Chapter 28
In that moment, Sean’s eyes were as cold as they had been in the photograph. Myra stood frozen, stunned by his violent outburst. By the time her gaze fell on his clenched fist, it was already smeared with blood from the broken glass of the photo frame.
She forced herself to look away, a bitter laugh escaping her lips. “It’s enough that I’ve been lying to myself and everyone around me. Why would you lie to yourself too? For the past two years, you’ve been searching for her in every woman you’ve been with. You’ve noticed it, haven’t you? Eris’ lips, Elsie’s eyes… Sean, just tell me if you don’t love me. If you’re still in love with Lyla, I can help you find her. I—”
“I told you, I don’t have feelings for that woman anymore!” Sean snapped, cutting her off, his voice laced with frustration. Was he speaking to me… or to himself?
His eyes were distant and frigid as he glared at her, as if he would tear her apart if she spoke one more word.
Myra trembled involuntarily, gripping the blanket beneath her for support. For the last two years, he’d never truly looked at her. His gaze, as cold and detached as it was, made her feel as though she were drowning in an overwhelming tide of despair.
“You and her… It doesn’t matter what’s between you two. Right now, all I want is a divorce.” Myra’s voice was barely a whisper, her face as pale as a sheet, yet determination flickered in her eyes. The sight of her resolve only ignited Sean’s rage further.
The humiliation she’d suffered, the cruel mockery she’d endured, and the devil lurking beneath Lyla’s angelic mask all rushed through his mind.
His gaze darkened as he stared at Myra’s delicate face, the fury building within him to a boiling point. He could barely contain the surge of hatred he felt for both women.
Without warning, Sean grabbed Myra’s wrist and pulled her close, his face mere inches from hers. His eyes flared with anger as he hissed, “Do you want a divorce?” His voice was a twisted mask of fury, and fear flashed across Myra’s eyes. She gritted her teeth and nodded.
“You don’t love me, and I can’t bear to be trapped in this marriage. Isn’t it better if we grant ourselves freedom?”
“Freedom?” Sean’s voice was low and gravelly, his tone mocking. “Myra, freedom is a privilege for the kind and innocent. What makes you think you deserve it?”
Myra’s expression shifted, her confusion turning to shock. “What do you mean?”
“Am I not being clear enough?” Sean’s mockery deepened. “You forfeited your right to freedom the moment you stained your hands with blood! Lyla leaving me was out of my control, but you—How dare you harm my child? Why didn’t you let my child go all those years ago? Now you’re asking me for freedom? Do you really think I’ll grant it?”
“Are you saying… I harmed your child?” Myra’s face drained of color, disbelief in her voice.
The anger within Sean exploded as he thought of the child he’d lost—the child he blamed Myra for. The pain and fury inside him were so overwhelming, he almost couldn’t breathe.
“I thought you were a kind woman,” he said through clenched teeth. “I even thought about taking care of you for the rest of your life. But you… you’re nothing but cruel and toxic!”
Myra’s heart sank, her face as pale as death.
Cruel and toxic… That’s what Sean had always thought of her. She could see it in his eyes, in his cold and distant behavior for the past two years. It was all because of that child. But…
She stared at him, disbelief and confusion written on her face.
“I knew Lyla was pregnant and lost the child, but what does that have to do with me?”
“I think you’re mistaken… You must have misunderstood something…” Myra mumbled, her mind racing.
Suddenly, a thought struck her. She grabbed Sean’s shirt urgently. “Listen to me, Sean. It’s not what you think. I went to see Lyla to tell her I wouldn’t break the two of you up—”
“Enough!” Sean’s roar echoed in the room, disgust burning in his gaze.
Myra’s heart clenched painfully as his words cut through her. She wanted to speak, to explain, but the words refused to come.
Sean’s eyes grew cold as the last flicker of light in him died. “Do you know what I hate most about you, Myra? Stop pretending to be a saint, like you’re the only one who truly loves me. I can’t afford your love!” His voice was a venomous sneer.
He was done with her. With a sharp motion, he grabbed his suit jacket and stormed toward the door, slamming it behind him with a resounding bang.
Myra collapsed onto the bed, her body trembling. She shut her eyes tightly, trying to block out the memories of what had happened. The moment she had gone to find Lyla, Eve had approached her, saying that she liked Myra and wanted her to be with her son. Lyla had misunderstood, and Myra had arranged the meeting to tell her that she wouldn’t interfere. She had also wanted to tell Lyla that she couldn’t promise Eve anything, but…
Her heart twisted in agony as she thought about the child—the one she had failed to protect. Was there something more to this than just Lyla’s loss?
Meanwhile, Eve stood in the adjacent room, hidden just beyond the door, watching with narrowed eyes. She clenched her fists, a heavy sigh escaping her lips as she remembered the past.
The next morning, Myra received an early call from Estelle. “Myra, are you sure you gave me Shawn’s phone number? When I called, the person said I’d dialed the wrong number! He even hung up on me!”
Estelle’s voice was full of energy, despite the early hour. “I’m sure he doesn’t know who I am, but how dare he speak to me like that? He hung up on me!”
Myra felt a headache forming from the sheer volume of Estelle’s words. Her voice was hoarse as she replied, “I got Shawn’s number from Director Hart. It’s true that he gave it to me, but if it wasn’t Shawn, I guess Director Hart was just brushing me off. He probably didn’t want me to feel embarrassed.”
“This is so frustrating!” Estelle complained. “I’ve tried everything. In the past, no man would have lasted more than two days, but Shawn pushed me away when I was completely exposed! He told me he wasn’t interested in me! Damn it!”
Myra froze. “What did you just say? You were… stark naked in his embrace?”
Estelle’s body stiffened, realizing she’d let something slip in her anger. She quickly pulled her phone away. “Sofia, is that you? Oh, it’s time to shoot the next scene? I’m coming!” She quickly covered up, “Hugs and kisses, Myra. I’m busy. We’ll talk later!” She hung up hastily.
Myra stared at the phone, a feeling of helplessness washing over her. Estelle’s boldness knew no bounds, but there was one thing she couldn’t deny—Shawn had rejected her.
For a moment, Myra felt a glimmer of reassurance. If Shawn had pushed Estelle away, he must still be a man of integrity.
However, Myra’s troubles didn’t end there. In an unexpected turn of events, she was demoted at the Chase Group with no explanation. The sudden change left many employees bewildered—some concerned, while others secretly delighted in her misfortune.
Among the happiest was Elsie, who had been thriving in the company as of late.