Chapter 20: Would You Ever Consider Marrying Me?
A Desperate Plea
Caspian strode into the hospital, his mind clouded with restless thoughts.
The moment Lyra’s eyes fluttered open, the first thing she saw was him—her unwavering protector, seated right beside her.
A soft, almost unsettling smile played at her lips.
In a sweet, fragile voice, she whispered—
“Caspian.”
Lost in his phone, Caspian had been oblivious to her awakening. But her gentle call drew his gaze upward.
His voice was steady, tinged with relief and concern.
“You’re up. Feeling any better?”
Lyra gave a small nod, her teary eyes shimmering—a sight that tugged at something deep in Caspian’s chest.
She knew exactly how to play this game.
Since childhood, she had known—Caspian hated seeing her cry.
Her tears had always been her most potent weapon, an unspoken invitation for his concern.
And once again, it worked.
A single tear slipped down her cheek as she murmured, “Caspian… I’m sorry for causing you trouble…”
Caspian’s jaw tightened. His voice was sharp as a blade.
“Stop it.”
“You knew this would trouble me. So why act so recklessly? Why try to take your own life?”
Lyra dropped her gaze, her hand reflexively moving to her stomach—a painful reminder of the child she would never hold.
Her expression twisted with sorrow, and seeing her like this made Caspian’s frustration falter.
Softening, he reached out and took her hand in his, his grip warm but firm.
“Lyra, I’m sorry for what happened.” His voice dropped to a low, comforting murmur. “Try not to dwell on it, okay?”
Her red-rimmed eyes lifted to meet his, and for the first time, her voice carried a trace of bitterness.
“Caspian, you despise me, don’t you?”
Her fingers clenched around his.
“I wanted to have that jerk’s child. You must think so little of me, right?”
Caspian’s brows knitted together in irritation.
“What nonsense are you spouting?” he snapped.
“You are not him. You are your own person. If you degrade yourself over what he’s done, that’s when I’d truly be disappointed in you.”
Lyra blinked, a flicker of something dark and unreadable passing through her eyes.
Then, her voice softened into a hesitant whisper—
“Then… would you ever consider marrying me?”
A Battle of Hearts
For the first time, Caspian stilled.
His expression shifted, a flicker of something unreadable crossing his face.
Realizing her mistake, Lyra laughed nervously, forcing a weak smile.
“I mean, hypothetically, if you weren’t already married…”
A heavy silence settled between them.
Then, Caspian sighed. His voice was gentle but unwavering.
“Lyra, you know I’ve always thought of you as a sister.”
Lyra’s smile froze.
She had expected hesitation, maybe even a reluctant excuse—but not outright rejection.
Even as she tried to mask her hurt, the sting of his words settled deep in her chest.
But she wasn’t ready to give up.
Not to someone like Selene.
So she pressed forward, her voice carrying a mix of hope and fear.
“And what about Selene? Do you love her, Caspian?”
Caspian’s shoulders tensed.
For a moment, he looked genuinely caught off guard.
He had never asked himself that question.
Even Selene herself had never demanded to know if his heart truly belonged to her.
Instead, she had simply declared it from the start—
“From today on, you’re my boyfriend.”
But had he ever felt the Kai Lysandere?
Lyra saw his hesitation and pounced on the opportunity.
“Selene isn’t the right person for you,” she insisted, her voice trembling with emotion. “She’s controlling, manipulative. She’s the reason I lost my baby.”
Caspian’s expression darkened, but he didn’t correct her.
Instead, he merely sighed.
“I apologize on her behalf.”
Lyra snapped.
Her sorrow twisted into rage as she sat up, her voice sharp and accusing.
“Why are you apologizing for her?!
“Caspian, this isn’t fair! You shouldn’t have to cover for her mistakes!”
She was desperate now, clawing for the affection that was slipping through her fingers.
Since childhood, Caspian had been her knight, her guardian, her protector.
When her family moved abroad, leaving her alone, it had been Caspian who fought to keep her close.
She knew she was important to him.
So why did Selene get to take him away?
Caspian’s voice came low and firm, cutting through her anger like steel.
“Lyra.”
He met her gaze, his eyes cold and unwavering.
“Selene is my wife. In every sense, we are united.”
Lyra’s breath caught, and for a moment, her face twisted in pure disbelief.
Then, before she could stop herself, the words burst out—
“Not true!”
Her voice rose into a scream, cracking with hysteria.
It was only after the outburst that she realized how pathetic she sounded.
But it was too late to take it back.
Desperate and fueled by jealousy, she lashed out—
“Everyone knows Selene has a never-ending lineup of boy toys. She’s cheated on you time and again.
“Wake up, Caspian! Don’t be her fool anymore, OK?”
