Chapter 96
Chapter 98
Sophia frowned. “Are you serious, Lyra? This isn’t like you at all p>
“Actually,” Lyra replied, leaning back in her chair with a lazy smile, “I’ve never been more serious in my entire life p>
She locked eyes with Sophia. “Let’s face it: we won’t stay young forever. We need a place-and someone-that makes us feel safe when life catches up with us p>
She sighed, a wistful look passing over her features.
“I’ve always pictured having a perfect little family, you know? A handsome son, a beautiful daughter… raising them to succeed. Then I could leave this world in peace p>
Sophia’s eyebrows shot up. “But you used to say you wanted tons of money so you could ‘buy’ any man you wanted p>
Lyra’s expression darkened briefly. “We all had wild dreams when we were younger. People change, Sophia. And now I’ve met my soulmate. I want something real p>
“Alex?” Sophia repeated skeptically. “He’s your soulmate? You’ve always said that money was your one true soulmate p>
“I have to agree with Sophia on this one,” Alex joked.
Lyra shot Sophia a pleading look-one that clearly said, Why aren’t you backing me up here? You literally asked me to push him away so you could be rid of him. Marco, sitting off to the side, decided to chime in, amusement dancing in his eyes. “Lyra, are you for real? Alex is an unemployed, ex-military guy. Why fight over someone like him p>
Lyra’s head snapped around.” “Someone like him’? And what, we should fight over someone like you instead p>
Marco raised his hands in a mock-innocent gesture.
“Hey, I’m not complaining. I am one of Vancouver’s most eligible bachelors. I own several companies while he’s basically He motioned at Alex dismissively.
“Come on, Lyra, did you skip your meds? Even Sophia doesn’t like her own husband. Why in the world are you chasing him p>
“So you think the two of us should focus on you?” Lyra shot back, her sarcasm razor-sharp.
Marco smirked. “I’m not saying that. But I’m definitely not opposed to it p>
Lyra rolled her eyes. “You’re not even on Alex’s level p>
Marco gave an incredulous laugh. “Unbelievable p>
Sophia stepped in, hoping to de-escalate the conversation. Lyra, calm down. You’re acting like you’re in some sort of race. This really isn’t like you p>
Lyra leaned forward, pinning Sophia with a serious gaze. “Let’s be honest: you don’t even like Alex. You told me yourself you wanted him out of your life. And now I’m here, offering to do just that- take him off your hands. I’m helping you!” Sophia’s cheeks flushed. “You’re… serious p>
1/2
Chapter 98
“As a heart attack,” Lyra insisted. “You free yourself to be with whoever you really want-like, say, Marco. And I get Alex. Simple p>
Sophia hesitated, grappling with her own mixed feelings.
Lyra, noticing Sophia’s uncertainty, threw up her hands in exasperation. “Ugh, there you go again! Second-guessing everything. Just do it, Sophia! I saw the way you and Marco were gazing at each other. Why not admit you’d rather be with him p>
“Lyra!” Sophia’s face burned red, both embarrassed and annoyed.
Lyra shook her head. “We’re adults now, Sophia. Make a choice. Opportunities don’t always come a second time p>
Sophia squared her shoulders. “That still doesn’t explain your rush. Why must this be decided here and now p>
Lyra’s voice grew tense. “Because chances slip away. If I don’t make a move on Alex, someone else will swoop in. I won’t lose him just because you keep dragging your feet p>
Alex, who had been listening quietly, finally spoke up. “Uh, I’m still here, you know p>
Lyra turned to him with a flirtatious smile. “Don’t worry, darling. We’re just chatting. You’re too much of a gentleman to interfere with two best friends, right p>
Sophia’s eyes widened in shock. “Darling’? Did you just call him darling?” (1
Lyra flashed a smug grin. “I’ve claimed him. If you don’t want him, I’m next in line.” Alex raised an eyebrow. “Shouldn’t I have a say in this p>
“No, darling,” Lyra replied, completely unfazed.
“You’re a gentleman, and you’ll let me love you. If you reject me, I’m sure you’ll do it in the nicest way possible. You’ll f*el so guilty about breaking my heart that you’ll pay a ‘fixing f*e.”” She ended with a playful wink.
Sophia groaned in disbelief. “Lyra, we’re best friends. We can’t really be fighting over a guy, can we p>
Lyra leaned back in her seat with a shrug. “In war and love, there’s no real fairness. Besides, I’m just taking someone you claim not to even want p>
“Why must you rush?” Sophia asked again, exasperation mixing with confusion. “Because,” Lyra said, her voice taut, “someone else might grab him first p>
Marco, who had been silent for a moment, scoffed loudly. “Him? This poor, jobless nobody? You two need to get a grip. He’s not going anywhere p>
Before anyone could reply, a cool, measured voice sliced through the tension. “If you’re all finished,” it said, “I’d like to speak with Mr. Alex p>
Heads turned to see a woman standing nearby-one of Vancouver’s famed top beauties, radiating a presence even more commanding than Sophia or Lyra.
Her elegant bearing and formidable reputation demanded everyone’s attention. She stepped forward, her gaze trained on Alex.
“Only both of us p>
In that moment, the entire restaurant seemed to hold its breath.