Chapter 9 Moonlit Lies

Elena’s chest tightened as she stood silently beside Mrs Lyra. She had always dreaded this moment. Dreaded that Mrs Lyra would learn the truth about Drake’s amnesia. But now, the truth was out.

All because of Jamil.

At just fourteen, Jamil’s curiosity had unveiled secrets Elena fought hard to bury. And with Drake standing beside Cassandra, confessing his love so publicly, Mrs Lyra’s questions had begun.

Two years ago, after Elena had slipped into her coma, everyone around Drake had silently erased her existence. All to protect him.

Now, Mrs Lyra had returned to Glendale, clutching those same photos she once surrendered to flames. Hoping… perhaps foolishly… that they’d stir something in Drake’s mind.

But Elena saw it all for what it was. Kindness. And pain.

“I trust you, Mrs Lyra,” Elena whispered, steadying her voice as she placed a hand on the older woman’s trembling fingers. “Don’t worry. The police will investigate. The truth will come out.”

Mrs Lyra’s lips quivered. Her words cracked. “Elena… Did I cause more trouble for you? Again? I’m sorry. I was only trying to help. I just… I’m terrified of the Monroe family finding you. I can’t let them find you.”

Elena pulled her close, her arms wrapping gently around Lyra’s frail shoulders. She stroked her back softly, murmuring, “Everything’s fine. You have me. You’re safe now. I’ll handle it.”

When they stepped out of the police station, Marcus was already waiting.

“Shall we inform the Farrington family about the Monroe family’s attempt to appear on ‘Connecting with Family’?” Marcus asked quickly, eyes darting around. “Should we tell Mr Ralph Farrington?”

The name hung heavy in the air.

Gamma of Crescent Moon Pack.

The power behind power.

Marcus’s voice tightened as he continued. “You know how dangerous this is. Dominic will be hosting the show. Once Monroe’s appearance airs, the net will uncover everything. Farrington’s name… your connection to him…”

Elena said nothing.

Her silence was ice.

Marcus pressed. “Tell him now. Let him stop the broadcast. He can speak directly to the show’s producers.”

No reply.

Elena kept walking, the hem of her coat swaying as she moved past him.

Marcus chased her step for step. “I know you’re worried about him. About Dolphus Farrington’s reputation. But Elena, once the Monroe family appears on that show, it won’t matter.”

Her ride-share vehicle pulled up silently beside them.

Elena’s voice was soft, but it cut deep. “Thank you, Marcus. You don’t need to worry about what happens next.”

She stepped toward the door.

“Elena!” Marcus’s voice cracked.

She froze.

Marcus moved quickly, standing in front of her, blocking the car door.

“You’re cutting everyone off now?” Marcus’s voice shook, emotion finally breaking free. “You’ve severed ties with Drake. Now me? Is that fair to me? Do you even care how I feel?”

Elena’s gaze was cold and detached.

“I was happy when you divorced him.” Marcus’s throat bobbed. “Happy. Do you know why? Because maybe… maybe I thought I stood a chance.”

Elena watched him without blinking.

Marcus’s voice broke again. “Drake is not your whole world.”

Elena’s lips parted. Her voice was quiet. “And then?”

Marcus’s heart cracked.

Silence pressed down on him.

Elena’s question lingered in the air, heavy and merciless.

And then?

What could he say?

Even if Elena returned his feelings, which she didn’t. But what could he offer her? A life in hiding? Half a life? No name, no status, no future? Could he protect her from the Crescent Moon Pack’s judgment?

No.

He couldn’t.

Marcus stepped aside. His shoulders slumped in defeat.

Elena opened the car door and slipped inside without a backward glance.

The vehicle pulled away.

Marcus stood alone on the street, watching the taillights disappear into the mist.

At the hospital, Elena found chaos waiting.

Fans and reporters swarmed around the entrance. All here for Cassandra.

Elena moved swiftly, masking her face, slipping through the side entrance unseen.

Upstairs, she found Mariah, Marcus’s sister, waiting near the ward. Mariah’s hand rested protectively over her rounded belly, her face calm despite the turmoil.

“How’s Cassandra?” Elena asked quietly.

Mariah smiled softly. “She’s alright. Dislocated ankle, but Drake’s been at her side. Her ankle’s been set. Nothing serious.”

Elena’s shoulders finally loosened.

“And Drake?” Elena forced the question from her throat.

“Superficial injuries,” Mariah answered simply.

Elena nodded.

Mariah was soon called away because her expertise was required in the ER.

Left alone, Elena wandered silently into the hospital garden. Her hands trembled as she pulled out her phone.

Her thumb hovered over a number.

Dolphus Farrington.

Perhaps Marcus was right. If she kept this secret, Drake’s eventual discovery would ruin everything. But if she revealed it now, Drake would never believe her innocence.

She closed her eyes.

Her breathing faltered.

From behind, voices drifted through the bamboo forest.

She froze.

The voice was terrifyingly familiar.

Her body tensed as she turned her head, gaze slipping through the shadows between the bamboo.

Drake.

And Lucian.

She knew Lucian. She remembered that night too vividly. The night Lucian stormed into her hotel room, dragging cameras and flashing lights, shattering her life.

Now here he was again.

And Drake was listening to him.

Lucian’s words cut as sharply as blades.

“Are you saying Mrs Lyra Taylor is Elena’s foster mother?”

Drake’s voice was low. Uncertain. “Is that true?”

Lucian answered swiftly. “You might not remember. Lyra raised Elena for two years.”

Elena’s stomach turned.

Lucian kept going, his voice like poison dripping slowly. “Lyra got sick. Couldn’t care for Elena. And since the Farrington family rejected her, Monroe’s people took her back.”

Elena’s hands curled into balls.

Lucian’s voice hardened. “She met you after that. Remember? You’d just escaped from those kidnappers. Elena latched onto you. Took two knives for you.”

“She forced herself into your life.”

Drake leaned against a tree, silent, brooding.

Lucian pressed closer.

“During Elena’s coma, Lyra cared for her. You don’t know this, but Lyra is infertile. She treated Elena as her own.”

Elena bit her lip until blood filled her mouth.

Lucian’s voice turned cold. “This isn't a coincidence. Elena brought Lyra to the airport deliberately. It’s a trap.”

“Drake, when Elena comes begging for Lyra’s freedom, don’t fall for it. Not this time. Not after what Cassandra suffered.”

Drake’s voice was quiet now. “What do you plan to do?”

Elena’s breath hitched.

She pressed herself flat against the cold stone bench, heart pounding as she strained to catch Lucian’s reply.