Chapter 10: Get Her Back
The solemn procession out of the hospital was silent and heavy, the weight of grief pressing against them like a suffocating fog.
Leading his men with quiet resolve, Evander Cruz carried out his final duty to his late commander, escorting Lazarus Quinn’s lifeless body.
The world had moved too fast—one moment, Lazarus had been alive, and now he was gone, with no time for goodbyes.
Their first stop was the old commander’s residence, where funeral arrangements would be handled.
Meanwhile, Caspian Vale remained by Selene’s side, his presence steady but powerless as she struggled to contain her grief.
She fought valiantly to keep her tears in check, but the raw sorrow in her eyes was enough to shatter him.
The Final Blow
As they approached the car, Selene suddenly stopped.
Her expression was unreadable, but there was a bitter finality in her eyes.
Elowen’s words still echoed in her mind, fueling her next decision.
She turned to Caspian.
Her voice was steady, but void of warmth.
“Caspian, once I’ve taken care of Grandpa’s funeral, let’s divorce.
Three years is long enough—we need to set each other free.”
The words hit like a gunshot to the chest.
Caspian froze, his jaw tightening.
His deep voice dropped into a dangerous whisper.
“Selene, I’ve never once thought about divorcing you.”
Selene’s lips curled into a faint, cold smile.
It was a smile that held the weight of endless disappointments.
“Grandpa is gone now,” she said softly, her tone laced with quiet finality. “Without him, my family is no longer an asset to yours.
Maybe you didn’t consider divorce before.
But now? It’s the perfect time.“
“Selene!” Caspian’s voice snapped, his teeth clenching in frustration.
But she didn’t stop.
“And let’s not forget—Lyra’s pregnant.“
Her words were ice-cold, each syllable deliberately cruel.
“Isn’t it time you gave her and your baby a proper home?”
Caspian’s eyes darkened.
He grabbed her wrist, his grip firm but not harsh.
His deep, commanding voice trembled with restrained emotion.
“Selene, why can’t you trust me just this once?“
His next words made her blood run cold.
“Lyra is like a sister to me. Nothing more.“
Selene’s gaze hardened, her lips curling into disbelief.
“Sister? You got your ‘sister’ pregnant? And now you expect me to believe that lie?”
The sheer audacity of his words made her want to laugh.
Instead, she yanked her hand away.
“Let me go,” she said, her voice sharp.
Evander stepped forward, sensing the rising tension.
His cold gaze locked onto Caspian, his body tensing, ready to intervene if necessary.
He didn’t care about Caspian’s military rank—his only priority was Selene’s well-being.
But Selene didn’t want a scene.
With one last look of finality, she turned and climbed into the car.
She never looked back.
And Caspian?
He stood there, watching helplessly as she disappeared down the road, a part of him vanishing with her.
A Truth Left Unspoken
When Caspian finally turned, his gaze fell on Lyra, standing a short distance away.
Her presence dulled the ache in his chest—but not in the way Selene had assumed.
Lyra had never been his lover.
Never had been.
To Caspian, she was just a little sister he had sworn to protect.
For as long as he could remember, Lyra had depended on him.
She had made mistakes, but he had always stood by her side.
Even now, despite everything, he couldn’t abandon her.
Lyra approached cautiously, her gaze flickering to where Selene had vanished.
A soft sigh escaped her lips.
“Selene misinterprets our relationship, doesn’t she?”
Caspian rubbed his temple, frustration evident.
Lyra’s voice dropped, trembling just enough to sound vulnerable.
“Caspian, maybe you should tell her the truth about the baby,” she whispered.
“I don’t want to be the reason your marriage falls apart…”
Caspian hesitated.
Selene wasn’t bluffing this time.
If he didn’t act soon—he might really lose her for good.
Lyra’s heart clenched at the hesitation in his eyes.
For a brief second, panic gripped her.
But then—she steadied herself.
She knew Caspian better than anyone.
She bit her lip, willing herself to look fragile, earnest.
Tears welled in her eyes like tiny jewels.
“Caspian,” she whispered, “I mean it. I’ll be fine. Your happiness with Selene is more important than my reputation.
Besides…” She looked away, as though ashamed.
“My family has been the butt of every joke for years.
One more person pointing fingers won’t change anything.”
Tears cascaded down her face, unrestrained.
And for the first time, Caspian hesitated.
Because she was right.
Years ago, when his father Dorian Vale was on the brink of a major promotion, his rival had tried to destroy his reputation.
But Lyra’s father had stepped in—sacrificing everything to protect the Vale name.
The Vales owed the Lyra family more than they could ever repay.
So, could Caspian really afford to let Lyra suffer?
He sighed, reaching out to gently pat her head.
His voice was soft, reassuring.
“It’s fine, Lyra. I’ll protect you and bring Selene back.”
“Just be patient… and be kind to her.
She’s my wife—and your sister-in-law, after all.”
His words felt like a dagger to Lyra’s heart.
But she forced a smile, her lips trembling.
“Alright,” she murmured, masking the venom creeping into her voice.
Then, as Caspian looked away—
Her smile twisted.
The warmth in her eyes turned into cold calculation.
“Selene,” she mused silently, her fingers clenching into fists,
“You’ve had your share of fortune—love, admiration, and more than you deserved.”
“But now… It’s time for you to step aside.”
“Caspian belongs to me. And I won’t let anyone—not even you—stand in my way.”
