I Chose Me Over My Marriage novel Chapter 79

"If I had known you would have to endure all this misery, I would have bet my own life to stop you from stubbornly marrying Maxwell."

Eleanor's voice carried a heavy, lingering trace of regret.

She had always felt that Maxwell wasn't someone Lyra could depend on, and she had adamantly refused to give her blessing.

If it hadn't been for the fact that Lyra stood stubbornly in the pouring rain for three days straight, Eleanor never would have caved.

Hearing the guilt in her mother's voice made Lyra's heart ache.

"Mom, this has nothing to do with you or Dad. It was my own mistake. I've made you both worry and suffer for years, but I promise you, from now on, I'm taking control of my own happiness."

"Lyra, honestly... if I'm being entirely selfish, your father and I could take care of you for the rest of your life. Marriage isn't the only path to happiness, is it?"

Eleanor's tone was incredibly sincere.

Lyra fully understood what her mother was trying to say.

"I know, Mom. Don't worry. Right now, building my career is the only thing that matters to me. I have zero interest in getting involved in another relationship."

She had thrown her entire soul into her last relationship, burning herself alive for it.

And what was her reward?

She hit rock bottom, shattered into a million pieces.

Now, she meant every single word she said.

"Alright. No matter what you choose to do, your father and I will always support you. Go out there and take on the world. We'll always be your safest harbor."

Lyra nodded emphatically.

She finished her lunch, chatted with Eleanor for a bit longer, and headed back down to her department as the afternoon shift began.

In college, she had double-majored in Finance and Design.

Because of that solid foundation, she picked the work back up incredibly fast.

However, since she had just returned, Harriet Shaw didn't immediately assign her to the high-stakes projects.

By the time the day ended, Lyra felt an immense sense of fulfillment. The grueling work had successfully pushed every thought of Maxwell entirely out of her mind.

"What exactly are you trying to pull?"

"Lyra, please, I'm begging you. Forgive me just this once! I'm leaving the country soon, and I promise I'll never come back. I know I made a terrible mistake. Please, just forgive me. Go back to Maxwell and fix your marriage!"

Aria sobbed out the words, putting on a breathtaking performance of utter despair.

If Lyra hadn't known exactly what kind of manipulative snake she was dealing with, she might have actually bought the act.

"I'm going to ask you one last time. What is your game here?"

Seeing the cold suspicion on Lyra's face, Aria dragged herself a few inches closer.

"Lyra, I swear I'm not lying to you! I mean it, I..."

"Enough."

Lyra cut her off with lethal precision.

"Aria, Maxwell and I are already divorced. I genuinely hope the two of you get exactly what you deserve together."