4: A Stranger’s House

Lyra's POV

I stood frozen, my eyes locked with my father's. I didn’t want him to leave. I didn’t want to be alone with him.

“Do you need me to repeat myself?” Lucian’s voice sliced through the tension, sharp and cold.

Dad glanced at me one last time, his lips trembling as if he wanted to say something — but instead, he turned and walked out the door. The silence he left behind roared in my ears.

My legs shook as I bent down to retrieve the scattered papers. My hand trembled uncontrollably. I hadn’t even read the contents of the contract — just seeing his signature already scrawled across the page made my heart pound harder.

Before I could stand up fully, something firm and heavy smacked against my backside.

I gasped.

My body tensed in fear, and as I straightened, Lucian's arm snaked around my neck, yanking me against his chest. He was uncomfortably close — his breath brushing my ear, his warmth overwhelming me.

Now I could clearly feel what hit me… and it was still pressing against me.

“I-I want to sign the paper,” I stammered, trying to step back. “The doctors are waiting…”

“And what do you think I want?” he murmured, pulling me even closer.

“I’m sorry,” I whispered, trembling.

“Better,” he said.

His hand moved to my stomach, tapping it slowly, almost absentmindedly. Then he leaned in and inhaled — his nose brushing my neck, then my hair. I stiffened, breath shallow. My entire body shivered in discomfort and confusion.

After a moment, he pulled away slightly and grabbed a bundle of cash from a drawer. He shoved it into my hand.

“Use this,” he said flatly, “and clean yourself up. I don’t want your appearance scaring my child.”

I nodded, not daring to speak. I turned my face away, but accidentally glanced downward — and immediately wished I hadn’t.

My eyes landed on his Tectonic Troublemaker — there — and it was standing, long, thick , almost… tauntingly. My breath hitched and I jerked my gaze away.

“I… I need a pen,” I said, voice barely audible.

Lucian walked to his desk, scribbled something on a slip of paper, and handed both the paper and a pen to me.

“Here’s the check,” he said. “And my number is on the back. Call me before tomorrow.”

Then, in a husky voice: “Sign… and get out.”

I signed my name as fast as I could and bolted from the room, barely breathing until the door slammed shut behind me.

My father rushed toward me the moment I stepped into the hallway.

“Did he hurt you?” he asked, eyes full of concern.

I shook my head. “No. He gave me the check. And some cash. Please… give it to the doctor now.”

Dad didn’t say another word. We rushed back to the hospital, where the payment was made, and the surgery began immediately.

*********

Lucian’s POV

What the hell is wrong with me?

Why did I react like that… to her?

It’s been years since I’ve sex — since I’ve even wanted another woman. But today… something about that girl…

No. It’s just weakness. I’m just… tired. Lonely, maybe.

I shouldn’t have let myself get that close. I made a promise — to my wife. I must keep it.

I need to find someone to relieve myself. A prostitute. Anything but her. I can’t be tempted by a land whale… that’s impossible.

**********

Lyra’s POV

By 4 p.m., Mom’s surgery was complete. The doctors said it went well, and she was resting peacefully. Relief washed over me like a wave.

But peace was short-lived.

I sat alone in the waiting room, staring at the piece of paper Lucian had handed me. His number was scrawled on the back. He told me to call him… but for what? What did he want now?

I remembered the feel of his breath on my skin. His body pressing against mine. His mocking tone.

Disgusted, I tore the paper in half, then again, and again, until it was nothing but tiny shreds. I tossed them in the nearest bin.

That man didn’t deserve even a moment of my thoughts.

“Good afternoon, ma’am.”

The voice startled me. I turned sharply and found three tall, muscular men in matching black suits standing before me.

“Good afternoon…” I said hesitantly. “ how can I help you?”

“CEO Lucian sent us,” the one in front replied. “He instructed us to bring you. The car is waiting.”

“What? Why?” I asked, heart racing.

“Ma’am,” the man said, his tone darkening, “if you make us wait, we’re authorized to use force.”

“I can’t leave now. My mother is recovering. I haven’t even seen my father—”

“Your father was already informed,” he said curtly. “We were told not to leave without you.”

“But—”

“You can either walk… or we’ll carry you. Your choice.”

Left with no other option, I stood. I searched every hallway in the hospital on our way out, hoping to see Dad. But he was nowhere. Only Mom lay in her bed, resting.

I didn’t wake her.

Outside, a long white car waited. The door swung open silently. I hesitated for just a second — then got in.

My heart pounded in my chest like a drum. How did he know where we were? No one told him… no one gave him this address.

Within forty minutes, the car pulled into a gated mansion that looked like something out of a movie. Expensive. Isolated. Cold.

As the gates opened wide, I saw people standing outside — staff, maybe. They all turned toward the car. Some stared. Others whispered.

I felt like a prisoner being delivered to her fate.

The car door opened.

I stepped out slowly, nerves buzzing.

And then I saw her.

A tiny little girl with soft curls and a pale pink dress, peeking shyly from behind the staircase.

Her eyes met mine — curious, wide, and innocent.

Then she whispered, loud enough for everyone to hear:

“Are you my new mommy?”