All Chapters of Married to Him : Chapter 1 - Chapter 5

Lyra The world always felt colder when you had nowhere to go. I stood at the gates of Willow Creek orphanage, the only place I'd ever called home, with nothing but a small duffle bag slung over my shoulder. The rusty iron gate groaned behind me as I closed, sealing me off a life that was never really mine to begin with. "Good luck out there, Lyra," Mrs. Alder's voice echoed from the doorway. her tone was flat, indifferent, like she was reading off a script she'd rehearsed too many times. I didn't bother responding. what was there to say? The sky was dull gray, heavy with clouds, and the air smelled like rain. perfect. the world was ready to spit me out, and the weather wanted to match the mood. I tightened my grip on the bag. inside were a few secondhand clothes, a worn out book I couldn't let go of, and a crumpled envelope. my only attempt to trace the past. it was addressed to no one. no return address. just my name scarwled in shaky handwriting. But it didn't matter. I w

LyraI felt like I could finally breathe the moment I managed to get away from the oppressive crowd. The clinking of glasses, the fake laughter, and the continuous chatter were muffled by the closing of the ballroom doors behind me. I leaned my head back and leaned against the chilly marble wall, allowing the cool air to caress my skin. I had no idea how long I had been in there, grinning and nodding like a broken doll as strangers caressed my arms, gave me hugs, and mumbled strange things. "Oh, you've made it a long way!" "You look exactly like your mother." "Dear, we have missed you." Did you miss me? I wasn't even known to them.For as long as I could remember, I was alone, and now all of a sudden, I was theirs? To this strong, unbreakable family? After escaping two guards, I walked into the huge stone balcony outside. I felt anything real for the first time tonight, and the night air was sharp. I closed my eyes and took a long breath. The huge estate was bathed in a silver g

Lyra's Point of ViewLike a swarm of bees, the maids flocked to my room, rushing about holding jewelry and materials. Once more, here we go. I allowed them to dress me up like a life-sized doll as I sat silently. Layers of satin, lace, and silk. My scalp hurt from the pins holding my hair in place while hands pulled at it. I hardly knew who I was after they were finished.I was wearing a white dress that fit me like a second skin. It hugged my curves and made me feel a little vulnerable as it shimmered subtly in the light. In the mirror, I saw a reflection of myself. I wasn't this person. I looked at my ancient, broken phone on the bedside table. I took it in my hands and flipped it over. No fresh alerts. I didn't anticipate any. At the orphanage, I had no pals. I read books and played games on this device most of the time.I might as well leave it here. Nevertheless, I put it in the little clutch they had given me. I was startled by my father's voice's abrupt loudness. "Lyra!" I