The shadow wife

Anderson's POV

As I walked away from Lyra, I couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off. She was hiding something, and I was determined to find out what it was.

I couldn't believe my mother and brother were involved in whatever was going on. They had always been ruthless in their pursuit of power and wealth, but I never thought they would stoop so low.

And then there was Lyra. Beautiful, innocent Lyra. I couldn't believe I had fallen for her so hard and so fast. It didn't make sense. We came from different worlds, and our social status was vastly different. But none of that seemed to matter when I was around her.

I felt a surge of protectiveness towards her. I wanted to shield her from the world, from my family's toxic influence. I wanted to keep her safe. I decided that I first need to take her out of this place

The next day, I found Lyra in the garden, her hands gloved as she tended to the flowers. I approached her quietly, not wanting to startle her.

"Lyra, can I talk to you for a minute?" I asked, my voice low.

She turned to me, her eyes wary. "What is it, sir?"

I took a deep breath. "I want you to quit your job as a maid," I said, my words tumbling out in a rush. "You don't have to do this, Lyra. You deserve better. I'll fund your education, pay for your bills and your mother's. You can do whatever you want, pursue your dreams. Just please, don't suffer anymore."

Lyra's expression didn't change, but I saw a flicker of something in her eyes. "I appreciate your offer, sir," she said, her voice firm. "But I believe in hard work. I believe that if I work hard enough, I can achieve my goals on my own."

I felt a surge of frustration. Why couldn't she see that I was trying to help her? I tried to hold her hands but she instinctively took them away and wouldn't even look at me

"Lyra, please," I said, my voice urgent. "Tell me what happened that day. What did my mother and brother do to you?"

Lyra's expression closed off, her eyes flashing with warning. "I told you, sir, nothing happened. And even if something did, I wouldn't tell you."

I felt a pang of disappointment, but I refused to give up. I knew that Lyra was hiding something, and I was determined to find out what it was.

"Lyra, I'm trying to help you," I said, my voice soft. "Please, trust me."

But Lyra just shook her head, her eyes filling with tears. "I appreciate your concern, sir," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "But I don't need your help. I just need to be left alone."

I felt a surge of sadness, knowing that I had pushed her too far. But I also knew that I couldn't give up. I had to keep trying, for Lyra's sake.

But how could I do that when she refused to talk to me? When she seemed so scared and vulnerable?

I knew I had to tread carefully. I couldn't push her too hard, or she might retreat even further. But I couldn't just sit back and do nothing either.

I needed a plan, and I needed it fast. I would do whatever it took to protect Lyra, even if it meant going against my own family.

As I walked into my study, I couldn't help but feel a sense of determination. I was going to get to the bottom of this, no matter what it took. I was determined to win over Lyra and I planned my next move. I was convinced that Lyra felt the same way about me, but I needed to break down her defenses.

I stood in the shadows, watching as Lyra discovered the candlelit pathway I had set up for her. Her eyes sparkled with curiosity as she approached the antique music box, and my heart swelled with emotion.

I had planned this moment carefully, wanting to show Lyra that I saw her, truly saw her, beyond her role as a maid. As she read the note I had left for her, her cheeks flushed, and I felt a surge of satisfaction.

But as I emerged from the shadows, Lyra's expression changed. She looked nervous, scared even. I realized that I had to tread carefully, that I couldn't push her too hard.

"Lyra, I wanted to do something special for you," I said, trying to sound casual despite the turmoil of emotions inside me. "You deserve to be treated like a queen."

Lyra's eyes dropped, and she whispered something about me not having to do this. I felt a pang of disappointment, but I refused to give up.

I took a step closer, my eyes locked on hers. "I want to do so much more for you, Lyra," I said, my voice filled with emotion. "I want to make you happy."

For a moment, I thought I saw a glimmer of hope in her eyes. But then she looked away, her voice barely above a whisper. "I... I appreciate your kindness, sir. But I'm just a maid. I don't deserve such treatment."

My heart sank at her words. I knew I had to be patient, that I couldn't change her mind overnight. But I was determined to prove to her that she was so much more than just a maid.

As the music box's tune came to an end, I felt a sense of resolve. I would show Lyra that I saw her, truly saw her, and that I would do everything in my power to make her happy.

As Lyra's words hung in the air, I felt a pang of sadness. She truly believed she was just a maid, that she didn't deserve to be treated with kindness and respect.

I took a deep breath and reached out, gently brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "You're not just a maid, Lyra," I whispered. "You're so much more than that."

Lyra's eyes fluttered closed, and for a moment, I thought I saw a glimmer of hope. But then she stepped back, her eyes snapping open.

"I'm sorry, sir," she said, her voice firm. "I appreciate your kindness, but I need to get back to work."

I nodded, feeling a sense of disappointment wash over me. But as I watched Lyra walk away, I knew I couldn't give up. I would prove to her that I saw her, truly saw her, and that I would stand by her, no matter what.

I took a deep breath and made a silent vow to myself. I would pursue Lyra, not as the master's son, but as a man who truly cared for her. And I would do it without the support of my family, without the luxury of my wealth and status.

I would prove to Lyra that my love for her was genuine, that I was willing to risk everything for her. And I would start by being patient, by waiting for her to come to me, to trust me.

As I stood there, watching Lyra disappear into the darkness, I felt a sense of determination wash over me. I would win her heart, no matter what it took.

I walked into the office, my heart still heavy from the events of the previous night. I couldn't shake off the feeling of disappointment and frustration that had settled in my chest.

As I made my way to my desk, I noticed a familiar figure standing by the window, sipping a cup of coffee. Sophia. My ex.

My gut twisted with disgust as I approached her. We had a history, one that I would rather forget. She had dated me in high school because of a bet she and her friends had made. I had found out, and it had broken my heart.

But what made things even more complicated was that Sophia was now working as a representative of her own company, which had a partnership with my family's business. It was all a plot to get close to me again, I was sure of it.

"Sophia," I said, trying to keep my tone neutral.

"Anderson," she replied, her voice dripping with sweetness. "It's so great to see you again."

We had been working together for a few weeks now, and I had been trying to keep our interactions strictly professional. But Sophia had other plans.

"I've been thinking," she said, taking a step closer to me. "Maybe we could grab lunch together today? Catch up on old times?"

I felt a wave of revulsion wash over me. Did she really think I was that gullible? That I would forget what she had done to me?

"Sophia, I don't think that's a good idea besides, we have nothing to catch up on we are just colleagues now," I said, trying to keep my tone firm but polite.

Sophia's face fell, but she quickly recovered. "Of course Anderson I forgot you are too busy being a hot shot businessman to catch up with old friends but come on, it's just lunch" she said, her voice husky. " And I've missed you."

I felt my anger rising, but I took a deep breath and counted to ten. I couldn't let her get under my skin.

"Sophia, I'm busy," I said, my tone firm. "If you'll excuse me, I have work to do."

Sophia's face twisted with anger, but she knew better than to push me further. She turned on her heel and stalked out of the office, leaving me feeling relieved but also uneasy.

I knew that Sophia was not going to give up easily. She was a master manipulator, and she would stop at nothing to get what she wanted.

But I was not going to let her get under my skin. I had more important things to worry about, like Lyra and the mysterious circumstances surrounding her.

I took a deep breath and focused on my work, trying to push Sophia and her drama out of my mind. But I knew that this was far from over.

I decided to take a break from work and head to the mall to buy Lyra some gifts. I knew her birthday was next week, but I wanted to use that as an excuse to get her something special. I hoped that she wouldn't refuse a gift if it was for her birthday.

I wandered through the stores, picking out a few things that I thought Lyra might like. I got her a beautiful silver necklace with a small crystal pendant, a book of poetry by her favorite author, and a set of luxurious bath bombs that I thought she might enjoy.

As I was leaving the mall, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. I hoped that Lyra would like the gifts, and that they would bring a smile to her face.

When I got back to the manor, I summoned Lyra to my room. She arrived promptly, her eyes cast downward in her usual formal demeanor.

"Sir?" she said, her voice soft.

"Lyra, I got you some gifts," I said, trying to sound casual. "I know your birthday is next week, and I wanted to get you something special."

Lyra's eyes widened slightly as she took in the gifts, but she said nothing.

"Lyra, are you okay?" I asked, noticing that she looked pale and sick. "You look a bit under the weather."

She nodded, trying to brush off my concern. "I'm fine, sir. Just a bit tired."

But I could see that she was struggling. Her eyes were sunken, and her skin was clammy.

"I think we should go to the hospital," I said, trying to sound calm. "Just to get you checked out."

Lyra hesitated for a moment, but then nodded. "Yes, sir."

I quickly called for my driver, and we set off for the hospital in my luxurious car. As we drove, Lyra complained about feeling exhausted. I tried to reassure her, but I could see the fear in her eyes.

Suddenly, Lyra slumped forward, her body going limp. I quickly caught her, holding her upright as I shouted for the driver to hurry.

We finally arrived at the hospital, and I quickly rushed Lyra inside. As we burst through the doors, I shouted for help. The nurses and doctors rushed over, taking Lyra from me and rushing her into a room.

I stood outside, feeling helpless and scared. What was wrong with Lyra? And would she be okay?

As I stood outside Lyra's hospital room, I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over me when the doctor came out and told me that Lyra had been revived to a stable condition. But my relief was short-lived, as the doctor's next words left me reeling.

"I'm afraid there's something else you should know, Mr. Smith," the doctor said, his expression serious. "Lyra's test results show that she's pregnant."

I felt like I had been punched in the gut. Pregnant? Lyra was pregnant? I couldn't wrap my head around it. Who was the father? And why hadn't Lyra told me?

I stumbled backward, feeling like I was going to pass out. The doctor caught me by the arm, steadying me.

"Mr. Smith, are you okay?" he asked, his voice concerned.

I nodded, trying to compose myself. "I'm fine," I lied. "I just... need a minute."

The doctor nodded and stepped aside, allowing me to enter Lyra's room. I walked over to her bedside, looking down at her pale face. She was still unconscious, but I could see the faintest flutter of her eyelids.

I took a deep breath, trying to process the news. Lyra was pregnant. And I had no idea what that meant for our future.