2.

Different vehicles sped to and fro in Lyra's presence. She was practically invincible to everyone.

The public's attention was drawn to Harrison Monroe, who walked out of the hotel with a straight face. His bodyguards on both sides boosted his confidence.

The arena was practically crowded with reporters, passersby, and fans.

“Mr. Harrison, what's the motive for coming back to Texas? Are the rumors about your upcoming marriage true?” The reporters questioned.

“There are so many beautiful ladies in California, why did you choose to have an arranged marriage over here? Do you have other motives?”

“Would you partner with Didos Company for more recognition in Texas?”

A large number of reporters and passersby came in with cameras and microphones, the crowd multiplied within seconds.

Harrison is the CEO of Monroe Capital, a prestigious global investment. The trappings of his wealth have enveloped him and boosted a deep-seated ego that seemed to swell with every success.

Harrison walked out with a serious facial expression giving no evidence of interest or amusement, his bodyguards were so close to safeguarding him from the crowd he termed - lazy nonentities.

“Harrison Monroe!!” They yelled, trying to make a meaningful conversation with him but he was muted, unwilling to answer.

Lyra's rolling eyes glared at the reporters perching all over him.

“That bastard,” she grumbled, listening to the reporter's questions.

Lyra's heart was more broken when she gave ear to questions about his upcoming marriage.

Lyra's world-weary eyes lowered as she wrapped her arms around herself. Her stare shifted to the Mercedez Benz that stopped before her.

She creased her eyes, watching a tall and elegant man come down from the back seat, he looked skillful in his white suit and his short beard made him more mature and responsible.

His deep brown eyes swept across the crowd and then stopped on Lyra who was on the ground.

He's Harrison's younger brother, Ethan Monroe.

“Why is this damsel seated here?” his deep voice teased, referring to Lyra. It seemed like the sunlight shone directly at his angelic face.

A smile broadened on his face as he reached his hand towards her. His angelic smile brightened her day and she subconsciously smiled back at him.

Her pains disappeared all of a sudden. All she needed was a smile to recover from the burden in her chest.

“I don't need your help,” Lyra let out, bringing herself together. She didn't want to make the same mistake she did with Harrison, besides she was madly in love with Liam.

Ethan became difficult, he needed her help more. “But you need it. We can make a deal,” he whispered, this time his voice lowered.

Lyra looked around, uncomfortable with whatever was going on.

“Oh my, Mr. Ethan is here,” A male reporter alerted everyone. They were shocked as they ran towards Ethan.

Ethan's hefty bodyguards ran out of the Mercedes Benz to protect him.

A frown appeared on Harrison's face when he noticed Ethan's presence was distracting the attention he needed, the attention that always boosted his ego.

“Mr. Ethan, are you here to welcome Mr. Harrison back to Texas?”

“Are you still against Mr. Harrison being the CEO of Monroe Empire Limited?

“How do you feel being the most fortunate entrepreneur in Texas for now?”

Lyra's eyes widened and her brows lifted, staring at the camera clicking at Ethan. She was almost unseen in the crowd until Ethan's bodyguards gave her some breathing space. Ethan's arm was still extended, awaiting Lyra to hold onto it.

Lyra furrowed her brows and grabbed his hand unwillingly to avoid more drama and get the hell of there.

She was damn tired and frustrated. Ethan gorgeously smiled, pulling her to her feet.

Ethan moved her closer to himself as she was so close to slumping, then suspicions about their bond swelled.

“Mr. Ethan, have you ever thought of love, or perhaps you have someone? Probably this lady?”

“Who are you, Miss? Are you his long-gone lover?”

The question caught Lyra unaware, she froze wide-eyed, staring at the cameras flicking.

“Ugh… you don't have to discomfort my lover, ” Ethan's response made her jerk, she shifted her widened eyes to him with her mouth widened.

“What?” Lyra tried to push him away but he held her closer. “Play along, please,” he whispered.

Lyra had no idea of what to do next but forced a smile, she quickly covered her face with her hands as she noticed the camera flicking at her.

“I will retain my ordained post as CEO of Monroe Empire worldwide,” he replied confidently.

“Since this post is a battle between you and your Mr. Harrison. Does it affect your relationship with him negatively or positively?”

“How long have you been dating this Miss? Is she also influential like you? Who's she?” More questions came in.

Ethan smirked, taking a glimpse of Harrison's frown face. It was a game, a game of power between two siblings and no one was willing to back out.

“Let the game begin," Ethan said under his breath, holding Lyra's hand.

He walked up to the car and opened the back seat, gesturing that Lyra should hop in.

“Please,” he pleaded.

Lyra swayed her head from side to side, rejecting his offer. “No, thank you," Lyra said.

Lyra turned to her back, her heart paused as she noticed the reporters rolling towards like zombies, expecting responses from her.

Ethan's bodyguard blocking the way, served as a bridge between the reporters and Lyra.

Lyra hurriedly hopped in without hesitation. Ethan hopped in from the other side and the vehicle drove off.

Harrison stood still, he watched his brother, Ethan take in a lady he had a nightstand with.

He wasn't shocked about Ethan babbling about amassing his post as the CEO, they had always been rivals whenever it came to fame, wealth, and honor from childhood.

Harrison frowned as the sentence replayed in his head, “You don't have to discomfort my lover.”

He chuckled “That jerk thought he could outsmart me. Is he Lyra's spouse? Are they engaged?” he thought, remembering the diamond ring Lyra showed him in the hotel room.

“Adrain, gather information about that lady that was with Ethan. Give me reports before dawn,” Harrison commanded as he hopped in his vehicle. Adrain, his favorite bodyguard nodded and gave a bow.

“He shouldn't have gone that far to grabbing her by the waistline in my presence…ugh that bastard!” Harrison thought, biting his fingers with wrath.

“I won't allow him to snitch the title I made with sleepless nights, I have to get married on Time. I have to before Ethan does,” he furrowed his brows and pursed his lips into a thin line.

In Ethan's vehicle…

Lyra was uncomfortable staying in the back seat with Ethan and a stranger driving at the driver's wheel.

“Will you stop the car?” She asked, rubbing her sweaty hands against each other. Her quickened and audible breathing made Ethan steal a glimpse of her.

The vehicle didn't stop until Ethan raised his hand, signaling to his driver to stop the car. The vehicle stops, Lyra struggles to open the car door and it is locked through the driver's side.

She shifted her glare to Ethan.

“What else do you want from me, Mr. Ethan? I played along as you asked. Now, let me go,” Lyra said, her voice breaking.

He shifted his sitting position and faced Lyra. “Will you pretend to be my lover for the main time?”

Her eyes narrowed and her shoulders shrugged. “Why would I do that? Do you think I'm a sort of boy toy? Prostitutes are a call away, I don't have anything to do with a rich spoilt man again.”

Ethan moved his lips to explain further but got interrupted by Lyra, “Will you let me go or I should phone the cops?”