Chapter 2

2

"Are you sure?"

I took a deep breath and said firmly, "I'm sure. I'll go."

There was a pause on the other end. "What about Callum? You've been chasing him for three years. Are you really ready to leave?"

Even though I had decided to let go, my fingers twitched at the mention of his name.

"It's been three years. I'm tired."

Captain Miller was silent for a moment before giving in. "Fine. I'll make the arrangements. Get some rest."

I hung up, and my heart began to ache with a dull throb.

A knock sounded on the door, and Callum's assistant walked in.

"Lyra, are you okay?"

Hearing the worry in his voice, I forced a smile. "I'm fine."

"Actually, Dr. Sterling..."

I cut him off. "Did you need something?"

The assistant sighed and handed me an invitation. "Sienna is throwing a party for Dr. Sterling tomorrow night."

"Tomorrow is Christmas. I have plans."

I refused without hesitation.

The image of them hugging was too much. I didn't want to see it again.

"Lyra, please. There's going to be a surprise. You have to be there."

He stuffed the card into my hand. "If you don't go, she'll kill me."

Looking at his pathetic expression, I finally nodded.

I knew exactly what Sienna wanted to do.

But the assistant had helped me before, and I didn't want him to suffer because of her temper.

He thanked me profusely and double-checked the time before leaving.

The next evening, I wore a formal dress and entered the venue. Almost everyone was already there.

The place was covered in red and white lights. In the center stood a massive Christmas tree.

At the very top was a uniquely shaped star.

Sienna was clinging to Callum's arm, explaining the star to the crowd.

"This is the new star our brilliant Dr. Sterling found. I spent a fortune to have this custom-made."

The crowd started cheering and teasing them.

"Sienna is so devoted to him!"

"Are you guys finally official or what?"

Sienna's face turned bright red as she looked up at Callum.

"Stop it! He's just like a brother to me."

Callum smiled and looked down at her with pure affection.

The lights behind them created a perfect silhouette of a happy couple.

I stood far away from the crowd, chewing on a piece of dry cake.

Even though I had decided to move on, seeing them like this felt like a wire wrapping around my chest.

"Dr. Sterling, the star is beautiful! What are you going to name it?" someone shouted.

Sienna looked at him expectantly.

"I'm going to name it after a girl."

"Is she here tonight?"

"Yes."

When Callum said that with a smile, Sienna bashfully lowered her head.

I wiped my mouth and turned to leave. This wasn't my place.

"Lyra, where are you going?" the assistant blocked my path.

I forced a numb smile. "Home."

"Wait, don't go! Dr. Sterling has something to tell you."

I didn't understand his urgency, and I didn't care.

"Sorry, I have an emergency."

I moved past him, but a cold hand caught my arm.

"Where are you going? I'll drive you."

I turned and looked into Callum's dark, deep eyes.

"Do you have to leave right now?"

I pushed down my emotions. "Yes."

He sighed softly. "Then I'll take you."

He took off his black coat and draped it over my shoulders.

"It's cold out. Also... you look beautiful tonight."

His voice was clear and deep, with a slight rasp that made my heart flutter.

But Sienna suddenly grabbed his arm and pulled him back.

"Callum, my stomach hurts. Can you take me to the hospital?"

Callum's brow furrowed in concern as he noticed the sweat on her forehead.

"What's wrong?"

"I think the drinks were too cold. You know I have a sensitive stomach."

She leaned heavily against him, looking like she was about to collapse.

Callum looked at me, torn. "Lyra, can you wait for me? After I drop her off..."

I smiled thinly and took off the coat, handing it back to the assistant.

"Don't bother."

"Lyra, I'm so sorry. You don't mind, do you?" Sienna asked weakly.

I shrugged. My heart had finally gone silent.

"Why would I mind?"

He and I were nothing to each other.

I walked away, and this time, no one stopped me.

I thought I heard the assistant ask, "Dr. Sterling, what about the thing you prepared?"

The cold wind blew, and I didn't hear the answer. I didn't want to.

When I got home, I closed the curtains and blocked out the Christmas lights.

I tried to sleep, but my phone suddenly rang.

Looking at the number, my heart spiked with a sharp pain.

"Lyra... your Nana... she's not going to make it..."