LOGINShare
22.
Last Updated:
2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
The Runaway's Replacement 23
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
The Runaway's Replacement 24.
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
The Runaway's Replacement 25.
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
The Runaway's Replacement 26.
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
The Runaway's Replacement 27.
As the security guards approached Lyra, Harrison swiftly rose from his seat, his eyes flashing with authority. "Don't you dare touch her," he commanded, his voice firm and decisive.Lyra's eyes widened in shock, her gaze fixed on Harrison. She hadn't expected him to intervene, especially not when she was trying to have the Chairperson's post all to herself. Piper's face twisted in a frown, her eyes narrowing at Harrison. She couldn't believe he was taking Lyra's side. A spark of jealousy ignited within her.The security guards hesitated, unsure of what to do. One of them glanced at Ethan, who looked taken aback by Harrison's intervention. Harrison repeated, his voice rising. "She has the right to speak."The security guards backed off, unsure of how to proceed. Lyra stood tall, her eyes still locked on Harrison's, a mix of surprise and gratitude on her face.Piper's frown deepened, her arms crossing over her chest. She couldn't believe Harrison was defending Lyra again. She shrugged
The Runaway's Replacement 28
Piper's eyes locked onto Harrison, her lips curling into a sly smile. She slowly licked them, enjoying the moment, before reaching out to swipe her fingers across his face. "You need me," she whispered, her voice seductiveHarrison was taken aback, his face twisting in disgust. He pushed her hand away, his voice thundering through the hall. "Don't you ever touch me!"Piper's smile remained. She had been waiting for this moment since her wedding day mess. when she had abandoned her arranged husband on the alter absconded with her lover who later dumped her. She had set her sights on Harrison, rumours of his loyalty and adoration for Lyra's only fueling her desire. And now, she would stop at nothing to claim him.As Harrison turned to walk away, Piper's snort stopped him in his tracks. "Don't tell me you still love that whore?" she sneered.Harrison's footsteps stopped, his back still turned to Piper. But then he turned around, his eyes blazing with anger. Piper's words tumbled out i
The Runaway's Replacement 29.
Harrison walked in, his eyes meeting Lyra's across the room. She sat on the couch, her legs crossed, looking poised and confident. The headmaid stood beside her, talking to Lyra in a low voice.Harrison didn't say a word. He just stood there, his eyes fixed on Lyra.Lyra's gaze met his, but she didn't smile or acknowledge him. She kept listening to the headmaid, her expression calm and serene.Harrison's stomach tumbled when he noticed that the headmaid didn't acknowledge his presence either. "What are you still doing here? I thought I fired you," Harrison shouted, his eyes blazing at the Head maid. "I hired her back," Lyra responded and picked up the glass of wine to take a sip. Harrison's jaw clenched so hard that it seemed to tremble, "Get this piece of trash out of here." Adrian moved forward to do as he was commanded but was stopped by Lyra's words, "Touch her and you'd lose your job." Ever since she got closer to the Head maid, she had vowed to always protect her even from
The Runaway's Replacement 30
Harrison's grip on Lyra tightened, but his touch gentled. He pulled her closer, his chest pressing against hers. "Why should I let you go," he whispered.But Lyra's sobs only grew louder, her body shaking with anguish. She tried to push him away, but Harrison held fast. "Get out!" she ordered, her voice shaking with rage. "Leave me alone!"Harrison didn't move, his face still buried in her hair. Lyra's words hung in the air, but he didn't respond."GET OUT!" Lyra screamed, her voice echoing off the walls. "SECURITY!"Harrison's head jerked up, his eyes wide with shock. He slowly released Lyra, his arms dropping to his sides. He took a step back, his eyes never leaving Lyra's face. "Lyra, please..." he whispered, but she turned away, her body language screaming, "Leave me alone".Harrison walked out of the room, his mind reeling with questions. What had he done to make Lyra cry like that? He thought back to their conversation, trying to pinpoint the moment when things went wrong.And t
Latest chapter
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
The Runaway's Replacement 68
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
The Runaway's Replacement 67
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
The Runaway's Replacement 66
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
The Runaway's Replacement 65
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
The Runaway's Replacement 64
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
The Runaway's Replacement 63
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
The Runaway's Replacement 62
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
The Runaway's Replacement 61
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
