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Author: Akomolafe Faith
last update Last Updated: 2024-10-29 19:42:56

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 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   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   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   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   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   1.

    The light of dawn seeped into the hotel room and it shone on a porcelain skin, Lyra Hart’s body lay stark naked on the bed, stirring her from her sleep. She rubbed her sleepy eyes as the morning sunlight reflected on her face and struggled to check out her environment. “A comfy bed… painted wall. My hotel room,” Lyra muttered to herself. She stood to her feet, moving her tired and sore body. Lyra wrapped the curtains to cover the disturbing light and opened the windows, causing a gentle breeze to waft over her naked body and that was when she realized…“OH MY GOSH!” She shouted, covering her bare chest area with her hands. Within seconds, Lyra took a quick run to the bed for a cover. She wrapped herself with the bed cover, her never-ceasing stare properly scanning her environment. Lyra was in a hotel room but why was she naked?“Did I-?” Lyra swallowed a lump in her throat, her eyes fixed on the bright red stain on the bed. A man's suit and pants were next to her, uncovering what

  • The Runaway's Replacement   2.

    Different vehicles sped to and fro in Lyra's presence. She was practically invincible to everyone.The public's attention was drawn to Harrison Monroe, who walked out of the hotel with a straight face. His bodyguards on both sides boosted his confidence.The arena was practically crowded with reporters, passersby, and fans. “Mr. Harrison, what's the motive for coming back to Texas? Are the rumors about your upcoming marriage true?” The reporters questioned.“There are so many beautiful ladies in California, why did you choose to have an arranged marriage over here? Do you have other motives?”“Would you partner with Didos Company for more recognition in Texas?”A large number of reporters and passersby came in with cameras and microphones, the crowd multiplied within seconds. Harrison is the CEO of Monroe Capital, a prestigious global investment. The trappings of his wealth have enveloped him and boosted a deep-seated ego that seemed to swell with every success.Harrison walked out

  • The Runaway's Replacement   3.

    Ethan lowered his gaze in disapproval. “Let her go,” he said, his voice fuming in anger. He looked out of the window as Lyra alighted from the vehicle. “Thanks for the ride.” The vehicle sped off as she waved goodbye.An hour later…Lyra reached Liam's house which was nearby, she needed to freshen up before embarking on a journey to her house. Lyra clutched the spare key she had to unlock Liam's apartment door. Inserting the key in the keyhole, she jerked at a ringtone from her phone and accidentally pushed the door open. The caller's number wasn't saved on her phone so she ignored the call. The unlocked door appeared strange. “Liam would never leave his apartment door open especially when he's at work,” Lyra's brows furrowed, and she walked in with raised shoulders.Lyra gasped, dumbfounded at what her eyes met - pink heels at the front door and a masculine black shoe. She swallowed a non-existent lump in her throat.“Erm…it could be his mum,” She assured before letting her nega

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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

  • 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

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