She's Too Busy Winning to Watch Him Cry novel Chapter 76

Caleb directed a sharp look at Lyra and Lucas.

The other executives at the table, sensing the sudden tension between the key players, kept their mouths firmly shut.

A suffocating silence blanketed The Sapphire Room.

Lyra gripped her glass, wishing the ground would swallow her whole, especially when Lucas intentionally goaded Caleb. "Your sister still hasn't moved on?"

"Looks to me like you're the one who hasn't moved on," Caleb said coldly, stepping in to defend her. "Lyra is going on a date with Cas this Sunday. Don't flatter yourself."

Caleb wasn't lying. Lyra had indeed made plans to hang out with Caspian Jameson this weekend, a conversation Caleb had overheard just last night. Suitably thoroughly shut down, Lucas kept his mouth shut for the rest of the dinner.

Lyra had originally only used Caspian as a convenient excuse to brush off the Jameson family and Alistair's lingering expectations. But now, she realized she had dug her own grave. She actually had to go on fake dates to keep up the charade, dragging Caspian along for the ride. Fortunately, hanging out with him was effortless. They shared the same interests and easily fell back into an easy rhythm, spending their time exploring the city and trying new food. She decided to treat it as a genuine weekend escape.

Sunday arrived, and Caspian took Lyra to a local auto racing circuit. The atmosphere was electric. Sitting in the grandstands, Caspian was completely in his element, cheering wildly for his favorite driver. Lyra watched the sleek cars tear across the asphalt.

"Caspian ," she asked suddenly, her tone probing. "If a car loses control and the brakes completely fail, how can the driver behind them safely stop it?"

Caspian didn't think much of the question. "You don't use the side of your car to block it; you use the rear. And you can't slam on your brakes, or you'll flip. You have to gradually force them to a halt. Why do you ask?"

"Just curious," Lyra said, her gaze darkening for a fraction of a second before she forced a casual smile.

After the race, they headed out to grab a late lunch. As they approached the restaurant, a speeding car flew past them, kicking up a massive cloud of dirt. Lyra squeezed her eyes shut against the grit. When she opened them, a sharp stinging sensation made her eyes water.

"Are you okay?" Caspian asked, leaning in with concern.

"Just got some dust in my eye."

Caspian famously couldn't handle spice, but he offered Lyra a quiet, supportive look. "Yeah. I'm having spicy food with her today."

Lyra hadn't expected him to play along so flawlessly. Her eyes curved into a genuine smile as she met Caspian 's soft, accommodating gaze. For a fleeting moment, she thought that having him as a fake boyfriend wasn't so bad after all.

They held each other's gaze for a few seconds too long, prompting Jasmine to let out a deliberate, awkward cough. Lyra snapped back to reality. "We'll get going, then."

She immediately grabbed Caspian 's hand. Caspian gave Rowan a brief nod, and the two of them disappeared into the restaurant.

"Your brother and Lyra seem really close," Jasmine murmured to Rowan.

Rowan said nothing, his jaw tight. Lyra hadn't looked forced or uncomfortable at all; she seemed to be genuinely enjoying Caspian 's company. Jasmine couldn't tell if Lyra was just a phenomenal actress or if the truth was far simpler. Lyra used to be obsessively in love with Rowan. How could she turn off those feelings so completely? The realization that Lyra could thrive without Rowan left a bitter, uncomfortable taste in Jasmine's mouth.