Stay away from me!

Lyra

"Right here," a deep, familiar voice sounded from behind while I stiffened. I didn’t need to turn around to know who it was. His voice and the look on Rosemary’s face already gave it away.

“Mom, dad. I’m sorry I’m late, I was on a call with the London office.” He chimed in while I finally turned around.

The moment he saw my face, the smile on his face vanished and it was replaced with a glare.

“Zane, you remember Lyra, don't you? Andrew Vane’s daughter?" Rosemary quizzed while he stared at me the whole time.

“You!” He let out deeply and I knew it was about to explode. His gaze was locked on me, accusing and judging me all the way. I waited for him to spill it all but he didn’t.

"I don't believe we’ve had the pleasure," he simply said while extending his hand to me. "Lyra Vane. I’ve heard quite a bit about your family’s... recent developments. I’m sorry for the circumstances that brought you here." He added while I stared at his hand.

The last time those fingers had touched me, they had done wonders to my body and gave me so much pleasure. That same hand tossed dollar bills at me like I was nothing. Now, it’s stretched to me again and I feel like slapping it aside but his parents would be suspicious. I then took his hand but quickly let go in just a second.

"Thank you, Mr. Ashford. Your parents have been incredibly kind."

"Please, call him Zane, we’re all family here." Henry urged.

The dinner felt like a chore. Henry and Rosemary tried to make it lively but the whole time, I kept thinking and stealing glances at Zane. He felt like a different person smd the fact that he was even pretending like he had never seen me before. He played the part so well that I started to doubt myself. I thought maybe my mind was playing tricks on me and he wasn’t the one.

“Maybe they’re not the same person after all.” I thought to myself…

We finally finished eating and I quickly excused myself. I made my way upstairs and was only halfway down the dimly lit gallery when a hand suddenly pulled me into a corner.

I looked up and it was Zane holding my arm in a tight grip. He pinned me against the wall and then stared so deep into my eyes that I could feel it in my soul.

"What is your game, Lyra?" he asked and that just cleared my doubts. He’s definitely the one!

“Ohh wow, see who finally decided to stop pretending. I thought you didn’t know me, why the sudden change?” I slammed at him.

“Will you keep your mouth shut and answer my damn question? What is your game here!” He repeated.

"I don’t have any time for games please. I didn't have anywhere else to go and my dad told me to come here. I didn't even know your last name was Ashford until I saw that portrait." I replied, trying to push him away, but he wouldn’t let me.

"Liar," he spat.

"You knew exactly who I was that night. Or maybe you found out I am a billionaire heir, and you’ve now crawled into my parents' house to finish the job. Is the money I gave you not enough? Are you looking for a permanent settlement now that you’re broke and have nothing?" He asked and right then, I felt a deep anger surge through me. I might have lost everything but I have little dignity left, and I won’t let some arrogant brat keep treating me like trash.

"Listen to me, you arrogant prick. I didn't want your money then, and I don't want it now. I would rather live in a gutter than spend another second in your presence. I’m here because your father is the only person who hasn't turned his back on me. Not because of you." I let out fiercely and then pushed him off me.

“Fine, stick to whatever sick game you have planned but stay away from me. Don't talk to me, don't look at me, and don't think for a second that being under this roof makes us equals. You’re a guest of my father’s charity. Nothing more."

"Gladly, consider me a ghost. You won't even know I’m here." I affirmed and I really kept to my word.

For the next three weeks, I made sure I avoided him. I kept to my room all day, only going out for meals. The rest of the day is spent in my room, reading and watching the news for any word of her father but I never got any.

Zane played his part too, he leaves for work really early in the morning and only comes back in the dead of the night. We were like two parallel lines that would never meet.

"Good morning, dear," Rosemary said as she walked into the room.

“Good morning, trust you had a great night?” I replied while she nodded with a seeet smile.

"We’re having the chef prepare some smoked salmon. I specifically asked for it because of you. You’re looking a bit frail and I’m worried you’re not eating well." She explained but the sound of the food made my stomach twist like I wanted to throw up.

"I... I think I'll just have tea," I said, reaching for a chair to steady herself since the room was starting to spin.

"Lyra? Are you alright?" Rosemary asked and I tried to answer, but my legs suddenly became so heavy that I could no longer lift them. That was the last thing I remembered before everything went blank.

I finally opened my eyes to find Rosemary sitting by my side, holding my hand. Henry was standing by the window, talking quietly to the doctor.

"Where am I... what happened? Why am I in the hospital?” I exclaimed, making Rosemary jerk. Her face lit up once she saw I was awake and she quickly stood up to hug me.

“Ohh sweetheart, you’re awake. You fainted and we quickly rushed you here. You’re in the hospital, honey. I’m so glad you’re back to us now. I was so scared.” She let out while I tried to flash back and see things for myself.

Henry and the doctor saw I was awake too so they came over. The doctor checked me and then let out a smile.

"Miss Vane, I’m Dr. Aris. We’ve run a full panel of tests. Your blood sugar was dangerously low, and you’re showing signs of significant stress and mild dehydration." He let out.

"I'm sorry, I’ve had a lot on my mind lately, I guess that’s what caused it.” I replied while he nodded.

"That’s understandable, but you need to start prioritizing your health now. You aren't just eating for one anymore." He retorted while I looked confused.

I saw Henry and Rosemary share a knowing glance, and I could tell they were also curious.

“What do you mean, doctor?” I asked.

“I mean, you’re pregnant, Lyra. You’re three weeks pregnant.” He dropped the bombshell and I felt my heart stop for a second.

“What?” I exclaimed…