Lyra took a deep breath as she stepped out of the orphanage, steeling herself for the gauntlet she knew awaited her. The moment she appeared, the press surged forward, cameras flashing, voices shouting from the other side of the gate.
"Ms. Maxwell! Over here!" "Lyra, are the rumors about you and Caden Vaughn true?" "How will this affect the orphanage?"
Lyra kept her head down, walking to the sleek black car idling at the curb. She felt suffocated, trapped by the constant scrutiny and speculation.
As the car door closed behind her Lyra leaned back against the leather seat and closed her eyes. Her phone buzzed, and she glanced at the screen, a text from Damien lighting up the display.
"I've been dreaming of having you in my arms again, of finishing what we started at the gala. Tonight,
