chapter 4

Lyra's Point of View

When I woke up the following morning, I looked at the possibility that it had all been a dream.

The luxurious mansion, the never-ending celebration, the strangers referring to me as "family," and Duke Whitethorn's scar, which strangely improved his beauty.

But that illusion was dashed when I heard a strong knock on my door. From the other side, a maid's voice whispered softly,

"Miss Lyra, your father requests your presence." I buried my face more into the soft pillow and moaned softly.

It wasn't a dream, then. I was in a bed that could hold three or possibly four individuals.

The silk sheets that were twisted over me felt too pricey and opulent.

This place wasn't home, so I rolled onto my back and looked up at the high ceiling, the chandelier shimmering faintly, the sun shining through the huge windows. .

Not quite yet. Feeling the weight of this new life already, I dragged myself out of bed and shuffled toward the closet.

The rows of sparkling gowns and pricey materials made me sigh. Despite their beauty, they didn't feel like me.

Then I noticed something familiar hidden away at the very end. jeans with a basic crop top in black. I grinned to myself, glad that it wasn't all lace and silk.

I hastily grabbed them and headed into the restroom. It was bigger than my whole bedroom from the orphanage.

The room was loaded with marble floors, gold accents, and a big soaking tub. As I let the warm water stream over me, the lavender-scented soap helped to calm my nerves.

However, the peace did not last long.One more knock.

"Miss Lyra, your father is still waiting." I rolled my eyes and sighed. "I’ll be out in a second!" I suppose it's time for clarification.

With their luxurious hallways, towering ceilings, and paintings of strangers observing me with icy gazes, this estate felt like a museum.

The maid led me to the room, which I eventually located.

By a huge double doors, two guards stood silently. They unlocked them for me without saying a thing. The office inside was colder than the halls.

Book shelves, dark wood panels, and my father seated behind a huge desk. Richelieu, Gabriel.

There was something about him that was threatening, but not in the typical sense.

A sense of authority pervaded the space. "Lyra," he said in a calm, aloof voice. I paused close to the entrance.

"You wanted to see me?" "Come in. Sit." I sank into the leather chair across from him and did as I was told.

He silently observed me for a minute with his keen eyes. I shifted while he stared at me

Finally breaking the stillness, I replied,

"Okay," "I need answers." A tiny grin tugged at his mouth's corner. "Go ahead."

"Why now?" I bent over. "Why did you appear out of the blue the day I was kicked out from the orphanage? You've been looking for me for nineteen years."

Gabriel's expression stayed calm even as his face reddened. "Because I didn’t know where you were." I furrowed my brow.

"What are you saying? The strongest man on the planet is you. The wealthiest family on the planet. How did you fail to locate me? His fingers were steepled as he reclined in his chair.

"You were hidden from me."

"By who?"

He had dangerously catching eyes. "That is no longer important. All that matters is that you be present. I yelled,

"Actually, it does matter to me," There was silence between us. Calmly,

"You'll learn in time," he remarked

"For now, you need to focus on where you are and what’s expected of you." "Expected?" I narrowed my eyes and repeated.

Gabriel approached the huge windows and stood there, gazing out at the huge property.

"You're going to a party with me tonight. There will be some of my... business partners. I want everybody to see me with you. business associates.

"Is Duke Whitethorn going to be there?" Before I could stop myself, the question escaped my lips.

Gabriel's eyes narrowed as his head twitched slightly.

"You’ve met Duke?" "Shortly. Last night. He remained silent for a while, as though he was thinking about something.

Then he nodded slowly, which surprised me.

"All right. Remain near him. I blinked. "What?" "Duke is strong. You underestimate how much power he has. His allied status is advantageous.

I gaped at him in shock. "You want me to befriend him?"

"I want you to gain his trust." My stomach turned over. Gabriel's face was unreadable as he turned back to me.

"My daughter is you. Whether you like it or not, that makes you valuable. People will try to take advantage of you, control you, or worse. Duke is a valuable member of your team. Or, I thought, but I didn't say, someone you need on your side"

"But he doesn’t even seem like the type who wants friends," I said. Something between a smirk and a sneer twisted Gabriel's lips.

"Then make him want one." I was chilly. "But why him specifically?" "Duke poses a threat.

However, he is devoted to people he respects. Lyra, you need to be protected.

I also need him to understand that you're under it. It didn't feel like a recommendation; it was an order.

"Fine," I muttered. Gabriel gave a small, contented smile. "All right. Prepare by seven o'clock. And Lyra. I stopped at the entrance.

"Don’t disappoint me." I could still hear his remarks as I left the room. The knot in my gut persisted till I returned to my room.

This was supposed to be a fresh start, I thought. a home. But at the moment,

It felt more like a game now, though. And the focal point of it was Duke Whitethorn.

Once more, I stood before the glass and gazed at the girl who was seen in it.

She didn't resemble me. Perhaps she was no more.

I was now the daughter of my father. Apparently, that meant approaching a man who made everyone else nervous.

I kept thinking about a man with a scar and icy eyes. I let out a slow breath.

Now, this is my life. Regardless of my feelings about it.