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2024-10-29 19:42:56Memories of that terrifying day flooded Piper's heart– Ethan's cold smile, the crack of gunfire, and Harrison lying almost lifeless on the floor. The trauma replayed in her mind.
"No," Piper whispered, her voice trembling with fear. Her eyes widened in disbelief. "You're working with him?"Ethan's laughter sliced through the air, sending Piper's fear to rise. She mishandled her phone, desperation driving her.She dialled the police hotline, her fingers shaking. "I need to report—"A faint moan halted her words. Piper's gaze lifted, and her heart sank.On Oscar's phone, a video played – Piper's image, entwined with Oscar's, in an intimate position. The video quality was blurry and unclear, but despite that, the content was easily recognizable and undeniable.Piper's gaze dropped, her shoulders slumping under the weight of humiliation. Her voice cracked, "You have no right to do this. How on earth do you get this video?" she spaRelated chapters
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The General Secretary's eyes blazed with venom. "You shouldn't have crossed me, Lyra," he hissed, his voice deep and intimidating.Lyra's lips curled into a calculated smile. She leaned back in her chair, her fingers tracing the rim of her wine glass with deliberate slowness."I had to," she said, her tone light, almost careless. "I'd have been dead meat by now."Her gaze never left the General Secretary's face, her eyes sparkling with challenge.The General Secretary chuckled, rumbling with threat. He raised his glass, the wine swirling amber in the light."You've only expedited your death sentence, Lyra," he said, his voice dripping with spite.He leaned forward, his face inches from hers. "I'm shocked you're not trembling with fear. You asked for this meeting, knowing I was the one who got rid of the late Chairperson. You know my capabilities. Do you think you're different?"His whisper sent a shiver through the air, but Lyra's smile remained firm.Lyra's laughter rumbled deep in h
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Lyra's eyes widened as a hand clamped down on her shoulder, fingers digging deep into her flesh. Another hand slapped across her mouth, a soft cloth pressing against her lips.She tried to scream, but the sound died in her throat. The handkerchief's sweet, chemical scent flooded her nostrils, making her head spin.Lyra's body tensed, panic fueling her struggle. She kicked backwards, but her legs felt heavy, unresponsive.The hand holding the handkerchief tightened, pressing the cloth deeper into her mouth. Lyra's vision blurred, colours bleeding together.She stumbled, her heels scraping against the ground as she was dragged into the shadows. Her arms flailed wildly, but her muscles weakened, limbs trembling.Lyra's thoughts scattered like shattered glass, her mind numbing as an icy chill crept up her spine. Her walls around her blurred, and then- nothing. Lyra's bladder released, warm liquid spreading down her legs as her body surrendered to shock.Oscar's face twisted into a trium
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"Thank goodness," The head maid whispered, tears streaming down her face. "You're beautiful, little one."Lyra's eyelids fluttered open, revealing dull, painful clouded eyes. Her gaze drifted, unfocused before snapping into sharp clarity. She moistened her parched lips, her voice a faint whisper, "My baby...?" The head maid smiled, holding the infant close. "Your baby's fine, Lyra. A beautiful boy."The Head Maid's trembling fingers grasped the nearby cloth, gently enveloping the baby. She tucked and folded the fabric with practised ease, securing the swaddle.Lyra's heavy eyelids drooped, her gaze fixed on The Head Maid's soothing motions. The head maid's palm cradled the baby's head, her thumb stroking his cheek.As the baby's wails subsided, The Head Maid's fingers danced across his tiny hands, wrapping them snugly. Her whispery voice calmed his final sniffles.Ethan's eyes locked onto Lyra and the baby, his expression twisti
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Lyra's arms tightened around Kai, but her gaze snapped to his flushed face. Her fingers brushed his sweaty brow, and her eyes widened."Kai is running temperature," she whispered, alarm creeping into her voice.She swiftly pulled back, her hands framing his tiny face. His skin scorched her palms. "Hurry, please take Kai away!" Lyra urged, her voice laced with panic.The Head Maid nodded, her face set in determination. "I'll find help and come back for you. Hang on, Lyra."The Head Maid gently lifted Kai from Lyra's arms, cradling him close. His wails filled the air as she turned to navigate the burning storage room.Flames licked the walls, and debris rained down. The Head Maid shielded Kai's face with her shoulder."Almost there, little one," she cooed, her voice steady despite the chaos.As The Head Maid disappeared into the smoke-filled corridor, Lyra's desperate cry echoed: "Please don't turn around. Save my baby!"
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Oscar's eyes scanned the cramped, dingy room. Flickering fluorescent lights overhead cast eerie shadows on peeling walls.He sat on a worn couch, clutching the remote control, his gaze fixed on the outdated TV.Breaking News banners appeared on the screen: "Monroe Empire Chairperson Kidnappe "Storage Room Ablaze"Panic-stricken news anchors spoke in hushed tones, "We've just received the word...," one began, her words faltering. "Lyra Monroe, the first female Chairperson of Monroe's empire... trapped on an inferno....chances of survival are slim to none." Oscar's thumb hovered over the volume button, then pressed mute. The TV fell silent, but the words continued to scroll: "No remains recovered"Oscar's eyes shifted to the bed, where Lyra lay motionless.A middle-aged woman, her face etched with concern, gently tended to Lyra's burns. Lyra's skin was a patchwork of blisters and charred flesh.Oscar's hand closed around the gun, his knuckles whitening.The nurse's eyes darted to the
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Inside the opulent Monroe mansion, Harrison stood tall, his voice firm as he addressed the gathered officers. "Arrest her. She's hiding something about Lyra's disappearance."Piper's gaze narrowed, her shoulders sagging slightly. "What are you talking about? I have no idea what's happened to Lyra."The officer said, "Ma'am, I'm afraid you'll have to come with us." Two officers stepped forward, cuffs at the ready. Piper's eyes flashed with defiance as she raised her hands, palms outwards. "Don't touch me."She struggled against the officers' gentle grip, her voice rising. "You can't do this. I won't be handled like some common criminal."One officer carefully secured her wrists, his expression firm. "Ma'am, please cooperate."Piper's lips curled into a disdainful smile. "I'll walk out of here on my terms." She strode toward the waiting police vehicle, head held high, shoulders squared.As she reached the vehicle, she tur
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Ethan scanned their surroundings, his gaze lingering on the dusty pews and faded stained glass. He leaned in; his voice dropped to a hushed tone."Leave now. When you're ready, go to Doctor Sage at Monroe's hospital. She'll take care of the surgery; I'll cover the expenses."Piper nodded, her eyes locked on his. She adjusted the scarf covering her face and turned to leave.As she stepped out of the abandoned church, the bright sunlight forced her to squint. Her gaze fell upon a cluster of police vehicles, their lights extinguished, sirens silent. Officers in plain clothes milled about, their eyes scanning the area.Piper's steps faltered. Her eyes widened, darting between the vehicles and the church. Her voice was barely above a whisper."What's going on? Are you spying on me?" He said firmly, trying to hide her fears.Piper stood frozen, her eyes fixed on the police officers as they swept into the abandoned church, guns drawn. Their footsteps echoed off the stone walls.One officer
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The news swept through the media landscape like a whirlwind, dominating headlines and sparking fervent speculation."Monroe Empire First Female Chairperson!" screamed the online banners."Lyra Monroe Returns, More Radiant Than Ever!" proclaimed the newspaper front pages."Gorgeous and Powerful: Lyra Monroe Takes the Wheel" gushed the magazine covers.Reports spilt on Harrison's table, and as he snatched one up, his eyes devoured the headlines. His gaze darted from one page to another."What?" he exclaimed, his voice trembling with excitement. "Lyra went on vacation?" He laughed, incredulous. "While I've been scouring the earth for her."Harrison's face glowed with relief, his eyes shining with unshed tears. He had feared the worst, but Lyra was alive, whole, and healthy."Get me her current location," he barked into his phone, pacing restlessly. "I need to know where she is, now."Adrian's voice crackled through the line. "Already on it, sir. I'll have the coordinates for you within t
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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
