She's Too Busy Winning to Watch Him Cry novel Chapter 213

Hearing those words through the receiver was everything to Lyra.

A massive wave of relief washed over her, untying the knots in her stomach.

It was still pouring outside. She pushed the door open and leaned against the wooden railing of the corridor, watching the heavy rain cascade down. Fat drops smashed against the dark roof tiles, shattering into tiny, sparkling pearls of water.

As she lifted her hand, she noticed an unfamiliar weight. The sandalwood prayer beads were wrapped around her slender wrist, the smooth wood cool against her skin.

"My child..."

Abbess Helena approached her with a gentle smile. "Are you feeling any better?"

"Much better, thank you," Lyra replied softly.

"I was just completely exhausted earlier," she added, a flush of embarrassment coloring her cheeks. "I'm sorry for scaring you by passing out like that."

"You're too young to be pushing yourself so hard. You must take care of your health."

Lyra lifted her wrist, displaying the bracelet that hung a bit too loosely on her delicate frame. "What is this?"

Recalling Rowan's parting words, the Abbess smiled warmly. "It's a gift from me, to bless you with peace and smooth sailing. Do not worry, child. No matter how fierce the storm, the skies will eventually clear."

"Thank you." A genuine smile finally tugged at the corners of Lyra's lips.

She found herself genuinely loving the simple, grounding feel of the beads.

She silently vowed to make a generous donation to the temple the moment she returned to the city.

Not long after, Secretary Montgomery hurried up the stone steps, a large umbrella shielding him from the downpour.

Taking one last look at the peaceful, incense-filled courtyard, Lyra bid the Abbess farewell and followed him down the mountain.

On the drive back, her phone buzzed with another call.

"Great news. Jonathan Ford took the bait."

Jasmine's father had walked right into the trap she'd carefully set for him.

Lyra's smile widened. The invisible string that had been pulled taut inside her chest finally snapped loose, leaving her feeling lighter than she had in months.

Lyra pressed her cheek against her mother's palm, her voice dropping into a tender, pleading register. "Mom, why won't you come home? We need you so much..."

Tears pooled in Delilah's eyes. "I blame Caleb," she rambled softly. "Why is he making you travel so far to negotiate business deals? You shouldn't have to work this hard. All I want is for you to marry a good man and build a happy, comfortable life."

"I know you're all grown up now with your own ambitions, but if anyone ever bullies you out there, you have to tell me. And if I'm not around, you tell Caleb."

"Like when Lucas Chavez pushed you into that pool... Mark my words, the minute I get out of here, I'm marching right up to Silas Chavez to demand an explanation."

Lyra usually hated worrying her mother, but hearing Delilah talk so fiercely about going home made her eyes light up. Remembering Kayla's advice to lean on her, Lyra playfully nuzzled her hand. "Okay. I'll be waiting for you to come home and have my back."

A sudden fire ignited in Delilah. She wanted to heal, get out of this hospital room, and protect her daughter. "I'm a little hungry," she announced.

"Perfect, let's eat together," Lyra said eagerly.

Martha had already dropped off some home-cooked meals. Even though the retreat had a private kitchen, Kayla and Martha had insisted on preparing all of Delilah's food for the past two days. "Kayla has been working so hard," Delilah sighed. "She hasn't had a single day to just relax since she joined the Fairchild family."

Lyra blinked, a playful grin forming. "Then I'll cook tomorrow! It's been way too long since I've been in a kitchen, and I really want to show off my culinary skills."