I pressed forward.
Vivienne stepped backward slowly, voice trembling just enough for the guests and crew to hear.
Why do you hate me so much, Lyra? Ive tried to stay out of your way. I smile, I stay quiet, Ive done everything I can. And still
Step by step, she backed toward the edge of the deck, tears falling as if rehearsed.
I only wanted to be happy for you for both of you
Another step.
Vivienne, Darian warned, his voice taut. Dont.
Im sorry I survived, she sobbed. Im sorry I came back. Maybe I shouldnt have
Thenone final step. She fell.
Her body disappeared into the black water with a splash that silenced everything.
Gasps shattered the night like breaking glass. Guests froze. Forks clinked against plates. The violinist stopped mid-bow.
She jumped
Oh my god
What did Lyra do to her?
I heard she tormented that woman for months
She was always unstable
Vivienne! Darians voice broke, raw and ragged. He didnt even glance at me. He leaped into the water after her, crashing into the waves as though the world itself would end if she didnt resurface.
The crew scrambled. Radios crackled. Spotlights swung across the water.
I didnt move. I remained at the railing, fingers still gripping the velvet box.
Below, I heard coughing, splashes. Her name echoing endlessly.
I told you she was jealous, someone whispered.
She always hated Vivienne. This time, she went too far.
She should be ashamed. What kind of woman ruins her own anniversary?
I didnt flinch. I stared at the dark water below, but the only thing my eyes could focus on was the silver glimmer of that hairpin catching the moonlight.
I didnt shed a tear. I didnt utter a single word. Because in that exact moment, the truth slammed into me like cold steel: she hadnt accidentally fallen. She had staged it.
And he jumped in after her to complete the act.
As for me? I was done being part of their audience.
---
Darian eventually hauled himself back onto the yacht, clothes soaked and clinging to his skin, Vivienne limp in his arms as if she were made of fragile porcelain. Her head drooped backward, her limbs slack. He gently lowered her to the deck and immediately launched into CPRcompressions, breaths, shaking hands pressing against her chest.
Vivienne, he whispered again and again, voice trembling. Come on. Stay with me. Breathe. Please, sweetheartplease
From the opposite end of the deck, I watched through blurry vision, my clothes heavy with water, my knees scraped raw against polished wood. And through the haze of tears, I saw itjust for the briefest of seconds.
Her mouth curved.
Not from pain.
Not from fear.
A smile.
She was acting.
The cough that followed came too late, too dramatic, a fragile, pitiful sound crafted for sympathy.
Darians breath hitched, and when she started sobbing, he gathered her close instantly. Its okay, he murmured. Youre safe now. Ive got you.
My chest achednot with jealousy, not even with fury. But with the crushing realization that I was battling a ghost he chose to believe in. A ghost he would always protect.
He turned his gaze toward me, and in his eyes, I became the stain on his perfect night. The reason everything had gone wrong.
You embarrassed her, he said coldly.
She jumped, I rasped. You SAW her jump. But my words fell dead at his feet. Vivienne let out another trembling whimper against him, loud enough to sway any witnesses still watching.
Darian I was so terrified she whispered, pitiful and calculated.
That did it.
He rose to his feet slowly, rage twisting his features. He turned to his guards.
Strip her.
I jerked back in horror. No! Darian, wait!
Do it.
Hands grabbed me. My dress was torn from my body like it was nothing but tissue. I foughthardbut it didnt matter. I was dragged to the center of the deck, left exposed beneath the spotlight, saltwater drying against my skin.
The whip cracked before I could brace myself.
The first strike ripped across my back, white-hot agony exploding through my nerves.
Guests gasped. Some covered their eyes. Others stared.
The second lash made me stumble.
The third tore into skin.
The fourth sent a metallic taste spilling into my mouth. I coughed violently. Then the blood camefast, thick, too much.
I collapsed to my knees, trembling, arms weak and shaking as more blood dripped from my lips onto the gleaming floor.
I barely registered Darians frantic footsteps until he was kneeling right before me, gripping my face with trembling fingers.
Lyra! What the hellwhats happening to you?!
My lips were slick with red, dripping down my chin. I tried to form words, but nothing came out.
Behind him, Vivienne suddenly bent forward, coughing violently, gaggingtoo dramatic to be real, but convincing to an untrained eye.
II cant breathe she sobbed.
That was all Darian needed to hear. Panic washed over him instantly.
MED TEAM! he bellowed toward the bridge. Clear the helipadNOW!
They gathered Vivienne up like she was something priceless.
And me?
He didnt even look at me again. His voice turned cold, flat.
Take her home. Lock her in the basement.
I was yanked away, dragged across the lower deck past horrified faces, past spilled wine and crushed rose petals. Through the private corridor. Into a waiting black car by the dock.
That night, I didnt fall asleep on silk sheets.
I slept on cold stone.
Under the mansion where I once ruled.
While she rested in a hospital bed, faking every breath.
And Darian still refused to see the truth.
---
By morning, his men pulled me out of the basement again. I didnt get to change clothes. Didnt get to clean the blood or the salt from my wounds. The car ride was rough, silent, merciless.
When the doors opened, rain came down in sheets, soaking me instantly. But that wasnt what froze me in place.
It was where we were.
A cemetery.
No. No
Not here.
My heart plummeted. Breath stuttered in my chest. My legs stopped moving.
Darian, I whispered, voice barely more than air. Please. Dont do this. Not here.
He stood several feet away, unmoving, rain streaking down his coat. He watched me like I wasnt someone he once vowed to protectbut a problem he was finally ready to solve.
Youre done listening, he said quietly. You havent heard me for a long time. So now this is the only way left.
He nodded to his men.
Start digging.
No! I lunged forward, screaming, swinging at their arms. Dont touch her! Dont you fucking dare!
But Darian grabbed me, yanking me back by the waist. He spun me around and gripped my chin, forcing my gaze up to his.
You disobeyed me, he snarled. You humiliated her. You mocked her pain. Now youre going to learn what real loss feels like.
I thrashed, fought, screamed until my voice tore. But no one paused. No one questioned.
The ground opened before me. Wet earth flew through the air as shovels tore through it, digging past stone and soil.
And then I saw it.
My mothers urn.
Black. Rain-smeared. Half-buried in mud.
Something inside me shattered into pieces.
No! Please I collapsed onto my knees, agony ripping through me. Thats all I have left of her, Darian. Dontdont do this. Im begging you.
He crouched beside the open grave, staring at the urn like it was trash. Like it meant nothing.
The doctor sent me an update this morning, he said calmly.
I froze.
She went into respiratory arrest from water entering her lungs. Theres impact trauma, a dislocated hip, nerve damage. They dont even know if shell ever dance again. You know how much she loves dancing. But you took that from her.
He looked at me.
No warmth.
No remorse.
Only cold, deliberate cruelty.
You think Im going to forgive that?
I shook my head wildly. She jumped herselfDarian, she SMILED
You broke her, he said simply. So now I break yours.
And he dropped the urn.
It struck the mud with a sickening crack and burst apart. Ash scattered upward, caught on the wind, swirling with the rain like smoke escaping a burning pyre.
The scream that tore from my throat didnt sound human. I lunged forward, clawing at the ground, trying to gather the shards, the mud-soaked ash, the remains of my mother dissolving in the storm.
Ash stuck to my skin. Ran down my arms in streaks of gray.
I ripped off my coat, trying to shield what was left.
But the rain washed her away.
Piece by piece.
Until there was nothing.
Mom please dont leave me. Not again. I cant Im so sorry Im so, so sorry I clawed through the wet soil, hands shredded and bleeding. My nails were cracked and caked with dirt. My dress clung to me, soaked and heavy with mud and ash. I didnt care.
Even Darians men looked away, unable to stomach the scene. But Darian? He just stood there, motionless, eyes fixed on me as I sank into the grave alongside her.
The rain didnt let up. And neither did I. Because when the last person who truly loved you is gone theres nothing left to come back to. You rot with them.
---
I dont even remember how they got me back to the estate. One moment I was screaming in the downpour, digging through the wet ashes, and the next, the world had gone black. My body was wreckedfevered, bruised, broken. My mind stopped even trying to fight. I collapsed the moment we reached the gates and never stood again.
Days passed. Maybe a week. Perhaps more. Time blurred. Everything around me was silent, distant, unreal. The only human presence came in small, quiet gestures. The housekeepersoft-spoken, discreethelped me clean, changed my clothes, guided me to swallow my pills without prying.
Then someone else appeared.
Enzo. My little brother.
Lyra, he whispered, voice barely audible. Youre hurting again.
I blinked through the darkness, throat raw and sore.
Why why are you always hurting? he murmured. I want I want us to leave. Far away. Trees, open skies just us. I dont like this place.
I turned enough to hold him, weakly, but still holding. His small hand wiped at his nose on my sleeve, and he tried to offer me a smile.
Ill save Ill save enough money, he continued. Well run away. Just you and me. Like magic.
I wanted to say yes. I wanted to promise him freedom, soon. But all that left my lips was a whispered, Im trying, Z. I promise Im trying.
He nodded, nuzzling into me, and finally fell asleep in my armsthe last fragment of safety I still had.
And Darian? Gone. Somewhere, far away, wrapped around Viviennethe woman who faked her death, returned, and acted like the universe owed her every stolen second.
Photos of them surfaced everywhere. Laughing beside the Seine. Clinging to each other in Paris. Frozen together in some icy blue cavern in Antarctica.
The worlds most feared heir with his first love back from the dead.
I stared until the sharp pain in my chest dulled into something icy, lifeless. And then I began stripping away the memories, piece by piecethe way he held me when I cried, the man he killed at a party for touching my arm, the private island he closed off just to make me smile on my birthday. All of iterased.
---
Then, one morning, they returned.
No warning. No hint.
Darian walked into the living room like the months hadnt killed me slowly from the inside out. Tie loosened, posture casual.
Vivienne says the only thing she regrets is not marrying me, he said, voice flat. So Im fixing that. Well get a divorce now, and Ill finally give her the wedding she wanted.
Not a glance in my direction. Just the words, cold as a business transaction.
I looked at himthe same man who once whispered hed bury the world for me, called me his religion in a world of liesnow sizing me up like background noise.
I wanted to ask, Do you love her? But the answer had been clear since the moment she came back.
I almost asked, Did you ever love me?
But before I could, Vivienne called his name. Soft. Sweet. Calculated.
His face softened instantly. Eyes lit up. Years of absence in his gaze, and suddenly I was invisible.
I held my breath. Then forced a smile, bitter and cracked.
Congratulations, I said quietly. I hope youre happy together.
He cocked his head. What was that?
Nothing, I whispered, still smiling. Just wishing you luck.
He lingered, hand on the doorframe, as if weighing something, then Viviennes voice called again. And just like that, he turned, following her, leaving me behind.
---
The following days blurred in preparation for their wedding. Vivienne orchestrated every call, every photo shoot. Darian stayed beside her, sharp in tailored suits, cold eyes, practiced grin.
He planned every detail like a campaign. Guest list reviewed. Flowers measured. Timelines calculated. Not once had he put such effort into our wedding.
Then, a few days before the ceremony, Vivienne appeared before me, that same plastic smile she had when she handed me our mothers locket.
Lyra, she said, warm, sugary, I realized we dont have a ring bearer. Wouldnt it be perfect if Enzo did it? Hes practically family.
I didnt respond at first. I just stared.
Then I rose, voice low, deliberate.
There are thousands of children you could have chosen. But you picked him. Why?
She blinked, offended, rehearsed. I just wanted it to be meaningful. Someone familiar. Safe. Someone we both know.
No, I said, locking eyes with her.
Tears welled, still theatrical. She turned to Darian, clinging to his arm.
Honey I didnt mean anything. Lyra misunderstood. I just want someone safe, someone we know.
Darian smirked, pinching her nose like a mischievous child.
Youre such a headache, he said. Fine. You win. Enzo it is.
Then he looked at me. No trace of amusement. Just sharp, cold eyes cutting through me.
I didnt argue. Didnt flinch. I already knew the pattern.
I turned away, fists clenched so tightly my nails dug into my palms. Everything I had planned was in ruins. My escape was supposed to happen before the wedding. All the pieces were in place: fake identities, offshore accounts, routes mapped for a clean exit.
But I couldnt abandon Enzo. Not now. Not when Vivienne wanted him paraded in that ceremony. Not when Darians eyes followed her like she was the foundation of some future hed built with the woman who destroyed me.
So that night, I retrieved the burner phone I had stashed beneath the loose floorboard.
I dialed the number. One ring. Click.
Its me, I whispered, voice tight. The exit plan has to change. Im not leaving alone.
Understood, maam, came the response. Everything will be adjusted.
This time, I wasnt fleeing.
This time, I was taking back what belonged to me.
The plans updated, I murmured into the small phone, low and controlled. Enzo is the ring bearer. I cant leave him behind.
A pause, my fingers trembling slightly against the device.
And theres one more thing, I added, voice tighter. Eight years ago, after I faked my death Darian had a tracker implanted in me. He never said wherejust that its somewhere unreachable. He knew Id try to run again.
A long pause followed. Then:
No problem, maam. Well handle everything on our end. But that tracker has to come out. Otherwise, this wont work.
I exhaled, relief just barely seeping in. Alright. Ill wait for your signal
Lyra.
The voice hit me like a gunshot. I spun. Darian stood by the door, still, eyes sharp, expression unreadable.
I snapped the phone shut and tucked it behind me. My heart thudded violently.
He advanced, gaze piercing, a predator zeroing in.
Who the hell are you waiting for? he asked, voice low but edged with warning.
Before I could answer, his hand shot out to grip my throat. Not enough to choke, but enough to remind me I wasnt in control.
You trying to run again? he muttered, close enough that I could feel his breath. Another man? Or are you gonna fake your death again and think Ill let it slide twice?
I gasped, I wasntIm waiting for Enzo. He doesnt know the ceremony location. Hes just a child!
His hold loosened slightly, but his eyes remained cold, unyielding.
Without another word, he dragged me closer. His lips crushed mine, rough, harshno tenderness, no care.
His hands shoved me to the floor. My skirt tore as he forced me down. Hard. Ruthless. Unrelenting. I bit my lip to suppress a sound. I wouldnt give him satisfaction.
When it was over, I lay on the cold marble, breathing shallow and quiet.
He bent over, brushing a stray strand of hair from my face, pressing a casual kiss to my temple as if nothing had happened.
Lyra, he murmured, calm now, dont betray me again. That trackers still inside you. Dont forget it.
His thumb brushed the ring on my fingerthe one he gave me when he promised forever.
The Eternal Bond collection, he said, mockingly. Vivienne wants it on the wedding day. Hand it over.
My vision blurred. My throat burned.
That ring it was ours, I said. It meant something.
He smiled as if I were being dramatic. Its a piece of metal. I could replace it ten times over if you want. Stop acting like a child.
Of course. Just a ring. Just another lie.
I removed it slowly, fingers trembling, hiding nothing. Dropped it into his hand. He didnt even glance at it.
Once he left, I finally let myself breathe. Then I moved. The tracker, the money, the planeverything. I had to stay ahead.
I had already started liquidating everything he had given me: jewelry, cars, even the yacht. All converted to clean money in offshore accounts, under new identities.
Enzo was the only reason I hadnt razed this place entirely.
---
That night, I dragged a steel barrel into the estates backyard. Inside went photos, gifts, the leather jackets stitched with our initials, hundreds of love notes.
And thenthe black journal.
His obsession in ink.
He documented every detail: the hour I woke, the tea I drank, how I tied my hair when stressed, the music that soothed me after nightmares. He knew every corner of me.
He had loved me like a blueprint. A project. Not a person.
I dropped the journal in the barrel and struck a match.
Flames licked the papers, the fabric, the memories. His twisted version of love was devoured. Smoke curled into the night, heat brushing my face.
One tear fell. Just one. Landing in the ashes.
I didnt cry again.
The fire died quickly. No trace remained. Only smoke. Only silence.
I stared at the sky and whispered, Goodbye, Darian.
And this time I meant it.
The wedding still pushed through. No delays. No doubts. No shame. Every big name in the Carrington underworld showed up like it was the damn coronation of a king. Mafia dons, arms dealers, cartel heirs, senators with bloody hands. All dressed to the nines and smiling for cameras like they werent sitting on piles of bodies.
And me? I was tucked away in the back corner of the ballroom. Wearing a muted lilac sheath dress that used to be Darians favorite. Subtle. Vintage. Clean. Just like he liked his wife to look. But I wasnt his wife anymore. Not really. Now I was just a shadow in the room. Watching him stand there, in front of everyone, marrying Vivienne Sinclair.
The woman he swore was dead. The woman he used to cry over in his sleep. The woman he once buried, then pulled back from the grave like she was some cursed jewel he couldnt stop chasing. And he was smiling. That same damn smile he gave me the day he asked me to marry him. Like the whole world was right in front of him. It burned.
I heard the whispers start before the ceremony even began.
Thats Darians old wife, right?
She actually came? Shit. If that were me, Id have set this whole place on fire.
You think shes got the balls? She used to beg him just to eat dinner with her after Vivienne came back. She's a trained dog now.
Didnt he strap her brother to a crane once? Just to scare her into dropping a lawsuit?
Yeah. Loyaltys not optional in Darians circle. It's survival.
Every word sliced deeper than the last. I sat there like stone. No reaction. Not even a blink. Id learned how to survive under Darians gaze. I knew how to act like it didnt hurt. But it did.
The officiants voice cut through the room, clear and loud.
Do you, Darian Lyon Carrington, take Vivienne Elaine Sinclair as your lawful wife?
I held my breath. Darian looked at Vivienne like she hung the goddamn moon. He brushed her hair behind her ear, smiled soft and low, and said, I do.
And just like that, whatever was left in me snapped. But I couldn't stand it. Didnt scream. I stayed in my chair and watched my nightmare get sealed with a kiss.
Then came the next part.
And now, the ring bearer will bring the rings.
Enzo walked out, tiny feet slow against the polished floor, wearing that rose-colored suit that Vivienne had picked. My baby brother. Tears lined in his eyes, but he didnt let them fall. I saw Darian glare at him from the altar and he immediately looked down. He handed over the ring.
The one he made for me. The one that used to sit on my finger. "The Eternal Bond," hed called it. Custom-made. Blood diamond. Worth enough to buy a small island. Now it was sliding onto Viviennes hand.
The crowd clapped. And Darian kissed his bride like she was the final piece of his empire. But even with his lips on Vivienne, his eyes searched for me. He wanted to see me crack. Wanted me to be broken. Humiliated. Still his. But I looked back. And I smiled. That was the last thing he saw.
Because right then, the ceiling above the ballroom blew open.
BOOM.
Glass shook. Chandeliers trembled. A wave of gasps tore through the room as photos started raining from the rafters like a goddamn blizzard. Black and white. Full color. Explicit. Private. All of Vivienne. Her in bed. Not with Darian. But with others. Politicians. Rivals. Enemies. Women. Men. Some of them married. Some of them dead. One photo showed her laughing, blood on her hands. Another showed her whispering into the ear of a known traitor. And anothermy favoriteshowed her handing off a brown envelope to one of the same men who tried to assassinate Darians father.
Gasps turned into screams. Someone shouted, Is this real?! Cameras flashed. Phones were already uploading the images live to every underworld server.
And in the chaos, smoke bombs rolled in. Thick. Blinding. Black and hot with chemical stench. The orchestra dropped their instruments. Guests stampeded for the exits. Security lost their damn minds.
And in the middle of it all, a figure darted up the aisle, snatched Enzo by the waist, and vanished into the smoke. Right on time.
I grabbed my clutch, kicked off my heels, and ran. Straight into the womens bathroom. Locked the door. Dropped the bag on the counter. My hand was already shaking when I pulled the scalpel out. Deep breath.
I sliced just beneath the skin of my upper arm. The pain was sharp. Steady. Blood ran down in long rivulets, soaking the sink. But I didnt stop until I felt it. A hard little speck lodged in my flesh. I dug it out with the tip of the blade. My vision blurred but I held steady. Finally, it popped free. Tiny. Metallic. Still blinking red. Darians tracker.
I wrapped it in tissue, opened the window, and pressed it into the gloved hand waiting outside. The man didnt say a word. Just disappeared into the night. I stared after him. Then whispered, Goodbye, Darian. I kicked off the rest of my dress, pulled on the black pants and hoodie Id stuffed inside the stall earlier, climbed out the bathroom window
And ran. I didnt look back.
Inside the ballroom, the smoke was starting to clear when Vivienne let out a piercing cry. Everyone turned. She staggered toward the altar, hand clutching her chest, eyes wild. Then, right in front of the crowd, she collapsed. Darian caught her just before she hit the floor.
Vivienne? he called, panic lacing his voice for the first time that night. Vivienne!
Her eyes fluttered. Her lips trembled. He roared for a medic. Security scrambled. Guests stared. And somewhere through the noise, someone whispered:
She did this.
Lyra.
That was all it took. Darian turned, fire in his eyes, and shouted my name like a death sentence.
Lyra!
His voice shook the walls. But I was already gone.
And this time? I wasnt coming back.
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