Chapter 2: The Contract Wedding
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Lyra stood at the entrance, her silver-white gown like woven moonlight against her snow-pale skin. The heavy veil concealed both her expression and the calculation in her eyes.
"Ready, sister?" Eileen approached, her tone sickeningly sweet. "How lucky you are to marry Rayne Grayson."
Lyra turned toward her sister's flawless face as memories flooded back—how Eileen had manipulated everything from the shadows, used her as a pawn, and ultimately watched her die with cold indifference.
"Yes, how fortunate I am," Lyra replied, her voice unnervingly calm. "Though sister, you seem even more nervous than the bride."
Eileen's smile froze, panic flashing in her eyes. "Don't be... ridiculous. I'm simply happy for you."
"Of course," Lyra smiled. "I'm sure you've always had my best interests at heart."
The wedding march began as Lyra walked elegantly toward the altar. Guests' gazes struck her like arrows—curious, mocking, disdainful. Once these looks made her shrink back; today, they seemed merely amusing.
When Rayne Grayson approached with confident strides, Lyra's heart quickened despite herself. He was more handsome than she remembered—deep blue eyes like ocean depths that could swallow souls; sharply defined features perfect as sculpture; every movement radiating the unmistakable power of a Wolf Clan Alpha.
"You seem remarkably calm, Miss Sterling," Rayne said, his voice deep as a cello. "Most brides would be nervous."
Lyra met his gaze directly, her former fear buried deep. "This is merely a contract marriage, Mr. Grayson. I know my place."
Rayne's eyebrows lifted slightly, surprise flashing in his eyes. "Interesting. Your sister described you as timid and fearful."
"People change," Lyra smiled, a cold gleam in her eyes. "Especially when they learn what fate has in store for them."
Rayne studied her thoughtfully, as if trying to peer through her veil at the secrets beneath.
As they exchanged vows, Lyra's gaze swept across the guests. She spotted Karen's pretentious face and the poorly disguised jealousy in her sister Eileen's eyes.
Her enemies from her past life, all gathered here, completely unsuspecting. Lyra laughed coldly to herself. This time, they would all taste betrayal's bitter flavor.
When Rayne bent to kiss her forehead, a strange current ran through Lyra's body. His lips felt warm and dry—completely unlike the cold touch she remembered. Lyra closed her eyes as doubt rippled through her mind.
Why was this man so different from the cold, ruthless Alpha in her memories?
