Chapter 123

Lyra had been hiding in her apartment for days. Security downstairs was tight, the windows stayed curtained, and no reporter or crazed fan had managed to get near her. The “mistress” scandal had finally stopped trending, but the stain of it still clung to her like rot. She knew the truth: no matter how hard the PR team tried, the moment she stepped in front of a camera again, someone would drag the scandal back up. They always did. Unless Sloane publicly defended her. But Sloane didn’t owe her anything and she knew it. Lyra had been spiraling in her own thoughts, pacing the living room like a trapped cat, when the door clicked open. Damon stepped inside. Her entire body reacted instantly, she ran toward him, arms wrapping around him before he could even shut the door. His coat reeked of alcohol. Normally, she would’ve scolded him. Told him he was irresponsible, messy, embarrassing. But right now, she didn’t care. She needed comfort, not logic. “Damon,” she whispered shakily, voice trem