Rumors lll

Chapter 19

Lyra

Sunday night rolled in, and with it, my plan to kill the rumors before they killed me. I stood in front of my mirror, surveying my reflection. My dress—a red, body-hugging number with a plunging neckline and a slit up the side—was borderline scandalous. I paired it with strappy heels and bold makeup, my lips painted a daring crimson to match. If I was going to do this, I was going to do it right.

The judgmental gazes started the moment I met the girls outside the club. They didn’t say anything outright, but the sidelong glances and tight smiles spoke volumes.

“So,” one of them, Monica, said as we entered, her tone dripping with false cheer. “You’re really joining us, huh?”

“Why not?” I said, keeping my voice light. “A night out sounds like just what I need.”

We made our way inside, the bass-heavy music vibrating through the walls. The club was packed, the air thick with perfume, sweat, and the tang of alcohol. The girls stuck close together, but I could feel their eyes on me, like they were waiting for me to slip up.

I decided to give them something to talk about—but on my terms.

At the bar, I ordered a drink and scanned the room, pretending to be on the hunt. My heart pounded as I locked eyes with a guy leaning casually against the counter. He was tall, muscular, and had the kind of smirk that screamed trouble. Perfect.

I walked over, my confidence wavering slightly as I got closer. “Hi,” I said, giving him a flirty smile.

“Hey there,” he said, his voice smooth as silk. He straightened up, clearly interested.

“So, do you come here often, or is this just a lucky night for me?” I asked, cringing inwardly at how cheesy I sounded.

“Lucky for both of us,” he said, his smirk widening. “What’s your name?”

“Lyra,” I said, batting my lashes.

“Well, Lyra,” he said, leaning in, “how about we skip the small talk and get to the good stuff?”

My stomach flipped. This was not going according to plan.

“Uh, actually—” I started, but he was already moving closer.

“Come on,” he said, his voice low. “Don’t play hard to get.”

Panic set in. I glanced over my shoulder and saw the girls watching, their expressions a mix of amusement and skepticism. I couldn’t back out now.

Just then, I noticed a guy a few feet away, animatedly talking to another man. He was impeccably dressed, with a flashy ring and a carefree vibe that screamed gay best friend material.

“Excuse me,” I said abruptly to the first guy, turning away before he could react.

I approached the new guy, my heart racing. “Hi,” I said quickly. “I need your help.”

He turned to me, raising an eyebrow. “Help with what, darling?”

“There are some people watching me,” I said, nodding discreetly toward the girls. “And I need to convince them I’m having the time of my life. Any chance you’re up for a little flirting and dancing? Strictly for show, I promise.”

His face lit up with a knowing smile. “Well, aren’t you a damsel in distress? Lucky for you, I love a good performance.”

“Thank you,” I said, relief flooding me. “I owe you one.”

He held out his hand. “Name’s Caleb. Let’s make some magic, Lyra.”

We made our way to the dance floor, and Caleb wasted no time spinning me around dramatically. I laughed, genuinely for the first time in days, as he twirled me and dipped me like we were in a ballroom competition.

“You’re a natural,” he said, grinning.

“I think you’re carrying this whole performance,” I admitted, breathless from the dancing.

“Nonsense,” he said, pulling me closer for a playful shimmy. “You’re a star. Now, let’s give them a show they won’t forget.”

We danced like we’d known each other for years, his flamboyant moves drawing attention from everyone around us. The girls from the office eventually joined in, their earlier judgment melting away as they got caught up in the energy of the moment.

At one point, Monica leaned over and said, “Okay, I’ll admit it—you know how to have fun.”

“See? Nothing scandalous going on here or when I was at Mr Lennox's place,” I said with a wink.

By the end of the night, we were all laughing and sharing drinks like old friends. Caleb stayed by my side, playing the perfect wingman, and even the most skeptical of the group seemed to warm up to me.

As we left the club, Monica turned to me and said, “Maybe we judged you too quickly.”

“Maybe,” I said with a small smile. “Or maybe you just needed to get to know me.”

The rumors weren’t gone, but they felt smaller now, like they didn’t have as much power over me. For the first time in days, I felt like I could breathe again.

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