He Played Me, I Took Back My Fortune

Chapter 4

It had been over three full days, more than 72 hours, since he left. We had agreed he would let me know he was safe the second he landed, but there was still no call from him.

Worry gnawed at me, so I sent him a video call. He picked up, but hung up almost immediately, but not before saying, "Honey, I've got something to deal with right now. I'll call you back later."

The moment the call cut off, I could have sworn I saw a woman's shadow flash past behind him. My heart dropped to my stomach. Had he and Lyra rekindled their old flame behind my back?!

Just then, my phone rang. It was Lyra, of all people.

Frowning in confusion, I answered.

"I've had enough! This hellhole is so poor and remote, I'll go crazy if I stay here any longer!" Lyra's voice was shrill, teetering on the edge of a full breakdown. It turned out she was still trapped in her hometown, and the panic that had been coiled in my chest a second earlier melted away instantly.

"Sorry, I don't have time to listen to you complain. You brought this on yourself." I moved to hang up straight away.

"Wait! If I trade you some important information, will you cut me some slack? I don't want to rot alive in this shithole."

Important information? I asked, testing the waters, "Is it about Arthur?"

"Yeah." Lyra admitted without hesitation. "You might not believe this, but he never actually loved me. He's been in love with someone else this whole time. I was just a decoy to throw you off the scent."

My heart did a sudden, sharp flip-flop. "Who is she?"