Chapter 2 Lyra at Twenty-One

Years After

"Everything needs to be flawless today. This is a huge day for my girl," Eleanor Sterling called out to the staff as they scrambled to decorate the house.

Lyra, now twenty-one, walked right into the middle of the chaos. Eleanor caught sight of her and immediately scowled. "You’re late."

"Oh, am I?" Lyra shot back, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Should I go pick out some flowers for your precious 'baby girl' then?"

"I see that school didn't fix your attitude," Eleanor snapped. "Our guests are on their way, and your father will be here with your grandmother shortly. I shouldn't have to remind you to act like you have some manners."

"Grandma is actually coming?" Lyra asked, her voice softening with a bit of genuine hope.

Eleanor just rolled her eyes. "Assuming she’s up for it. Just remember, tonight is about Sera. Don't you dare do anything to ruin it.

She walked towards Lyra who just stood and looked at her emotionlessly. Words could not describe how much she hated this look. "A word of advice from your mother. If you want to be the best Model in this world, then you have to lose some weight, you are becoming too fat."

Lyra scoffed and replied "Don't worry about my weight, mother, I am still much slimmer than you, so take your own advice."

Eleano watched angrily as she walked away and took in a deep breath to control herself. "Today is a great day, and nothing is going to ruin it."

Rieve Estate.

Inside a dark-lit room, a young man sat on the couch with his eyes closed as he listened to his assistant report.

"You have a meeting by one with the Lennox group, and also your mother called to remind you of the party the Sterling family is holding for the success of Sera's career and that you should not forget to propose."

"And my brother?"

"He sends a message saying he will be back in a week or two." Ethan, the assistant replied.

With his eyes still closed, the young man named Vane said, "Today is the day my engagement with Sera will be announced, right?"

"Yes sir. Forgive me for saying this but you don't seem excited."

"There is nothing to be excited about. My marriage to Sera is a means to an end."

"But the both of you have been betrothed since young, and I think Sera is a nice girl. I'm sure once you two are married, it won't take long before you fall in love with her." Ethan said with a smile.

Dore finally opened his eyes to look at his assistant and said mockingly "I didn't know you were now a relationship counselor. Perhaps you have been doing the wrong job all this while."

Ethan swallowed hard and said, "I'm sorry sir, I shouldn't have crossed my boundaries."

"Our engagement will be announced today, and the wedding will be in two months, and our divorce will be in two years. I have watched Henry Sterling build his empire and have even helped him build it so that his fall will be excruciatingly painful. Fifteen years ago, Henry caused my father's death, but his life will be the last thing I will take. I will destroy the Sterling family to the point of no return, I will look at Henry's proud eyes and see only despair, and then will I grant him death."

Ethan felt chills at the coldness in his boss's voice, he felt a little pity for Sera. It was a shame that she was the daughter of Henry, if only the young girl knew that her married life was going to be so miserable that she would regret ever getting married.

"Mom, how do I look?" Sera asked, turning from the mirror to look at her mother.

Eleano smiled warmly and said "You look beautiful. If I'm feeling this emotional in your engagement ceremony, imagine how I would feel on the wedding day."

"You will probably cry your eyes out," Sera said jokingly.

Eleano laughed and said "It doesn't matter, as long as my baby girl is going to be happy. The Vane family is the richest family not just in this city or country but in the world. Your marriage to Dore is every woman's dream, and I know how important your career as an actress means to you, but after your marriage, the way to secure your position in the Vane family is to produce an heir. Do you understand what I'm saying?"

"I understand. What about Lyra though? Who do you plan to marry?"

Eleano sighed and said, "That girl is too wild for anyone to take her as a wife."

"But I feel bad. I feel as if ever since I was born, all I have ever done is take things from her." Sera said sadly.

"No, that is not true. What that evil woman did was not your fault. You are my daughter and will always be my daughter. Today is your happy day. Do not let the thought of that evil witch and Lyra ruin your day. I'm sure Dore will fall head over heels for you again once he sees you in this dress."

Sera blushed and said, "Stop teasing me, Mom."

While they were talking, no one noticed Lyra who stood behind the door, listening to their conversation.