Page 111 of Bound By Crimson

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“It’s important, you see, that everyone contributes. A house like this doesn’t run on sentiment.”

Lyric shifted slightly in her seat.

“I understand,” she said simply.

Mrs. Thornwick’s smile tightened.

“Oh, not contribute. Just… justify. We all have to justify our presence. This isn’t a sanctuary for the lost—or a place to take in strays.”

The words struck like cold water.

Before Lyric could respond, the door opened.

Kai stepped in, looking calm and collected.

“Darling,” Mrs. Thornwick said with perfect coolness.

“You’re late. Please, sit.”

The tension cracked in half.

Kai sat beside Lyric and brushed her knee under the table, a quiet reassurance.

But she couldn’t stop replaying what had just been said.

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Later that night, after they lay curled in bed again, Lyric stared at the ceiling.

There was no ring on her hand.

There had been no surprise. Not even a mention of it.

She ran her fingers over the empty space on her left hand.

Maybe tomorrow, she told herself.

Maybe tomorrow, his promises wouldn’t be just words.

Chapter Thirty-Three

Cold Tea and Quiet Threats

The morning light filtered through the sheer curtains in Kai’s room, painting soft gold patterns across the bed.

Lyric stirred beside him, but her mind had already been awake for some time.

The words from last night’s dinner still clung to her like damp air—heavy, hard to shake.

She turned slightly to face him, her voice tentative.

“Kai… can I ask you something?”

He stretched lazily, eyes still half-closed.

“Of course.”

“It’s about your mother,” she said quietly. “Last night, at dinner… she said something that stuck with me.”

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