Before Lyra could wrap her head around it, people started flocking to Renee, drinks in hand, piling on the compliments.
“Renee, Joel’s so good to you—just handing over a supercar like it’s nothing.”
“That white dress is gorgeous—you look like a princess.”
“Heard you’re killer at racing—sweet and fierce. You and Joel are perfect together!”
The crowd around Renee kept growing, completely forgetting the party was supposed to be for Lyra.
An hour later, the place was buzzing—singing, games, people having a blast. Joel stayed glued to Renee’s side, eyes never leaving her. When Renee reached for some crab, he stopped her, his voice low and gentle.
“Be good. You’re pregnant—you can’t eat that. Once the baby’s born, I’ll get it for you.”
Renee pouted like she was about to throw a fit, so Joel sighed and pulled out an Amex Black Card, pressing it into her hand. The move sent another wave of whispers through the room.
“He’s still stuck on Renee, huh?”
“Yeah… guess no one tops the first love. Poor Lyra.”
Lyra just sat in the corner, messing with her phone, acting like none of it bothered her.
Renee scanned the room and spotted Lyra alone in the corner. Smirking, she strutted over in her heels. “This is your and Joel’s bachelor party, but I stole the spotlight.
“Everyone’s flocking to me, showering me with praise. You must be so pissed. But no matter how much it bugs you, all you can do is grit your teeth and take it.
“Stuck by Joel’s side for five years—so what? The second I show up, I’m still the one he loves most.”
Lyra didn’t bite. She’d run out of tears the day she left the hospital.
When Lyra stayed silent, a chill flickered in Renee’s eyes. She zeroed in on the chain bracelet around Lyra’s wrist, jealousy flashing across her face. Suddenly, she yanked it off and gripped it tight.
