Chapter 3
A maid woke Thea up.
She was still sprawled on the cold floor where she’d passed out.
The woman shoved a first aid kit at her and said coldly.
“Mr. Ryan says clean yourself up and stop bleeding everywhere. Pregnant women shouldn’t see blood-it’s bad luck. And when you’re done, hurry to make dinner. Miss Lyra’s waiting.”
Thea picked glass shards out of her skin one by one, shaking from the pain.
The maid just stood there watching, stone-faced.
Everyone knew the score. Thea might have the ring, but Lyra owned Ryan’s heart.
After bandaging her wounds, Thea dragged herself to the kitchen. While making dinner, she slipped the first vial into the food.
The next day, Ryan took her to dinner for their wedding anniversary.
“Is this really necessary?”
Ryan smiled and reached for her hair. “Of course. I promised I’d never miss our anniversary, no matter how crazy work gets.”
She pulled away. Ryan froze, then grabbed her hand anyway.
“Lyra’s not trying to compete with you. Don’t make a scene-people will think we’re having problems.” He whispered to her.
Then he dragged her into the ballroom.
Blue roses lined the walkway, displaying photos from their relationship-first dates, vacations, their wedding.
Expensive gifts everywhere, all perfectly tailored to her taste.
People whispered about how lucky she was, like she was living some fairy tale.
“You like it?” Ryan asked.
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Thea looked up at him. Once upon a time, this would’ve made her cry happy tears. Now?
It only made her sick.
Before she could answer, Lyra’s voice cut through the noise.
“Ryan.”
Ryan’s face tightened. He immediately went to her. “What are you doing here? I told you to stay home and rest.”
“The baby and I missed you. I’ll just sit in the back, okay?”
Lyra put on her innocent act. Ryan finally melted and had staff bring her a chair and cushions.
Ryan came back to Thea’s side, but his eyes stayed glued to Lyra.
Worried she was thirsty-brought her water.
Worried she was cold-draped his jacket over her shoulders.
Worried she was hungry-hand-fed her fruit.
When the band started playing Thea’s favorite song, Ryan straight up dropped her hand and walked over to a pouting Lyra, leading her to the dance floor for their first dance.
“Damn, Ryan really spoiled his wife with all this. Must’ve costed a fortune.”
“That’s not his wife-she’s over there…”
Thea’s hands shook as she clenched her fists.
No wonder people were confused. Lyra and Ryan looked like they’d coordinated outfits.
When the song ended, the big screen suddenly lit up. A sex tape started playing-Lyra in barely there lingerie, seducing some faceless guy.
The room erupted in shocked whispers.
“Holy shit, she’s basically a hooker.”
“Can’t blame the guy-look at that body.”
Thea went rigid. The video was from when Lyra threw herself at Ryan. She was the only other person who’d been there.
Lyra’s face went white as tears streamed down her cheeks.
“What did I ever do to deserve this? How am I supposed to live with this?”
Ryan wrapped his arms around her. “Don’t say that. You didn’t do anything wrong. I’ll find out who’s behind this.”
His stare burned into Thea-cold and dangerous.
Her blood turned to ice. “Ryan, it wasn’t me. You can check-”
“Cut the bullshit. Who else could it be?”
Hearing that, Thea went quiet.
He’d already decided she was guilty. Why waste her breath?
Ryan laughed coldly. “Guess you didn’t learn your lesson.”
He had his security hold Thea down while he wiped Lyra’s tears away.
“Baby, here’s the thing about bullies-you gotta hit back harder until they’re too scared to mess with you again.”
He whispered something to his assistant.
Then a guest stepped forward and slapped Thea hard across the face.
Then others joined in.
“PA!”
“PA!”
One hit. Two hits. Three…
Five…
Blood filled Thea’s mouth, but she bit down and stayed silent, staring Ryan down.
He kept stroking Lyra’s hair, his voice gentle.
“My wife’s been acting out. I figured you all could help me teach her some respect for the woman I love.”
“And It’s up to you when they stop, Lyra baby.”
