chapter 51

Lyra’s POV

I stood there in the street, heart pounding, watching as Kurtis walked away from me. His retreating figure felt like a final, heartbreaking blow. The night air was cold, but it was nothing compared to the ice building in my chest. I couldn’t believe this was happening, that everything had crumbled in a matter of minutes because of “him”

James.

I turned slowly, forcing myself to face the man who had once been my world, the man who had somehow found a way to break me, piece by piece. He stood there, leaning against the railing with that same smug look on his face.

“I didn’t do anything wrong, Lyra,” he said, his voice full of fake innocence. “You’re the one who didn’t tell him the truth.”

“The truth?” I shot back, my voice cracking with emotion. “The truth is, I left you behind a long time ago, James. What we had? It’s over. You don’t belong in my life anymore.”

James’s smile faltered for a second, but then he regained his composure, stepping closer to me. “Come on, Lyra. Y