Page 33 of Bound By Crimson
She moved behind the counter placing her hand on the edge.
“He probably fed Rowan lies. Made her feel chosen. Special. Maybe even made her believe you were the problem.”
Lyric’s throat tightened, but she didn’t speak.
“It’s always the woman who gets blamed,” Velora said softly. “When a man cheats, people rush to forgive him—and crucify her.”
She paused watching Lyric carefully.
“But what they don’t see is how often that woman was groomed. Manipulated. Told she was the only one. That his girlfriend was cruel. Or crazy. Or distant.”
Her eyes sharpened. “It’s an old game, child—and men have been playing it for centuries.”
Then, with quiet certainty.
“Eric is the one who should carry the shame. Not Rowan. Not you.”
Lyric’s eyes stung. “But she still let it happen.”
“She did. And she’s living with that guilt now.” Velora’s gaze turned knowing. “You and Rowan were like sisters once. Don’tlet him take that from you too. Don’t let his actions break the bond between two women who should have stood together.”
Lyric interrupted, “Rowan let him take that from us…not me…”
For a long moment, neither of them spoke.
Lyric stared at the door where Rowan had disappeared.
“I’ll think about it,” she whispered.
---
That evening, after locking up the shop, Lyric made her usual walk to the cemetery.
The air was cool, scented faintly with lilac from the overgrown bushes along the path. She knelt by the headstone marked Dawson, brushing away a few stray leaves.
“I’m okay,” she whispered. “I’m doing okay.”
She didn’t stay long. Just enough to feel connected. To keep the promise she’d made to herself—to never let too much time pass without visiting.
When she returned home, the windows reflected only darkness. The street outside was quiet.
Lyric sat at the small table by the front window, sketchbook open but untouched. She’d tried to draw. Tried to distract herself. But Rowan’s visit lingered in her mind like a shadow she couldn’t quite shake.
I miss my friend.
Don’t let him take that from you too.
Her phone buzzed softly beside her.
Kai.
I can’t stop thinking about you.
How was your day?
Her breath caught. She stared at the screen for a second too long before typing back:It was fine. Busy.
His reply came immediately. Tell me everything.
