7

“Mr. Leonel?”

Lyra tried to keep her voice calm. Although she was actually quite surprised to see the man coming to meet her. In her memories from her previous life, Leonel had indeed come to meet his fiancée a few days before the wedding.

At the time, Lyra never knew what the man wanted to give her or what he wanted to discuss. All she knew was that after Leonel left, Ciara became furious and hated her even more.

Now, the same thing was happening again.

Except this time, Lyra was the one who was his fiancée.

Leonel did not answer immediately. His gaze returned to Lyra’s hand, which was still bleeding, before shifting to the broken pieces of the figurine on the ground. “You’re hurt.”

“It’s fine.”

Lyra quickly pulled her hand back. She did not want to make this matter drag on any longer. But Leonel instead turned to one of the servants standing not far away.

“Treat her wound.”

The servant immediately nodded and was about to approach, but Lyra shook her head.

“No need.”

Leonel stared at her sharply.

“I can take care of it myself.” Lyra’s voice remained calm.

She then lowered her head and looked again at the broken pieces of the figurine scattered across the ground. The object she had carefully kept for years was now nothing more than small fragments that no longer resembled its original form.

Strangely, this time she did not feel like crying. Lyra turned her gaze to the servant. “Just throw the pieces away.”

The servant hesitated. She knew very well that the figurine was one of Miss Lyra’s cherished possessions. For years, it had always been carefully kept in Lyra’s room and had hardly ever been touched by anyone.

“Are you sure, Miss?” she asked to make sure. “This figurine ... isn’t it your favorite?”

Lyra stared at the broken pieces for several seconds.

“Just throw it away.” She took a slow breath before continuing, “I don’t want it anymore.”

The servant finally nodded and began gathering the ceramic pieces. Lyra no longer looked in her direction. Instead, she turned her gaze toward Leonel, who was still standing in front of her.

“In that case, let’s talk in the back garden.”

Leonel didnt object.

They walked toward the back garden of the Hart family home. Unlike the front garden, which was often used to receive guests, this garden was much quieter. Magnolia trees grew along the pathway, their flowers blooming among the green leaves.

That place had been one of Lyra’s favorite spots since childhood. Usually, being there helped calm her mind. She hoped their conversation could pass without any burdens.

Leonel started the conversation first. “This marriage is quite strange.”

Lyra raised her gaze.

“I was supposed to marry Ciara,” Leonel continued without beating around the bush. “She is the biological daughter of the Hart family. Yet now, your name is listed as my prospective bride.”

Lyra remained silent.

Seeing Lyra’s attitude, Leonel felt that there was something the woman was not saying.

“I have no objection to marrying anyone. This marriage is the family’s decision, and I have no reason to refuse it.” Leonel paused for a moment. “I’m just curious.”

“Curious ... about what?”

“Why you?”

Lyra looked at him.

Leonel’s gaze remained calm, but there was something that made Lyra know the man was not simply asking out of politeness. He genuinely wanted to understand the reason behind this change.

Especially since Leonel must have known about her relationship with Damien all this time. He must also have known how much Lyra wanted that marriage. Almost everyone knew.

Lyra smiled faintly. “That’s none of your business.”

Leonel did not appear offended. “It became my business because you’re my future wife.”

“If you’re worried that I’ll embarrass you at the altar, I assure you that won’t happen,” Lyra said confidently.

“Then I won’t ask any further.”

Lyra was silent for a moment before speaking again. “Besides, you need a bride to obtain your full inheritance rights, don’t you?”

Leonel’s eyes narrowed slightly. The corner of his lips lifted faintly.

“Then just focus on that purpose.”

Lyra looked at the magnolia flowers beside her. The wind moved gently, making some of the flower petals sway. In six days, her life would truly change.

It didn’t matter. At least this time ... her decision was not wrong.

She was indeed hurt by her choice. Letting go of the person she loved and watching him marry someone else was not easy. But at least this time, she could watch from a distance as the person she loved lived happily.

“It’s not only ‘why are you becoming my wife’ that makes me curious.”

Those words made Lyra turn toward him.

“Why was I also asked to keep the identity of my future bride a secret?” Leonel asked as he folded his arms. He leaned comfortably against the garden chair, but his sharp gaze remained fixed on Lyra.

Lyra noticed that gaze. The gaze of someone who wanted an answer without hesitation.

She then took a slow breath before saying, “Let’s just say ... I’m repaying a debt of gratitude.”