Chapter 8

Kyra

I realized when he stepped away and took the chance to get up, leaving as quickly as possible.

As I closed the door behind me, I felt the weight of that presence. Even without seeing him, I could feel him — as if the air had grown denser. I turned, trying to pretend everything was fine… but it wasn’t.

"I knew you’d come back," he said, as if he could hear my thoughts.

"I thought that, since you arrived, I could go home," I was direct, even knowing it wasn’t what he wanted to hear.

The answer came fast and dry:

"No. If I need to leave so you stay here, then I will leave."

He was unbearable. But, at the same time, there was something in him… something that made me feel safe within these walls.

I looked at the clock: almost two in the morning. Walking to my apartment was dangerous. After today, I couldn’t tempt fate.

"Set aside your pride. Here, we deal only with work. Understood, Miss Lysten?"

"Understood, Mr. Blackthorne." — He remained still, blocking my path with that rigid body.

The smell of whiskey lingered on him, a cruel reminder of what he had told me days ago.

"Excuse me, Mr. Blackthorne. I’m going to my… to my room."

My chest rose and fell, following the uneven rhythm of my heart.

As I climbed the stairs, I felt his cold gaze following me — and, unintentionally, memories of my cruel past surfaced.

"You’re not going anywhere, Isabelle. And even if you manage to escape me, you know I will find you. Even if it’s in hell."

Marcos’ words still haunted my mind as if it all happened yesterday, even though a year had passed since I managed to flee that hell.

Before lying down, I went to Julie’s room.

For the first time, I felt the crushing weight of loneliness… of emptiness.

I have no one. My mother chose to stay by Marcos’ side. According to her: "People can change, just grant forgiveness."

But I want them to get exactly what they deserve.

I was heading to my room when I heard Liam’s hoarse voice calling my name from the top of the stairs, almost a whisper.

"Kyra… do you have a minute?"

I nodded, even wanting to say: "Go f*** yourself, Liam. Leave me alone."

I followed him to the game room, where he poured vodka and did the same for me.

"I don’t want formalities, Kyra. I want the truth. What brought you here? How and why?"

"You’ve already asked me this question, and I’ve already answered. I came looking for improvements for myself. And I think I’m on the right path… until you want to replace me."

He was too curious. He asked as if he wanted to be friendly. But "friendly" is dangerous, depending on the second intention. And everyone has one.

Liam

She was brief, but skillfully avoided the subjects that interested me.

I wanted to apologize for speaking to her that way… I had an exhausting day, and recalling the past made me explode.

But it wasn’t just that.

Kyra Lysten left no traces. No social media, no recent photographs, nothing. I researched deeply and found only documents and previous records. The minimum to prove she was who she said she was.

If she’s hiding something, it won’t take long for me to find out.

"Great!" — She looked at me as if expecting me to dismiss her. But I did the opposite. "Want a drink with me? You seem to have lost sleep. So have I."

She laughed, but awkwardly.

I confess I don’t even recognize myself around her. It’s as if I’m being hypnotized by someone I want to despise… and at the same time, possess.

"Why would I do that? We’re not friends, Mr. Blackthorne. I’m just your daughter’s nanny. Nothing more."

She spoke softly, but in a tone only I could hear.

And, damn… every time she calls me Blackthorne, I feel an uncontrollable desire.

"Because I’m asking nicely. And also asking you to accept my apologies… and go back to sleeping here."

"Liam…" she lifted her face and looked at me, tired of dealing with people like me. "I’m fine as I am. I’ll be here to cover the nights you need. But don’t confuse things. I’m following all the rules you imposed."

"Alright… but will you have a glass of wine with me and then I’ll take you to your apartment?"

She looked at me surprised, perhaps wondering how I knew where she lived.

"Just one glass."

She went to the garden while I went down to the wine cellar. I chose a wine from the best vintage, prepared two glasses, a charcuterie board, and a blanket. When I returned, I observed from afar.

She was lost in her own thoughts, absent, yet so present.

"Have you ever thought about having children?" I asked, sitting beside her.

I spread the blanket. She hesitated, but accepted. Her shoulders were tense, and the hairs on her arms stood on end. Terrible at pretending everything was fine.

"I… never thought about it. A child is a responsibility. And deserves, at the very least, a dignified life."

"But that doesn’t seem to be what worries you."

"Liam… I don’t want to raise a child alone because the father abandoned me. I can’t handle more overload. I’m just surviving."

She was sensible. Realistic. Sensitive. All of it in an intensity that left me speechless.

"Also… I can’t have children. If I ever change my mind, I’ll have to find another way. Adoption takes years, and I wouldn’t be qualified. So, please, let’s not talk about this anymore."

"When Julie’s mother left, I felt lost… I thought I couldn’t take care of her. And believe me, I still can’t. I don’t know how to play, don’t know how to deal with her. I feel like a failure. Ana was never attached. She didn’t want a baby — it would ruin her career. When Julie was one, she went off to adventure with her lover and… they had an accident."

"I’m sorry for what happened to your…"

"I don’t know how to do this either, Kyra. But I’ve never seen Julie so attached to anyone as she is to you."

She didn’t respond immediately. Just took a deep breath and turned toward me, her expression unreadable. Cold and empty. As if it no longer belonged to the story she allowed herself to be in.