Is he the same man?

Lyra

Just a week ago, the stack of hundreds had felt like a slap in the face when they hit the bed but now, they were my lifesaver.

I looked up and saw my Birkin bag sitting pretty by the dresser. Of course, it looked out of place, it’s the only luxury I have left of my former life. I’ve spent the last seven days watching the world I knew dissolve in real-time.

My dad is now officially a fugitive, the Vane offices are wrapped in yellow crime-scene tapes. My friends have all blocked my number, and Matt… oh my God, Matt hasn’t even called me once to check up on me or apologize. I’m sure he’s moved on with that bitch, Joanne…

Tears welled up in my eyes as I stared at the last hundred-dollar bill from the money the naked stranger arrogantly threw at me.

“I hate him so much, damn it!” I groaned angrily.

I hate the way he looked at me like I was a stain on his expensive suit, and how he thinks he can buy my silence. But most importantly, I hate that his money is the only reason I am not sleeping under a random bridge in the middle of nowhere.

After he left that morning, I also checked out of the hotel and drove to a cheap motel. I lodged there and have been living on the money but it will all be gone tomorrow morning.

The motel manager, won’t take it lightly with me and if I don’t want any embarrassment, I have to find a solution fast.

I grabbed my phone and then scrolled to the one contact I never thought I would ever call.

Henry Ashford, one of my dad’s old friends. They met and became friends in college, and after that, built their empires. While my dad got into the spotlight, Henry stayed in the shadows and grew his company into an empire.

I think it was during one of their celebrations that they decided to merge their dynasties through their children.

It was an arranged marriage so they arranged a blind date between his son and I.

Well, I was madly in love with Matt and instead of showing up at the date, I booked a flight to Ibiza for Matt and I, and we had so much fun.

I got back and heard that my supposed date didn’t show up either. He probably also chose to be with his girlfriend. Whatever it was, the merger plan died that night and that was the end of the arranged marriage too.

I thought choosing love was the best but the man I did it for betrayed me, and I now have to crawl back to the one I rejected.

Knowing the fate that awaited me in the morning, I immediately shook off every bit of pride and made the call.

"Hello?" a warm voice answered on the second ring.

"Henry? It's... it's Lyra. Lyra Vane." I let out.

"Lyra? Dear girl, where have you been? We’ve been waiting for your call. Your father told me you might call, but we didn't know how to reach you." He replied eagerly.

"I'm in trouble, Henry," I whispered.

"Just send me your adddess. I will send you a car right away!” He said firmly and ended the call.

Before I knew what was happening, the car had arrived, and I was on the road.

We finally got to the house and I suddenly started to breath fast and hard. I had no idea what I was walking into.

Just then, the front doors flung open and Henry hurried towards me. His wife. Rosemary was beside him, looking beautiful with a sweet smile.

"Lyra , oh honey," Rosemary said, pulling me into a warm hug. I didn’t even know how much I needed the hug until I found myself drowning in the warmth. It felt so good.

"Thank you for taking me in," I said softly.

"Nonsense," Henry said, motioning to one of the maids who quickly took my bags upstairs.

"You’re family. Andrew is... well, we’ll talk about that later. Right now, you need a nice meal, warm bath and a long nap." He added.

"We were just about to sit for dinner," Rosemary said, leading the way to the dining room.

"Our son is actually home for the weekend. He’s been in London for business, but he flew back this morning. I’m sure he will be glad to have you around." She added while I felt my heart skip a beat.

I didn’t know how to feel about being around him now after our history. I’ve heard rumors about him being a stuck-up playboy brat, and I hope it’s true. At least, it would make feel good that I didn’t miss out, choosing stupid Matt over him.

"I hope it's not too awkward… about the date thing." I murmured while they both laughed.

"Water under the bridge, Lyra . He was just as stubborn as you were. I think he’ll be quite surprised to see you." Henry replied.

We got to the dining room, and it was a masterpiece which reminded me of home. I looked up just then and then saw a portrait.

“Who is that?” I asked slowly while Rosemary ’s gaze followed mine before she finally smiled.

“Ohh I think I remember now. You two were supposed to officially meet over the blind date so that means you both don’t know what each other looks like. Very funny, huh?” She joked but I didn’t laugh. I couldn’t. The room was starting to move and it felt like the air was being sucked out.

The man in the portrait was the arrogant naked stranger who treated me like a trash a week ago. I stared really hard, desperately wishing they weren’t the same person but my wish didn’t come through.

It was definitely him.

Even in the picture, he looked arrogant and condescending like he did when he threw money at me and threatened to ruin my life if I ever spoke his name.

"That's him, that’s your son?" I finally found my voice.

"Our only son and heir," Henry replied while I felt a cold sweat break out on my neck.

"Is everything alright, dear? You look like you've just seen a ghost." Rosemary asked when she noticed my sudden paleness.

"I... I'm just tired," I lied while my mind started racing as I wondered what he’d think once he sees me.

He’d probably think that I tracked down his parents and now here to carry out some twisted scheme and blackmail him. He had promised to ruin me but then do I even have anything to lose. I already lost it all…

"Is he... is he joining us for dinner?” I asked gently.

"Right here," a deep, familiar voice sounded from behind...