~ LYRA ~
The car ride back to my apartment was a quiet one. I stared out the window, my hand balled into a tight fist on my thigh; I was simmering with rage that I had even encountered them.
Michael had decided to drive me home, insisting that I wasn't in the right headspace to be behind the wheel. I had initially rejected the offer, but he refused to take no for an answer. As soon as we arrived, I stepped out of the car and hurried inside.
I made my way toward the elevator and pressed the call button. As soon as the doors slid open, I stepped in and ascended to my floor. When the elevator chimed, I walked toward my door, unlocked it, and finally kicked off my heels.
I dropped onto the couch, letting the silence of the room settle over me. A few moments later, there was a knock at the door. I groaned softly as Michael stepped into the living room.
"I wanted to make sure you're okay?" he asked, his eyes clouded with worry.
"I'm fine, Mick."
"Do you want to talk about it?" I sighed heavily. "There's nothing to talk about."
"Lyra, you and Lucian have history, and what happened between you two was a disaster. It's completely normal to feel the way you do."
"Michael, can we just not? He is a part of my past I never want to revisit. Seeing him there tonight... it just dragged up old memories. But more than anything, it brought back a wave of anger I haven't felt in years."
"I know," he said softly. "That's why I'm here."
"I'm really fine, Michael. Don't worry."
"Okay. I'm going to head home. Do you want me to fix you something to eat before I go?"
"No, it's okay. Go home and get some rest. Tell Mom and Uncle Damien I sent my regards."
"Alright. Goodnight, Lyra. Sleep tight."
"Night."
Michael offered a small smile and walked away. I heard the door click shut, followed by the distant sound of his engine starting. I let out a long, shaky sigh.
Seeing him tonight was a shock. I hadn't seen him in six years, and now, suddenly, there he was. I should have expected it, though. He was a businessman, after all, and an event like that was the perfect opportunity for him to hunt for new partners and investors.
I stood up and retreated to the bathroom. After freshening up, I changed into my pajamas and climbed into bed, pulling the covers up to my chin. It had been an exhausting day, and tomorrow promised to be just as draining.
The only thing that kept me calm enough to sleep was the fact that Luciano wasn't here, that I didn't have to face him anymore tonight. I never thought in a million years that I would feel so much hatred for someone who was once my entire world. For the man who was once the love of my life.
...................
My office was a total disaster; I hadn't had the energy to deal with it yesterday. I needed to sort these files and get them dispatched to the different branches immediately. I was up and at my desk bright and early.
I set my things down and spent thirty minutes clearing the mess until the room finally looked professional again.
"Lyra!"
I looked up to see my assistant standing in the doorway.
"Hi, Madi. How are you doing today?" I asked. How she managed to stay that energetic every morning was a mystery I had yet to solve.
"Good! Just checking in. The first board meeting starts in an hour."
I nodded. "Thanks, Madi. I'll be there."
"Alright, ma'am."
As she walked away, I went back to sorting the papers.
"Lyra." Someone called, my eyes snapped up, landing on a familiar face.
"Uncle Damien. What brings you here?"
He walked toward me and placed a stack of papers on my desk.
"Just some files for you to look through. They were sent over by the UK branch, we need your signature on these before they go out to the next firm."
"Of course, Uncle Damien. I'll take care of it."
