Chapter 02
Bruce walked past her, not caring about Lyra who held her chest painfully. He walked straight into the bathroom after stripping himself off his shirt. Lyra let out a sigh as a tear dropped down her cheeks. The pain had subsided by now.She found her way to their bed and laid quietly on it, her hands rubbing her chest rhythmically. She folded herself tightly more like squeezing herself on the bed. Her tightly folded body only occupied a small region of space while Bruce's part of the bed was widely spaced.Bruce's phone let out a loud ring beside her and she let out a silent groan, she ignored it and shut her eyes tightly. Bruce's phone beeped again and she was forced to sit up on the bed.She stretched her hand to the phone and took it from the drawer. He had a message notification, she clicked on it and it was a message from Ella( her twin sister).She scoffed and clicking on it, she was a bit suprised at the content of the message.* Bruce could you please come back? I can't sleep *She was suprised. What the hell was this? The time is 10pm and she wants him to come back to her, when she's damn sure he had been there ever since he closed at work. Jealousy hovered her and she deleted the message scornfully and letting out a low hiss, she dropped his phone back to the exact spot it was before.She laid back on the bed and shutting her eyes, she drifted to sleep.*** Next Morning ***Lyra stretched her hands as usual and trailed them to Bruce's side of the bed to confirm as usual if he had gone to work. She was shocked to feel his body and she withdrew her hands immediately.She opened her eyes abruptly and sat up. " Why was he still in bed? " She thought silently. She wanted to tap him to ask if he wasn't heading to work that day or probably forgot. She decided against it and decided to mind her business as usual. Why should she care anyways?Remembering yesterday's event, she let out a sigh. Would her husband ever feel a thing for her?" No, I shouldn't be thinking about this anymore! I love someone else now " She snapped at herself but deep down knew a part of her still felt a thing for her heartless husband.She got down from the bed and grabbed her towel before heading into the bathroom.Minutes Later, she walked out of the bathroom in a towel with water dripping from her wet hair. She was drying it with a towel. She was a bit startled when she saw Bruce's figure getting dressed, his back was against her but he could see her from the mirror's reflection, he was getting dressed before the mirror.Lyra bit her lips slowly before turning, she made to go get dressed in the bathroom instead. She had forgotten that Bruce was in the room, she would have gotten dressed initially in the bathroom.The loud bang of the door closing made her stop, Bruce had walked out of the room. She let out a sigh. That was always the usual tension between her and her so-called husband.They hardly ever talk to each other, not even a word. She reminded herself that she shouldn't care anymore. She now has someone who cared about her, she should ignore Bruce's harsh act towards her now and focus on Bryan, that man is in love with her. She should also try to love him fully and not just a part of her loving him.Initially, she would be trying her possible best to get her attention but noy anymore. Is it 'cause she's also in love with Bryan or she doesn't want Bruce to say hurtful things to her anymore?She's really still confused about her feelings but she really hopes she now cares about Bryan only and not Bruce.She reminisced on yesterday event, how she was full of jealousy and deleted Ella's text. " No, it can't be so. I wasn't jealous " She muttered to herself.She grabbed her phone from the dressing table to check if she had any messages from Bryan and as usual he sent her a good morning text.She read it as she walked out of the rooms and it send smiles to her lips.She was oblivious of when she got to the stairway and began to descend the stairs absentmindedly.She chuckled out loudly reading the seemingly unending long text and almost tripped from the stairs. She got a hold of herself as she held the rails tightly and her phone fell to the ground, shattering into pieces immediately.She let out a loud gasp and rushed down the stairs, she took the broken piece of the phone and was oblivious of when tears streamed down her face. Was that the end? She had no source of income as her only company had been given to Ella by her parents to handle ever since she got married thinking Bruce would be taking good care of her but he never did.Knowing fully well that she doesn't work, he never gives her money not even a monthly allowance. He would ask her whenever she asked him for money that what was she lacking and that was the truth.She had clothes, bags , shoes, enough food in the house and he even gave her one of his car. What else did she need?She had never asked him for money ever since then and now she has no money to repair her phone and she's sure Bruce wouldn't give her any.How then would she get to contact Bryan? Does that mean they would be losing contact forever? No, she has to find a way.She wiped her tears and making up her mind to swallow her pride and go to Bruce's office for help.She walked back to her room and grabbing her car keys, she rushed out of the mansion. She got into her car and drove off.** Ford's Enterprise **Lyra let out a sigh as she stared at the big company of her husband. It was one of the biggest company in Australia. Her husband was indeed a wealthy man, but not as wealthy as she was before she got married to him.Her parents were among the top 10 richest families in Australia, but The Ford's family weren't even close to that. She was so obsessed and in love with Ford then. That was why her family had planned a contract with the Ford's family and they agreed, knowing it was going to benefit them hugely.Bruce was forced into the marriage as he had eyes of her twin sister, Ella instead. She was happy when they got married, she didn't care if it was a one sided love between them as all that matters was that she was going to be with Bruce but she was starting to regret it now. Maybe not fully, 'cause she still had hopes Bruce would one day fall in love with her.She put on her sunglasses as she took a step into the big company. The guards recognized her as Bruce's legal wife and they made way for her without delay.She smiled lightly, at least she still gets respected outside of her home even if her husband doesn't respect her.She walked into the elevator and tapped on the 5 button, that was where her husband's office was.This was her second time coming to her husband's company after 3 years of their marriage.The *ding* sound from the elevator snapped her out of her thoughts as the elevator opened widely and she made her way to Bruce's office.She stopped abruptly at the front of a door with a tag which read * The CEO Office * She removed her sunglass and placed it in her bag.She inhaled softly, the braveness and confidence of hers had suddenly disappeared. She was scared, nervous and was obviously fidgeting.What if he disgrace her at his office or refused to give her the money? He wouldn't want to do that right?She was about pushing the door opened when she realized Bruce had actually never thought of her as his wife. He might flare up and question her on why she had refused to knock at the door before coming in, even as his legal wife.She inhaled softly. She placed a knock at the door but got no response at first. She knocked gently again and this time Bruce responded. " Come in " His thick voice came out and her heartbeat accelerated.That thick voice of his had always been one of the features she loved in him then. Slowly, she pushed the door opened and made her way into his office.Closing the door behind her, she turned to the three pairs of hers. " Riley, you can leave now " Bruce said to his secretary.Riley bowed lightly before walking out of his office. Bruce and Ella were now left in the office with Lyra.The duo were suprised to see Lyra before them as they had never thought she would step foot in Bruce's company ever since he had humiliated her the first time in front of his office.Lyra too was a bit suprised to see Ella with Bruce. Wasn't she supposed to be handling her ( Lyra's) company? Why was she here? Does she comes here frequently like this?Ella's lips twitch into a smirk and before they knew it, she walked over to Lyra abruptly and landed a slap in her cheek. Lyra gasped shockingly as she held her cheek tightly." Ella! " Bruce cautioned and Ella smirked." Ella.. " Lyra called shockingly." You deleted the message I sent to Bruce yesterday, didn't you? " She asked, this time around her face twitching into an angry one.What the hell was going on was all that filled Lyra's head. How could she, a legal wife get slapped by her husband's concubine and he's only going to watch without saying a thing!?She couldn't stop the tears. " Oh, the bitch's crying " Ella mocked, laughing heartily while Lyra cried the more.Bruce got up from his seat and walked over to the scene, he drew Ella to himself. Ella looked at him with a baby face and he did a shocking thing, he planted a kiss on her lips before turning to Lyra who watched the scene hurtfully with tears streaming down her face." Woman! Why are you here!? " He asked, looking at her scornfully, a look he would never look at Ella with. Lyra felt her heart shattering into pieces.T B CChapter 03" Answer the damn question and stop with the crocodile tears! " He snapped but she didn't flinch and only continue shedding tears. " Seems you're not ready. You can get the hell outta here then " Bruce snapped and turned to leave." I need money " She blurted out and Bruce stopped on his tracks while Ella let out a smirk. Bruce turned to her, she was drying up her tears with the sleeve of her shirt." For? " Bruce asked with a raised brow. " I need to repair my phone, it got spoilt " She said and he scoffed. " Alright, you can leave " Bruce said and turned again and began to walk over to his seat." But the money... "" Lyra!! " He cut her off angrily and she nodded shakily before rushing out of his office. She could hear Ella's mocking laughter as she rushed out.She got out of the office and let out a sigh. She saw some staffs staring at her and she wiped her tears immediately, she adjusted her clothes and rushed towards the elevator after putting on her sunglasses.***L
Chapter 04She kept staring at the phone with so much attention. She was glad she got a replacement anyways since Bruce had refused to get one for her.She held it to her chest lovingly hoping it was Bryan who had gotten it for her.After setting up the cloud on her phone and retrieving all her phone's info back, she let out a satisfying smile.She scrolled through her phone to her call logs and as thought, Bryan's contact came up first.She was about tapping on the icon when a contact calling flashed across her phone. Her lips crept into a smile when she found out it was Bryan." He's really the one! I knew it! " Her heart screamed in excitement.She picked the call immediately and Bryan's hush voice rang melodiously in her ears and that alone sent butterflies to her tummy." Babe " She whispered. " I'm sorry for yelling at you earlier " Bryan apologized first and she smiled. " It's fine. I love you " She mumbled. " I love you too " Bryan replied. " The phone... You got it for me ri
Chapter 05Bruce opened his eyelids tiredly, it wasn't morning, he was only feeling thirsty. He let out a silent groan as he sat up on the bed.He stood up and made his way out of the room, heading downstairs. He got to the dinning room and advanced to the fridge, he brought out a bottled water and emptied the content down his throat.He disposed the plastic into the bin and resumed back to the room. He walked in and turning on the light switch, he suddenly realized Lyra wasn't in with him.He hadn't noticed ever since he retired to sleep, he's just noticing now." Where's she? " He thought but then brush it off since he shouldn't care. He laid back on the bed and slept off peacefully.** Next Morning **Lyra walked in slowly into the room, trying not to attract Bruce's attention if he was still in. She wasn't sure if he had left for work or not but she had to be careful.She was a bit suprised to see him still asleep. " Isn't he going to work? " She thought slowly.She walked closer
Chapter 06It was night at the Ford's Mansion and Bruce had arrived some minutes ago, while Lyra hid in the guest room, afraid he might still scold her for the incident that had happened in the morning.She suddenly heard a knock at the door and she flinched lightly. " Wh.. who's there? " She stuttered." Sire Bruce wants you to retire back to the room " A maid replied and her heartbeat accelerated irregularly." Um. Okay " She forced out a reply. Why would Bruce want her back in their room? He obviously doesn't care about her, right? Is he planning on hitting her? Or locking her in the room?She was baffled and scared at the same time. Should she call Brian? But it's late, he can't just come over, right? What about her mom? Should she inform her?She was oblivious of what to do. She ruffled her hair in frustration, she grabbed her phone and walked out of the room slowly. She got to their room and pushed the door opened slowly.Bruce was sitting ok the bed, operating on his laptop. He
Chapter 07Bruce got up hurriedly and in pretense, rushed over to Lyra to aid her. Lyra pushed him away angrily and he was suprised. " I'm fine. I can walk on my own " She snapped as she walked over to her seat.Mr and Mrs Ford exchanged glances understanding what was happening. Mrs Ford let out a sigh before turning to Bruce who sat down with an annoyed look on.He sure is going to make Lyra pay for not playing along to his scheme." Bruce. You haven't been treating your wife right, have you? " Mrs Ford asked, almost angrily. Bruce only let out a scoff as he ate his meal silently." Bruce! I'm talking to you! " Mrs Ford shouted angrily as she hit her palm on the dinning table forcefully and they all flinched except Bruce.He only dropped his cutlery and raised his head to his mom. " Mom why're you getting so worked out 'cause of nothing? You know more than anyone that I don't care for Lyra! I don't want her as my wife! It's only a forced marriage! " Bruce raised his voice angrily.Mr
Chapter 08* Later In The Evening *" Lyra... Are you sure you're fine now? " Bryan asked worriedly over the phone, they're on a voice call." Yeah, I'm fine " Lyra replied with a dry voice, she was looking pale and definitely not okay, only if Bryan could see her." Are you sure? " Bryan asked again, to be sure. " Yeah "" So what are you going to do now? " Bryan asked worriedly. " I'm just going to try to stay out of his lane. Or keep myself locked in this guest room forever " She muttered sadly." You sure you don't wanna report this to the police?" Bryan asked, from the way he spoke, one could notice he was damn angry but he tried to keep it low." No, it's fine.. it's not his first time assaulting me anyways " Lyra replied with a sad smile tho he couldn't see it." Then leave! Come on Lyra! You know he's definitely doing all that to make you leave so do so! I'm not okay with you staying there with that monster! Please Lyra.. please.. just sign the god-damned papers! Please " Brya
Chapter 09She picked the call hurriedly. " Hey babe " His hush voice came out tiredly." Were you sleeping?" Lyra asked when she noticed how hush his voice sounded." Yeah, I had slept off and I'm just getting off my bed right now when I remembered I had actually promised to call, sorry if I kept you waiting " He apologized and Lyra smiled." No it's fine " She replied in smiles." So, you fine now? " Bryan asked worriedly and she nodded, before she remembered he can't actually see her." Um yeah.. I'm fine now. I have decided to pack some of my stuffs to the guest room and I would be staying here for some time " She replied him and she heard him clicking his tongue." Alright that's cool then " He said to her and a brief moment of silence passed by with no one saying a word to each other." Um.. Bryan, about earlier... you're not mad at me right? " Lyra asked slowly.It took a while before Bryan replied. " Of course not, not like I can stay mad at you for so long.. I'm not angry any
Chapter 10" Oh God " Lyra sighed frustratedly as she tried to dial Bryan's number for the umpteenth time but it was futile." Gosh, I just wanna know if he's okay.. I don't care if he purposely switched off his phone or something. I just wanna know if he's fine " She lamented sadly and worriedly." Oh God " She let out a frustrated sigh.She heard a knock at the door but she ignored it, her head was so occupied with Bryan's safety, his phone being switched off really got her all worked up.The knock came once again but she didn't care. " Ma'am, are you in there? " She recognized that voice immediately, it was her Tia, Tia is more like her personal maid.. she does literally everything for her." Tia what's it? " She struggled to keep her voice loud enough for Tia to hear." Sire seems to be going out with Miss Ella, you can go get your stuffs from the room now " Tia informed.She had actually asked Tia to inform her whenever those two were out of the house, she wanted to get some impo