The Luna Marked with Lies The Queen Crowned novel Chapter 3

Chapter 3

I signed the papers without hesitation and headed straight to his office.

But I found the door half open, and no one inside.

It was my first time entering Ronan’s office-neat, clean.

A photo of Mira sat on his desk.

And scattered drafts at the desk’s edge were covered with her name, written over and over.

Every stroke filled with boyish devotion.

I thought I could accept this calmly.

But I couldn’t. My heart felt like it was being crushed in someone’s fist, suffocating pain.

On the desk sat an elegant gift box containing a stunning sapphire necklace.

Priceless. Irreplaceable.

I loved sapphires-their cool, proud beauty.

But Ronan always gave me gold jewelry.

He’d say: “Jewelry should hold its value above all else. Besides, you’re beautiful-you look regal in anything.”

I’d believed his sweet words.

Now, holding the sapphire necklace from the box, I saw how beautiful it was. The center sapphire was the size of a quail egg, surrounded by delicate diamonds that sparkled with every movement.

On the back, engraved: “MH.”

1. Mira Hale.

My breath caught. I laughed through my tears, finally understanding, then fled his self-made prison of love.

Enough. It was really enough.

I needed to get far away.

I contacted the rogue network, arranged for them to fake my death.

Now I just had to wait for the pack council to retrieve the settlement papers Ronan had hidden for three years.

Ronan didn’t come home that night.

The next day, he returned with a smile: “Lyra, tomorrow is your sister’s birthday and New Year’s Eve. Let’s celebrate together.”

“I already invited Mira to join us for dinner, using your name. You two have been distant too long-it’s time to heal this rift. For me, please?”

I looked at Ronan.

He coaxed me gently, his dark eyes full of apparent sincerity and devotion.

Suddenly I remembered that darkest year when he’d looked at me the same way, taking the blade from my hands, saving me from suicide.

“Fine. I’ll go.”

He wanted this, so I’d give it to him.

Consider it repayment for all those times he’d saved me during my worst episodes.

Chapter 3

New Year’s Eve.

Ronan had reserved the entire restaurant.

Mira arrived in a pristine white dress.

Ronan immediately dropped my hand and walked to her.

“Mira, happy birthday. This is my gift to you.”

I recognized the familiar gift box.

The familiar sapphire necklace.

Of course it was for her.

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