In the third year of Lyra and Maxwell's marriage, paparazzi captured him spending the night at a hotel with Aria. As the public outcry grew louder, Maxwell finally remembered his seemingly dispensable wife and made her a proposition. "Didn't you always want me to celebrate your birthday with you?" he said, his tone cold and laced with condescension. "I agree to do it." He then added, with an air of charity, that when the reporters arrived, Lyra was to clarify the situation for him and Aria—essentially, to cover up the scandal. Subsequently, Maxwell threw a lavish and grand birthday party in her honor. Yet, instead of sympathy, Lyra was met with mockery from everyone present, who sneered that she would endure anything for Maxwell's sake. When the moment came to blow out the candles, Lyra closed her eyes and made a devout wish: "I hope to have no contact with Maxwell for the rest of my life."

Chapter 1Three years into their marriage, Maxwell Sterling suddenly threw Lyra Lennox a lavish birthday gala.Under the envious gazes of the crowd, Lyra made a remarkably calm wish. "I hope to never cross paths with Maxwell Sterling ever again."In the brilliantly lit ballroom, dressed in a sweeping white gown, she pressed her hands together in prayer before the candles. Her radiant complexion looked exceptionally serene in the warm glow of the flickering light.Standing before her was Maxwell, surrounded by countless guests who had come to offer their congratulations.In just that short span of time, a flicker of impatience already crossed his face."Max, what do you think Lyra wished for?"Someone nearby chuckled softly. "I bet she wished to grow old with Max, and ideally, have him come home to her every single night."The group surrounding Maxwell erupted into quiet, mocking laughter."She's dreaming. Just managing to marry him was pure dumb luck.""Please, she was just shameless enough to cling to him. Back then, to join the Sterling family, she stubbornly stood in the pouring rain outside the Lennox estate for three days and nights until her family finally caved.""Now that he threw her this massive birthday bash, Lyra's probably going to be even more desperately devoted to him.""If she only knew this party was actually for...""Shut up."Maxwell interrupted, his brows furrowed.He possessed a striking, sharply contoured face with a high bridge of the nose. When he wasn't smiling, he radiated an unapproachable, icy demeanor—yet it was this exact look that had kept Lyra madly in love with him for over a decade.Having finished her wish, she gazed quietly in his direction.As their eyes met, Lyra offered a faint smile and casually looked away.For no apparent reason, a strange knot tightened in Maxwell's chest.A moment ago... he thought he saw a flash of absolute resolve in her eyes. It was as if she had decided to abandon all her years of stubborn devotion and walk away for good.No, that was impossible.For years, Lyra had been practically glued to him, impossible to shake off no matter what he did. He was definitely overthinking it."Next up, let's welcome Mr. Sterling to the stage to cut the cake with the birthday girl!"Thunderous applause erupted as Maxwell stepped up. His tailored suit perfectly accentuated his broad shoulders, trim waist, and long, powerful stride.A smile played on his lips as he pulled Lyra into an affectionate embrace, drawing envious gasps from the crowd. But only the two of them knew there was an insurmountable chasm between them.Feeling the deliberate distance he kept between their bodies, Lyra's numb heart still gave a slight, involuntary twinge.Despite all her years of effort, she had never earned even a fraction of Maxwell's love."After you cut the cake, bring a slice straight to her. I don't need to remind you how to act, do I?"Maxwell lowered his head, whispering into her ear as intimately as a lover.Her ear flushed with heat, but an icy wave washed over her soul. She had known all along that tonight's party wasn't really for her.A few days ago, paparazzi had caught Aria Moon and Maxwell entering a hotel together, and a leaked video even showed them in the same room.In an instant, a massive scandal had erupted online.Everyone accused Aria of being a homewrecker, mercilessly tearing into her reputation.As a rising star with countless endorsements and film deals, a hit like this could ruin Aria's career for years.Lyra's only purpose tonight was to play her part in Maxwell's charade and clear Aria's name.Standing in front of the cameras, she forced a bright smile and began to explain away the misunderstanding.Those in the audience who knew the truth couldn't help but scoff."Lyra really has no bottom line. Her husband gets caught at a hotel with another woman, and here she is, rushing to run PR for him. You won't find a more pathetic pushover anywhere.""No kidding. If it were me, I would've walked out on that humiliation a long time ago.""She'd never leave him. Back when she wanted to marry Max, she pulled every desperate stunt in the book. If Max hadn't been worried about a scandal—and if he hadn't needed a convenient human shield for Aria—she never would've had a chance to join the Sterlings.""Speaking of which, Max goes to insane lengths to protect Aria. He could have just clarified that she was his adopted sister to smooth things over, but instead, he forced Lyra to take the bullet.""If Max publicized her identity as his sister, how could they ever be together officially down the line?""Exactly. He's just waiting for Aria to win Best Actress so he can propose to her.""When that happens, someone's going to throw an epic tantrum..."On stage, Lyra linked her arm through Aria's, smiling sweetly at the press. "Aria and I are incredibly close friends. She only came with Max that day to keep me company. I hope everyone stops spreading baseless rumors.""That's right! I definitely wouldn't want to ruin things between Lyra and Max," Aria chimed in seamlessly.The two put on a flawless display of sisterly affection, but the second they returned to the lounge, Aria forcefully shoved Lyra away.She shot Lyra a look of pure disgust, yanking a tissue from the box to wipe her hands before marching toward the door.Moments later, Maxwell pushed the door open. "It's not safe for Aria to go home alone. I'm going to drop her off. Find your own way back."He grabbed Lyra's arm, pulling her toward the exit.Lyra stumbled to keep up. Her empty stomach burned with a fiery ache. She yanked her arm free. "You're always so fiercely protective, Mr. Sterling. No wonder everyone mistakes the true nature of your relationship."That single sentence made Maxwell's expression instantly darken."Lyra, what the hell is wrong with you now?"Lyra said nothing, her gaze fixed unblinkingly on the man before her.She had met him when she was just fourteen, marking the beginning of her six-year pursuit.Tragically, over those six years, he had completely ignored her existence.Just as Lyra believed her unrequited love would simply fade away, Maxwell abruptly came to her. "Lyra, I've decided to be with you."When the younger Lyra heard those words, her entire world lit up.Consumed by sheer euphoria, she threw herself at him without hesitation. When her parents vehemently opposed the marriage, she stood outside their gates for three days and nights, defying them just to marry him.It was only much later that she finally realized the harsh truth: Maxwell had never actually said he loved her.He had only agreed to marry her to create the perfect smokescreen for his affair with Aria.He was the heavily burdened heir to the Sterling empire, and she was his adopted sister. By all societal and legal standards, their romance was a scandalous taboo.Maxwell assumed Lyra would remain utterly oblivious, allowing him to flaunt his brazen favoritism toward Aria right to her face.Even this time, when Lyra had tentatively suggested they just reveal Aria's true identity, he simply claimed that doing so might damage his corporate image."Maxwell."Lyra's lips curled into a faint smile, her voice unnervingly calm. "Let's get a divorce."A suffocating silence filled the room.Maxwell stared at her, his eyes growing impossibly cold. "Don't think that just because I threw you a birthday party, you have the right to throw a tantrum."Lyra lowered her gaze, her voice so soft it was barely a whisper. "Just consider it my one birthday wish. Give me a divorce."An inexplicable surge of irritation flared in his chest. "I think you've forgotten how obsessively you chased after me, begging and pleading for me to marry you..."Crash!A violent clap of thunder shook the building, and the lounge plunged into pitch darkness.Lyra jumped in fright. Before she could process the blackout, Maxwell lunged forward, gripping her chin. "Do you really think tonight's little celebration gives you the leverage to play these games with me?"As a flash of lightning tore across the sky, his hard, unforgiving features were briefly illuminated in the dark.The sheer disdain and mockery in his eyes glinted like the edge of a sharpened blade.Pain flared in her jaw. She instinctively struggled against his grip. "I'm not playing games. I'm deadly serious.""Serious?"Maxwell practically chewed on the word before letting out a cold, hollow laugh.That was impossible.Everyone in Silverdale knew that Lyra loved him to the point of absolute madness. Over the years, from their first meeting to their wedding, she had acted like a woman with zero self-respect, chasing him with unhinged devotion.Now that he had finally granted her the dignity of a proper birthday bash, giving her the respect a Mrs. Sterling deserved, she suddenly wanted a divorce?Her manipulation tactics were getting embarrassingly sloppy.As the heavy tension hung between them, a terrified scream pierced the air."Fire! The building is on fire!"Chaotic footsteps echoed through the hallway. Panic seized Lyra, and she instinctively clutched Maxwell's arm.From the corridor, his assistant's frantic voice rang out. "Mr. Sterling, the lightning struck the main circuit! It started a massive electrical fire in the ballroom. We need to evacuate immediately!""Max..."Before she could finish, he violently shoved her aside.She collapsed onto the floor. When she looked up, the man was already sprinting out the door.Rushing off to save the true love of his life, no doubt.The flames spread with terrifying speed. In mere moments, an angry red glare lit up the sky as panicked guests and staff stampeded toward the exits.Lyra tried to flee with the crowd, but in the chaos, someone shoved her hard. A sharp pain shot through her ankle, sending her crashing back to the ground.She desperately tried to get up, but the agonizing pain made it impossible to bear any weight.Through the haze of smoke and panic, she spotted Maxwell bolting for the exit. "Maxwell, help me!"He heard her scream. He glanced through the crushing crowd in her direction, hesitated for a fraction of a second, and then scooped Aria into his arms, running toward safety without a backward glance.Watching his retreating figure, an icy chill gripped Lyra's bones.A decade of devotion wasn't even worth a single second of his time.She blinked rapidly, fighting back her tears as she dragged herself up against the wall, limping toward the door. She couldn't die here. She refused to die here.She hobbled desperately toward the main exit, but right as she reached it, she saw the heavy steel doors beginning to shut."Don't close it! I'm still inside!"Screaming in horror, she threw herself forward.But the heavy doors slammed shut with a sickening thud. She pounded on the solid frame with all her might. "Open the door! I'm trapped! Please, is anyone out there?!"Total silence answered her.Refusing to freeze in panic, Lyra scrambled toward the next fire exit.But door after door was already sealed tight, some locking right before her eyes. Pure terror flooded her veins. Why was this happening? Was someone... actively trying to murder her?Chapter 2Three years into their marriage, Maxwell Sterling suddenly threw Lyra Lennox a lavish birthday gala.Under the envious gazes of the crowd, Lyra made a remarkably calm wish. "I hope to never cross paths with Maxwell Sterling ever again."In the brilliantly lit ballroom, dressed in a sweeping white gown, she pressed her hands together in prayer before the candles. Her radiant complexion looked exceptionally serene in the warm glow of the flickering light.Standing before her was Maxwell, surrounded by countless guests who had come to offer their congratulations.In just that short span of time, a flicker of impatience already crossed his face."Max, what do you think Lyra wished for?"Someone nearby chuckled softly. "I bet she wished to grow old with Max, and ideally, have him come home to her every single night."The group surrounding Maxwell erupted into quiet, mocking laughter."She's dreaming. Just managing to marry him was pure dumb luck.""Please, she was just shameless enough to cling to him. Back then, to join the Sterling family, she stubbornly stood in the pouring rain outside the Lennox estate for three days and nights until her family finally caved.""Now that he threw her this massive birthday bash, Lyra's probably going to be even more desperately devoted to him.""If she only knew this party was actually for...""Shut up."Maxwell interrupted, his brows furrowed.He possessed a striking, sharply contoured face with a high bridge of the nose. When he wasn't smiling, he radiated an unapproachable, icy demeanor—yet it was this exact look that had kept Lyra madly in love with him for over a decade.Having finished her wish, she gazed quietly in his direction.As their eyes met, Lyra offered a faint smile and casually looked away.For no apparent reason, a strange knot tightened in Maxwell's chest.A moment ago... he thought he saw a flash of absolute resolve in her eyes. It was as if she had decided to abandon all her years of stubborn devotion and walk away for good.No, that was impossible.For years, Lyra had been practically glued to him, impossible to shake off no matter what he did. He was definitely overthinking it."Next up, let's welcome Mr. Sterling to the stage to cut the cake with the birthday girl!"Thunderous applause erupted as Maxwell stepped up. His tailored suit perfectly accentuated his broad shoulders, trim waist, and long, powerful stride.A smile played on his lips as he pulled Lyra into an affectionate embrace, drawing envious gasps from the crowd. But only the two of them knew there was an insurmountable chasm between them.Feeling the deliberate distance he kept between their bodies, Lyra's numb heart still gave a slight, involuntary twinge.Despite all her years of effort, she had never earned even a fraction of Maxwell's love."After you cut the cake, bring a slice straight to her. I don't need to remind you how to act, do I?"Maxwell lowered his head, whispering into her ear as intimately as a lover.Her ear flushed with heat, but an icy wave washed over her soul. She had known all along that tonight's party wasn't really for her.A few days ago, paparazzi had caught Aria Moon and Maxwell entering a hotel together, and a leaked video even showed them in the same room.In an instant, a massive scandal had erupted online.Everyone accused Aria of being a homewrecker, mercilessly tearing into her reputation.As a rising star with countless endorsements and film deals, a hit like this could ruin Aria's career for years.Lyra's only purpose tonight was to play her part in Maxwell's charade and clear Aria's name.Standing in front of the cameras, she forced a bright smile and began to explain away the misunderstanding.Those in the audience who knew the truth couldn't help but scoff."Lyra really has no bottom line. Her husband gets caught at a hotel with another woman, and here she is, rushing to run PR for him. You won't find a more pathetic pushover anywhere.""No kidding. If it were me, I would've walked out on that humiliation a long time ago.""She'd never leave him. Back when she wanted to marry Max, she pulled every desperate stunt in the book. If Max hadn't been worried about a scandal—and if he hadn't needed a convenient human shield for Aria—she never would've had a chance to join the Sterlings.""Speaking of which, Max goes to insane lengths to protect Aria. He could have just clarified that she was his adopted sister to smooth things over, but instead, he forced Lyra to take the bullet.""If Max publicized her identity as his sister, how could they ever be together officially down the line?""Exactly. He's just waiting for Aria to win Best Actress so he can propose to her.""When that happens, someone's going to throw an epic tantrum..."On stage, Lyra linked her arm through Aria's, smiling sweetly at the press. "Aria and I are incredibly close friends. She only came with Max that day to keep me company. I hope everyone stops spreading baseless rumors.""That's right! I definitely wouldn't want to ruin things between Lyra and Max," Aria chimed in seamlessly.The two put on a flawless display of sisterly affection, but the second they returned to the lounge, Aria forcefully shoved Lyra away.She shot Lyra a look of pure disgust, yanking a tissue from the box to wipe her hands before marching toward the door.Moments later, Maxwell pushed the door open. "It's not safe for Aria to go home alone. I'm going to drop her off. Find your own way back."He grabbed Lyra's arm, pulling her toward the exit.Lyra stumbled to keep up. Her empty stomach burned with a fiery ache. She yanked her arm free. "You're always so fiercely protective, Mr. Sterling. No wonder everyone mistakes the true nature of your relationship."That single sentence made Maxwell's expression instantly darken."Lyra, what the hell is wrong with you now?"Lyra said nothing, her gaze fixed unblinkingly on the man before her.She had met him when she was just fourteen, marking the beginning of her six-year pursuit.Tragically, over those six years, he had completely ignored her existence.Just as Lyra believed her unrequited love would simply fade away, Maxwell abruptly came to her. "Lyra, I've decided to be with you."When the younger Lyra heard those words, her entire world lit up.Consumed by sheer euphoria, she threw herself at him without hesitation. When her parents vehemently opposed the marriage, she stood outside their gates for three days and nights, defying them just to marry him.It was only much later that she finally realized the harsh truth: Maxwell had never actually said he loved her.He had only agreed to marry her to create the perfect smokescreen for his affair with Aria.He was the heavily burdened heir to the Sterling empire, and she was his adopted sister. By all societal and legal standards, their romance was a scandalous taboo.Maxwell assumed Lyra would remain utterly oblivious, allowing him to flaunt his brazen favoritism toward Aria right to her face.Even this time, when Lyra had tentatively suggested they just reveal Aria's true identity, he simply claimed that doing so might damage his corporate image."Maxwell."Lyra's lips curled into a faint smile, her voice unnervingly calm. "Let's get a divorce."A suffocating silence filled the room.Maxwell stared at her, his eyes growing impossibly cold. "Don't think that just because I threw you a birthday party, you have the right to throw a tantrum."Lyra lowered her gaze, her voice so soft it was barely a whisper. "Just consider it my one birthday wish. Give me a divorce."An inexplicable surge of irritation flared in his chest. "I think you've forgotten how obsessively you chased after me, begging and pleading for me to marry you..."Crash!A violent clap of thunder shook the building, and the lounge plunged into pitch darkness.Lyra jumped in fright. Before she could process the blackout, Maxwell lunged forward, gripping her chin. "Do you really think tonight's little celebration gives you the leverage to play these games with me?"As a flash of lightning tore across the sky, his hard, unforgiving features were briefly illuminated in the dark.The sheer disdain and mockery in his eyes glinted like the edge of a sharpened blade.Pain flared in her jaw. She instinctively struggled against his grip. "I'm not playing games. I'm deadly serious.""Serious?"Maxwell practically chewed on the word before letting out a cold, hollow laugh.That was impossible.Everyone in Silverdale knew that Lyra loved him to the point of absolute madness. Over the years, from their first meeting to their wedding, she had acted like a woman with zero self-respect, chasing him with unhinged devotion.Now that he had finally granted her the dignity of a proper birthday bash, giving her the respect a Mrs. Sterling deserved, she suddenly wanted a divorce?Her manipulation tactics were getting embarrassingly sloppy.As the heavy tension hung between them, a terrified scream pierced the air."Fire! The building is on fire!"Chaotic footsteps echoed through the hallway. Panic seized Lyra, and she instinctively clutched Maxwell's arm.From the corridor, his assistant's frantic voice rang out. "Mr. Sterling, the lightning struck the main circuit! It started a massive electrical fire in the ballroom. We need to evacuate immediately!""Max..."Before she could finish, he violently shoved her aside.She collapsed onto the floor. When she looked up, the man was already sprinting out the door.Rushing off to save the true love of his life, no doubt.The flames spread with terrifying speed. In mere moments, an angry red glare lit up the sky as panicked guests and staff stampeded toward the exits.Lyra tried to flee with the crowd, but in the chaos, someone shoved her hard. A sharp pain shot through her ankle, sending her crashing back to the ground.She desperately tried to get up, but the agonizing pain made it impossible to bear any weight.Through the haze of smoke and panic, she spotted Maxwell bolting for the exit. "Maxwell, help me!"He heard her scream. He glanced through the crushing crowd in her direction, hesitated for a fraction of a second, and then scooped Aria into his arms, running toward safety without a backward glance.Watching his retreating figure, an icy chill gripped Lyra's bones.A decade of devotion wasn't even worth a single second of his time.She blinked rapidly, fighting back her tears as she dragged herself up against the wall, limping toward the door. She couldn't die here. She refused to die here.She hobbled desperately toward the main exit, but right as she reached it, she saw the heavy steel doors beginning to shut."Don't close it! I'm still inside!"Screaming in horror, she threw herself forward.But the heavy doors slammed shut with a sickening thud. She pounded on the solid frame with all her might. "Open the door! I'm trapped! Please, is anyone out there?!"Total silence answered her.Refusing to freeze in panic, Lyra scrambled toward the next fire exit.But door after door was already sealed tight, some locking right before her eyes. Pure terror flooded her veins. Why was this happening? Was someone... actively trying to murder her?Chapter 3Three years into their marriage, Maxwell Sterling suddenly threw Lyra Lennox a lavish birthday gala.Under the envious gazes of the crowd, Lyra made a remarkably calm wish. "I hope to never cross paths with Maxwell Sterling ever again."In the brilliantly lit ballroom, dressed in a sweeping white gown, she pressed her hands together in prayer before the candles. Her radiant complexion looked exceptionally serene in the warm glow of the flickering light.Standing before her was Maxwell, surrounded by countless guests who had come to offer their congratulations.In just that short span of time, a flicker of impatience already crossed his face."Max, what do you think Lyra wished for?"Someone nearby chuckled softly. "I bet she wished to grow old with Max, and ideally, have him come home to her every single night."The group surrounding Maxwell erupted into quiet, mocking laughter."She's dreaming. Just managing to marry him was pure dumb luck.""Please, she was just shameless enough to cling to him. Back then, to join the Sterling family, she stubbornly stood in the pouring rain outside the Lennox estate for three days and nights until her family finally caved.""Now that he threw her this massive birthday bash, Lyra's probably going to be even more desperately devoted to him.""If she only knew this party was actually for...""Shut up."Maxwell interrupted, his brows furrowed.He possessed a striking, sharply contoured face with a high bridge of the nose. When he wasn't smiling, he radiated an unapproachable, icy demeanor—yet it was this exact look that had kept Lyra madly in love with him for over a decade.Having finished her wish, she gazed quietly in his direction.As their eyes met, Lyra offered a faint smile and casually looked away.For no apparent reason, a strange knot tightened in Maxwell's chest.A moment ago... he thought he saw a flash of absolute resolve in her eyes. It was as if she had decided to abandon all her years of stubborn devotion and walk away for good.No, that was impossible.For years, Lyra had been practically glued to him, impossible to shake off no matter what he did. He was definitely overthinking it."Next up, let's welcome Mr. Sterling to the stage to cut the cake with the birthday girl!"Thunderous applause erupted as Maxwell stepped up. His tailored suit perfectly accentuated his broad shoulders, trim waist, and long, powerful stride.A smile played on his lips as he pulled Lyra into an affectionate embrace, drawing envious gasps from the crowd. But only the two of them knew there was an insurmountable chasm between them.Feeling the deliberate distance he kept between their bodies, Lyra's numb heart still gave a slight, involuntary twinge.Despite all her years of effort, she had never earned even a fraction of Maxwell's love."After you cut the cake, bring a slice straight to her. I don't need to remind you how to act, do I?"Maxwell lowered his head, whispering into her ear as intimately as a lover.Her ear flushed with heat, but an icy wave washed over her soul. She had known all along that tonight's party wasn't really for her.A few days ago, paparazzi had caught Aria Moon and Maxwell entering a hotel together, and a leaked video even showed them in the same room.In an instant, a massive scandal had erupted online.Everyone accused Aria of being a homewrecker, mercilessly tearing into her reputation.As a rising star with countless endorsements and film deals, a hit like this could ruin Aria's career for years.Lyra's only purpose tonight was to play her part in Maxwell's charade and clear Aria's name.Standing in front of the cameras, she forced a bright smile and began to explain away the misunderstanding.Those in the audience who knew the truth couldn't help but scoff."Lyra really has no bottom line. Her husband gets caught at a hotel with another woman, and here she is, rushing to run PR for him. You won't find a more pathetic pushover anywhere.""No kidding. If it were me, I would've walked out on that humiliation a long time ago.""She'd never leave him. Back when she wanted to marry Max, she pulled every desperate stunt in the book. If Max hadn't been worried about a scandal—and if he hadn't needed a convenient human shield for Aria—she never would've had a chance to join the Sterlings.""Speaking of which, Max goes to insane lengths to protect Aria. He could have just clarified that she was his adopted sister to smooth things over, but instead, he forced Lyra to take the bullet.""If Max publicized her identity as his sister, how could they ever be together officially down the line?""Exactly. He's just waiting for Aria to win Best Actress so he can propose to her.""When that happens, someone's going to throw an epic tantrum..."On stage, Lyra linked her arm through Aria's, smiling sweetly at the press. "Aria and I are incredibly close friends. She only came with Max that day to keep me company. I hope everyone stops spreading baseless rumors.""That's right! I definitely wouldn't want to ruin things between Lyra and Max," Aria chimed in seamlessly.The two put on a flawless display of sisterly affection, but the second they returned to the lounge, Aria forcefully shoved Lyra away.She shot Lyra a look of pure disgust, yanking a tissue from the box to wipe her hands before marching toward the door.Moments later, Maxwell pushed the door open. "It's not safe for Aria to go home alone. I'm going to drop her off. Find your own way back."He grabbed Lyra's arm, pulling her toward the exit.Lyra stumbled to keep up. Her empty stomach burned with a fiery ache. She yanked her arm free. "You're always so fiercely protective, Mr. Sterling. No wonder everyone mistakes the true nature of your relationship."That single sentence made Maxwell's expression instantly darken."Lyra, what the hell is wrong with you now?"Lyra said nothing, her gaze fixed unblinkingly on the man before her.She had met him when she was just fourteen, marking the beginning of her six-year pursuit.Tragically, over those six years, he had completely ignored her existence.Just as Lyra believed her unrequited love would simply fade away, Maxwell abruptly came to her. "Lyra, I've decided to be with you."When the younger Lyra heard those words, her entire world lit up.Consumed by sheer euphoria, she threw herself at him without hesitation. When her parents vehemently opposed the marriage, she stood outside their gates for three days and nights, defying them just to marry him.It was only much later that she finally realized the harsh truth: Maxwell had never actually said he loved her.He had only agreed to marry her to create the perfect smokescreen for his affair with Aria.He was the heavily burdened heir to the Sterling empire, and she was his adopted sister. By all societal and legal standards, their romance was a scandalous taboo.Maxwell assumed Lyra would remain utterly oblivious, allowing him to flaunt his brazen favoritism toward Aria right to her face.Even this time, when Lyra had tentatively suggested they just reveal Aria's true identity, he simply claimed that doing so might damage his corporate image."Maxwell."Lyra's lips curled into a faint smile, her voice unnervingly calm. "Let's get a divorce."A suffocating silence filled the room.Maxwell stared at her, his eyes growing impossibly cold. "Don't think that just because I threw you a birthday party, you have the right to throw a tantrum."Lyra lowered her gaze, her voice so soft it was barely a whisper. "Just consider it my one birthday wish. Give me a divorce."An inexplicable surge of irritation flared in his chest. "I think you've forgotten how obsessively you chased after me, begging and pleading for me to marry you..."Crash!A violent clap of thunder shook the building, and the lounge plunged into pitch darkness.Lyra jumped in fright. Before she could process the blackout, Maxwell lunged forward, gripping her chin. "Do you really think tonight's little celebration gives you the leverage to play these games with me?"As a flash of lightning tore across the sky, his hard, unforgiving features were briefly illuminated in the dark.The sheer disdain and mockery in his eyes glinted like the edge of a sharpened blade.Pain flared in her jaw. She instinctively struggled against his grip. "I'm not playing games. I'm deadly serious.""Serious?"Maxwell practically chewed on the word before letting out a cold, hollow laugh.That was impossible.Everyone in Silverdale knew that Lyra loved him to the point of absolute madness. Over the years, from their first meeting to their wedding, she had acted like a woman with zero self-respect, chasing him with unhinged devotion.Now that he had finally granted her the dignity of a proper birthday bash, giving her the respect a Mrs. Sterling deserved, she suddenly wanted a divorce?Her manipulation tactics were getting embarrassingly sloppy.As the heavy tension hung between them, a terrified scream pierced the air."Fire! The building is on fire!"Chaotic footsteps echoed through the hallway. Panic seized Lyra, and she instinctively clutched Maxwell's arm.From the corridor, his assistant's frantic voice rang out. "Mr. Sterling, the lightning struck the main circuit! It started a massive electrical fire in the ballroom. We need to evacuate immediately!""Max..."Before she could finish, he violently shoved her aside.She collapsed onto the floor. When she looked up, the man was already sprinting out the door.Rushing off to save the true love of his life, no doubt.The flames spread with terrifying speed. In mere moments, an angry red glare lit up the sky as panicked guests and staff stampeded toward the exits.Lyra tried to flee with the crowd, but in the chaos, someone shoved her hard. A sharp pain shot through her ankle, sending her crashing back to the ground.She desperately tried to get up, but the agonizing pain made it impossible to bear any weight.Through the haze of smoke and panic, she spotted Maxwell bolting for the exit. "Maxwell, help me!"He heard her scream. He glanced through the crushing crowd in her direction, hesitated for a fraction of a second, and then scooped Aria into his arms, running toward safety without a backward glance.Watching his retreating figure, an icy chill gripped Lyra's bones.A decade of devotion wasn't even worth a single second of his time.She blinked rapidly, fighting back her tears as she dragged herself up against the wall, limping toward the door. She couldn't die here. She refused to die here.She hobbled desperately toward the main exit, but right as she reached it, she saw the heavy steel doors beginning to shut."Don't close it! I'm still inside!"Screaming in horror, she threw herself forward.But the heavy doors slammed shut with a sickening thud. She pounded on the solid frame with all her might. "Open the door! I'm trapped! Please, is anyone out there?!"Total silence answered her.Refusing to freeze in panic, Lyra scrambled toward the next fire exit.But door after door was already sealed tight, some locking right before her eyes. Pure terror flooded her veins. Why was this happening? Was someone... actively trying to murder her?