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2024-10-29 19:42:56“You see, Crocodiles like I and Ethan won't think twice before we tear you apart,"
Harrison whispered in Lyra's ears. She felt his hot breath on her cheeks, his voice starting to scare Lyra.Lyra shivered, scared of those words that sounded like facts. It was clear that Harrison was trying to scare her but Lyra was ready for whatever was ahead, she tried to hide her fear.“The head maid had packed your things, you are longer needed in my house. I hope we never cross paths again,” Harrison said, his voice low and assuring. It was a clear goodbye from Harrison.He doesn't want to involve Lyra in his dirty games and thirst for power. Letting Lyra out of the game is the best option he could think of.Harrison turned his back, walking away. It felt as if a string wrapped around his waist, pulling him back to Lyra. He moved away slowly, trying to ignore the undeniable pull.Lyra's eyes fell on the floor, her hands clasped before her body.Related chapters
The Runaway's Replacement 19
The General Secretary walked in the hallway, his feet carefully stepping on the plush royal red carpet. To his left and right, he passed several doors, each one leading to its chambers.He continued walking, his shoulders lifted. He had a destination in mind. His steps were slow and quiet as he approached a door with the number 666 on. An edge of his lips raised as he twisted the door knob, pushing the door aside. In the conference room, there were elderly men seated having a discussion. They all paused when they noticed an intruder in their midst. “What disrespect," A middle-aged man seated on a bigger cushioned chair shouted, his voice brimming with anger. He's the founder of the Colton Empire, Colton Edward.“Stay back, Vincent Davis," A bodyguard said, blocking the General Secretary's way with his chest out. My apologies for the delay, I failed to mention earlier that the General Secretary was named Vincent Davis.
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In the luxury of Harrison Monroe's Mansion.Lyra watched as Harrison made his way into his room, his shoulders sagged and his tired and footsteps heavy. His eyes were ringed with dark circles, he had cried in secret and he wanted to continue mourning his father's death in his room.As Lyra watched his facial expression darken after the conversation they had in the car and the hospital, a chill ran down Lyra's spine. “I never wanted to be a part of this deadly game," Lyra whispered to herself, clasping her hands before her body. “Welcome home, Ma'am” The head maid greeted, packing the luggage that was thrown out, and packing them inside.Harrison had to let Lyra stay with him, he believed that she had the royal seal. “Can I use your cellphone?" Lyra asked, swinging her restless gaze to the headmaid behind her. The headmaid stopped wheeling Lyra's luggage in, standing upright. The head maid paused, looking at the CCTV cameras hu
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Lyra watched as Harrison hopped into an SUV with his bodyguard, Adrian, and drove off. She took in a deep breath to steady her racing heart.Her hands opened, releasing the tension she had been holding in her fists, she wasn't expecting that response. Did Harrison mean what he said?Lyra stomped down her feet, her lips curled into a tight and inseparable ball as she held back her yell.There was no lump in her throat but she swallowed hard, fighting the urge to speak up.“Humph, I don't joke with my family, ”Lyra hissed, her voice sharp and fierce. Her brows slanted like an angry bird.Her heart pounded in her chest, each beat louder in her ears. Her hands shook as she struggled to keep her breathing under control.With her trembling arms crossed on her chest, she desperately tried to convince herself.Lyra hastened her steps towards the garden house, attempting to act nonchalant. However, with each step, her breath became ragged.She could feel the eyes of the guards on her, fear bum
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Harrison's voice echoed through the room as he screamed, "Lyra!" His eyes bulged in horror as he watched her crumple to the floor. Adrian swiftly called the private ambulance, while Harrison rushed to her side, cradling her head in his lap. Lyra's faint whisper sent shivers down his spine: "I failed to protect Chairman... Elsa's in danger..." Her words trailed off, making Harrison's heart race in fear."What are you talking about, Lyra? Don't scare me like this!" Harrison pleaded, his voice trembling as he fought back tears. But Lyra's gaze drifted away, her breathing shallow, her barely moving. She whispered a single, chilling word: "Ethan's..." before her voice faded into silence.Harrison's heart raced as he wildly shouted, "Lyra! No, no, no!" But she lay still, her chest motionless.Harrison's heart raced as the ambulance screeched to a halt beside them. The paramedics rushed her inside. He jumped in beside her, his eyes fixed on her pale face, his hands shaking with fear. "
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Immediately the keepsake box opened, a barbie toy sprang popped out and started dancing to a haunting melody. Ethan's head jerked back, his jaw slacking in shunned silence "What the..." he trailed off. The attendees erupted into a chorus of disapproving murmurs. "What sort of joke is this?" "This can't be the royal seal," one whispered, the words spreading. "What a wasted time and effort!"Harrisons brows furrowed, his eyes narrowing, "This can't be it." A low chuckle rumbled in his throat. He recognized the toy, recalling the whimsical trickets the Head maid used in decorating Lyra's room. Ethan's face turned red as he stood up, his fists clenched. , "No, don't go yet. I'm sure this is the royal seal." He banged his fist on the keepsake box, making it shake. His voice rose, "You can't leave, this is important." The shareholders abd attendees shook their heads saying, "That's the problem with young CEO's. They are immature." Only Ethan and Harrison were left, staring at each ot
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Few days later...Monroe's empire became prey to other rival empires without a leader. The empire Stephen Monroe built over his lifetime was slowly crumbling. Hissonss are unprepared to assume the Chairman's position without presenting the royal seal. In Lyra's room, the head maid walked in with a bowl of soup, locking the door behind her. She sighed, unhappy about Lyra's health condition. Lyra has been stuck in the wheelchair after she had that conversation with Harrison, she kept staring blankly at a fixed spot, and she didn't say a word.The head maid placed the soup before her and gently fed her. She always whispers prayer in her ear with each spoonful, "Mrs Monroe's speed recovery." Lyra stopped swallowing the soup, and ye soup spilled down her front. "Oh no, I'm so sorry, Mrs," The head maid apologised, trying to wipe the soup stain off her chest. Lyra's blank expression made her worry more, "You don't even react anymore...." The head maid's voice said, her voice trailing o
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Lyra's face scrunched up as she stared at the Head Maid. "This can't be right," she said shaking her head. The royal seal had been hidden with the Head maid all along and no one suspected, including Lyra.Now, it's being offered to Lyra, "No, I won't accept this." She didn't want to own the royal seal and declare herself Chairman of the Monroe's empire. It's a betrayal to the man she had loved - Harrison. The head maid lunged forward at Lyra; she fell on her knees and said, "Please, Mrs. Monroe, you need to secure your place in the empire. That will be the only way you can protect yourself and your unborn baby." The head maid had served the Monroes all her life. She has been loyal, having benefitted from Stephen Monroe's kindness, which includes scholarships for her children and lucrative deals which made her wealthy. Yet she remained meek and humble and continued serving the Monroes family. "I can't accept this... I can't be selfish," Lyra nodded, hesitating if she collected it
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Piper walked around her room, her heels clicking on the floor. "So this is the life you've been living?" She said, her gaze sweeping the space. Her eyes landed on the divorce papers scattered on the floor and she paused. "You didn't sign them, Lyra?" Piper asked and took in a deep breath, "I shouldn't stress myself. You'd be gone soon enough." Lyra muttered a curse beneath her breath, "Bastard!!" She had expected Piper to appreciate her, and show empathy, love and care, but Instead, her sister's words cut deep.Piper leaned In, her whisper icy,"Die quietly, Lyra. We've had enough of your drama. Let Mum cry once and for all." The sound of Harrison's voice outside the room made her smile"Piper?" "I'm coming, Husband." She purred, catwalking with confidence. The maid remained, wondering how she could console Lyra. Lyra's laughter was tinged with pain, "That's what you've been hiding?" She choked out, tears streaming from her eyes. "So Piper, my little sister is the reason for the
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The Runaway's Replacement 69
Lyra sat in her softly lit room, cradling Kai against her chest, the peaceful rhythm of breastfeeding soothing them both. She looked down at his tiny face, cherishing the moment. The sound of a gentle knock interrupted her reverie.“Ma'am?” The head maid poked her head in, a warm smile on her face. “I’ve prepared Kai’s bath. Shall I set it up?”Lyra beamed, “Yes, please. Thank you.” The warmth in her heart felt like a shield against the world outside.But just as the head maid turned to leave, a firm knock echoed through the door, making Lyra’s heart skip. "I'll get it," the head maid said, striding toward the door.As she swung it open, her face froze. Her lips, once curved in a warm smile, now parted in a silent gasp. Her eyes widened, and her brow furrowed, as if the sight before her had sucked the air from her lungs.The two officers stood at the entrance, their eyes scanning the foyer. "Is Lyra Monroe available?" one of them asked, his voice firm but polite.The head maid's ex
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Lyra stepped into the head maid's house, the wooden floor creaking softly under her feet. The scent of fresh linen filled the air, mingling with the faint aroma of herbs from the kitchen. As she took in her surroundings, her heart raced. Everything felt so familiar yet distorted.Without warning, she burst through the door. “Who are you?” a strange woman’s voice cut through the silence, her voice sharp and demanding.Lyra froze, her heart pounding in her chest. The stranger stood in the middle of the room, arms crossed, her dark hair cascading down her shoulders like a waterfall. “This isn’t your home. You can't just barge in,” the woman asserted, her gaze piercing.“I—” Lyra stammered, confusion swirling in her mind. Just then, a wailing cry pierced the air, a sound so distinct and haunting. She turned instinctively. “That sounds just like Kai!” Panic surged through her.As she turned, her eyes landed on the head maid, who stood at the far end of the room. In her arms, cradled
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The Nurse's expression softened as she grasped Lyra's trembling hands. "I'll help you, Lyra. I promise."Together, they emerged from the claustrophobic room, into the cabin's narrow hallway, where warm sunlight streaming through windows cast a golden glow on the worn wooden walls.As they emerged into the bright afternoon, Lyra's gaze met the breathtaking sunset.Golden hues danced across the sky, and a gentle breeze carried the sweet scent of blooming wildflowers.Lyra's lips curved into a radiant smile. "I'm finally free," she whispered, heaving a sigh of relief. Lyra was so eager, eager to have her Kai in her arms.Lyra's gaze faltered, dropping from the sun's intense glare to Oscar's unexpected presence. His darkening frown made her heart stutter. Her eyes widened, shock freezing her face.His menacing gaze locked onto Lyra like a vice.Lyra's breath caught. Fear clawed its way up her spine.He sprinted towards them, his boots pounding the earth."Run!" The Nurse yelled.Lyra's pu
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Ethan's face contorted, his eyes flashing with anger. "What? You bitch," he snarled, his low tone vibrating with anger.Piper's eyes widened, and she took a hasty step back as Ethan charged towards her."Stick this in your skull," Ethan rasped, his finger jabbing at Piper's face. "I'm your boss."But Piper's voice cut through the tension, rising in defiance. "Boss, my foot! I no longer answer to you, and neither will anyone else.Ethan's face darkened, his eyes blazing. His arm cocked back, then snapped forward.Piper's head jerked sideways, her cheek reddening as Ethan's palm struck it. She leaned back, her body tensing to dodge, but Ethan's slap connected with a sickening crack.Her head jerked sideways, cheek flaming red. Her legs buckled, and she stumbled backwards, arms flailing for balance.Piper's hips collided with the iron chair, sending her crashing to the floor. Her skull cracked against the chair's edge, the impact resonating through her entire body.Blood burst from the g
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Oscar paced outside Lyra's room, his voice low and reassuring. "She'll heal soon. She'll forget about Harrison."The nurse approached. "Who's Harrison, sir?"Oscar's expression darkened. "Don't ask silly questions!" he snapped.The nurse retreated, taken aback.Oscar's eyes clouded, memories swirling. Lyra still clung to the past, to the child they shared – Kai. A silent prayer formed on his lips: "Let Kai be gone, sever the tie."A faint cry pierced the air. Lyra's voice, calling out."Harrison...."Oscar's frown deepened.He summoned the nurse. "Give her a sleeping dose. Now."The nurse hesitated, eyes wide. "I don't think she needs sedatives, sir."Oscar's concern etched his face. "What if she harms herself? I couldn't bear it."Oscar's hand slipped into his jacket, revealing a gun. The nurse's eyes widened. "Inject her with the sleeping drugs," Oscar growled, his voice low and menacing.The nurse trembled, her hands shaking as she prepared the injection. Together, they burst into
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Harrison strode through the mansion's hallway, his footsteps echoing off the marble floor. His conversation with the Head Maid still weighed heavily on his mind. He had decided to leave Kai in her care, ensuring his son's safety.As he passed a junior maid, he asked, "Is Lyra back?"The maid's eyes dropped, her voice barely above a whisper. "No, sir. She's been out since...since you left."Harrison's gaze stayed on the maid before he continued to Lyra's room. A sly smile spread across his face as he entered.Harrison's gaze swept the room, his eyes lingering on the bare corners, the unobtrusive moulding, and the elegant furniture. No telltale lenses or discreet cameras marred the refined decor.His focus narrowed on Lyra's privacy, not security. He sought a way to monitor her, to safeguard her well-being without intrusion.His eyes settled on a drawing portrait hanging on the wall. He approached it, his fingers deftly removing the frame's backing. A tiny camera slipped into the space
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The headmaid's footsteps echoed through the hallway as she approached Harrison. Her voice trembled. "Your son...Kai."Harrison's eyes locked onto hers, anticipation building. "M-mine?" The Head Maid's hands clasped together. "I saved him, sir. Lyra's baby. I couldn't...save her, and it feels like she's mad at me."Tears welled up in Harrison's eyes, streaming down his face. Joy and relief washed over him. "Thank you," he whispered, voice cracking. "That's...awesome." The pitch in his voice increased. "Can I please see my Kai?"The Head Maid nodded, leading Harrison to her modest home. Inside, a woman sat on a couch, cradling Kai. The woman's gaze met Harrison's, and she gently excused herself, covering herself with a blanket.Harrison's eyes widened as he took in the scene. The woman was breastfeeding his son, Kai."I'm sorry," the Head Maid said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I had to wet-nurse Kai. He wouldn't have survived without breast milk."The woman handed Kai to Harris
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Piper strolled into the garden, a bright smile on her face. She struggled to walk confidently and bravely like Lyra. The Head Maid, hastened towards her, arms open wide. "Oh, Ma'am. You survived! I'm sorry I couldn't save you at that time," she exclaimed, enveloping her in a warm hug.Piper's body stiffened, her smile faltering for a moment before she said to herself, "Act like Lyra!""Hey, stop crying," Piper said, attempting a casual tone, but her eyes darted around, uncomfortable as a Maid was hugging her.The head maid's tears soaked through Piper's clothing, leaving visible stains. Piper's gaze dropped to the damp spots, her lip curling in distaste.She swiftly disengaged from the hug. "Ugh, that's disgusting!" Piper blurted, taking a step back.The Head Maid's face fell, her eyes welling up anew. She tilted her head, a hesitant smile on her lips. "I'm sorry. I was just overexcited to see you."Piper's expression softened slightly, struggling to keep her act like Lyra and her vo
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Harrison's eyes pleaded for understanding, his voice laced with hurt. "You gave birth to our child and didn't think to tell me? Is that how much you hate me?"Piper—now masquerading as Lyra—avoided his gaze, her eyes scanning the room as if searching for an escape. Her fingers drummed a staccato beat on the armrest."Ah... it died," she stammered, the words tumbling out hastily.Harrison's face crumpled, pain etched on his face. "What happened? How..." he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.Piper's gaze darted around the room again, her mind racing. She couldn't reveal the truth—that her child, now over five years old, was safely tucked away, unaware of this charade."I... uh... complications. I wanted to tell you, but I was scared that you would hate me," she stammered, her voice lacking conviction.Harrison's eyes narrowed, his expression sceptical. "Complications?" Harrison's voice exploded in a disbelieving shout like he just had a deep thought about it. "Our baby died?" His
