Chapter 17
Dominic stared at his once–proud grandson, now kneeling before him for the first time. His face twisted with something he couldn’t quite name.
“If giving up your position gets Lyra to see you, would you still go through with it?”
Joel didn’t blink. “I would.”
Dominic exhaled slow, then gave a small nod. “Alright.”
Joel bowed low, then tried to stand–but his legs buckled. The exhaustion and bruises caught up to him, and he hit the floor hard.
For someone once built like a tank, passing out from a few hits was unreal.
Dominic’s chest tightened. He flicked his hand at the butler. “Get him to the hospital.”
***
While out cold, Joel felt like he was stuck in a dream.
He was back at Everlight Cathedral, five years ago. Lyra stood beside him, scribbling a wish on a paper slip.
Suddenly, he pulled her in, his voice shaking. “Lyra, let’s go get our marriage license. We’ll have the wedding party tomorrow.”
She pushed him off, calm but firm. “I’m not marrying you. You’ll just break my heart. I’m wishing to never see you again.”
Joel froze,
his whole body trembling. He grabbed her hand, eyes red. “I won’t hurt you. I’ve changed…”
He reached for her, but she stepped back, flashed a cold, mocking smile–and vanished like smoke.
Joel crumpled, sobbing like he’d never sobbed before.
When he finally opened his eyes, the sting of disinfectant hit hard.
Dominic stood beside the bed, voice rough. “I called Lyra. She said she’ll meet you–but Weston’s coming too. She’s busy for a few days, but she’s free three days from now. Noon.”
He paused, eyes hard. “You sure about this? Say yes, and I’ll make it official–you’re out as Fenwick heir. Your obsession, your disloyalty… it disqualifies you.”
Same question. Second time.
Even with everything on the line, Joel didn’t flinch. “Grandpa, I need to see her. I’ll die without her.”
“Fine.”
That night, the Fenwick family made it public–Joel was no longer the heir.
***
Lyra was having dinner with Weston when her phone buzzed. Poppy’s voice exploded through the speaker.
“Girl, did you see the news? Dominic just cut Joel off–dude’s no longer the heir! Guess the old man finally snapped.”
1/2
Chapter 17
+25 BONUS
Lyra froze mid–sip, her eyes dropping.
