Chapter 40
That prize money–it wasn’t for me. It was for him, to help him rebuild his business, to give him another chance. And then I crashed off a cliff. The team didn’t know. He didn’t know. He didn’t even care if I lived or died. All he cared about was getting rid of the burden I had become–the dead weight that stood in the way of his happiness.
The funniest thing? He cried about being broke. And yet, that diamond ring, those flowers, the extravagant snowy mountain proposal–every single thing he gave her cost money. His so–called bankruptcy was nothing more than an excuse. An excuse to discard me.”
I could no longer hold back the tears burning behind my eyes. They spilled down my face as I dragged my broken body to the one place I had once called home–Dad’s house. I needed comfort. A sliver of warmth. Anything. But the door wasn’t opened by Dad. It was his ex–wife–my sister’s mother.
The moment she saw me, disgust filled her eyes. “What are you doing here?“}
Dad appeared behind her, his brows furrowing as he looked me up and down.
Lyra, why do you look like this? What happened?“}}
I opened my mouth, but I had no words.
“Why did you come back so suddenly? Haven’t you always preferred roaming free? What are you doing here now?“> Dad’s voice was cold. Distant.
“It’s not because you found out your sister is back and want to fight over the family inheritance, is it?“}
His ex–wife’s voice was laced with mockery. My heart turned to ice.So that’s how they saw me. Not as family. Not as Dad’s daughter. Just an outsider. A threat. They forgot that I was also his flesh and blood. They forgot that after my mother died, I had been left alone, aching for even a shred of love.”
I took a deep breath, forcing my emotions down, pushing away the lump in my throat.
“I just came to check on you. That’s all.”
I turned around and walked away. I didn’t want to stay a second longer. I was afraid I would break. Afraid that I would cry beg them–beg them to love me, even just a little. Just as I reached the door, I froze. Luke and my sister. They were standing there, hand in hand. He was dressed in a tailored suit. She wore a flowing white dress. They looked perfect together. Happy. and
Like they belonged.
My mind went blank. My feet felt like they were nailed to the ground. Luke’s gaze flickered away from mine, guilt flashing in his eyes.%
“Lyra…” His voice was dry, hesitant.
Before he could say anything more, my sister let go of his hand and rushed toward me.}
She wrapped her arms around me, holding me tight.”
“Lyra, it’s been so long. Are you alright?”
Her voice was gentle. Full of concern. My body trembled. The tears I had been holding back slipped silently down my cheeks. “Luke! Nancy Quinn! You’re back!“. Dad’s voice rang out, filled with warmth and excitement–the kind of warmth he had never given me.
My Sister Stole My Father and My
