Chapter 55: He could not resist anymore

No one wakes up wanting to make mistakes, let alone be hated. Deep down, everyone wants to be good. But sometimes, pain from the past can push a person into the dark.

That was Lyra’s story. She had beauty, wealth, and fame, things most girls only dream of. But none of it made her happy. She was the only daughter of Silas Noah, a powerful businessman with more money than he could spend. Yet, despite having everything, Lyra felt like she had nothing at all.

She looked at herself in the mirror. Tonight, she had been invited to a party by one of her friends. Her dress was custom-made by a famous designer, and a professional makeup artist had made her look flawless.

"As always, you look stunning, Miss," the makeup artist said, staring at Lyra in awe.

"Thank you, Jenny," Lyra replied with a polite smile.

She stood up, grabbed her things, and left for the party held at one of the most popular nightclubs in the city. Her ride was a brand-new sports car she had just bought days ago.

Her father, Silas, spoiled her with expensive gifts but never with love. Lyra had just turned seventeen. There was no birthday celebration. No warm wishes. Silas was buried in work, too busy building his empire to notice his daughter growing up.

Lyra had grown used to being alone. All she ever got from her father was money. He preferred spending time with his many girlfriends rather than sitting down for a simple chat with his only daughter.

She stepped out of the car and walked into the club. Every head turned. Eyes followed her with admiration. Dressed like a dream, she looked like an angel among mortals. Her perfect curves and flawless face left everyone staring, including Gabriela, one of her closest friends, and the rest of their school clique.

Lyra was the leader of their group, the Seven Flowers, known for their beauty and wealthy families. But not everyone was happy to see her shine. Gabriela eyed her with envy. She hated how Lyra always stole the spotlight.

“Gab,” Lyra called out.

Gabriela forced a smile. “Wow... You finally made it,” she said, breathing out in disbelief. “As always, you look incredible!”

“Thank you,” Lyra answered, still smiling.

“This party is amazing,” she added, glancing around.

"This club belongs to Steven Gotargio, a distant cousin of mine. That means we can party until morning," Gabriela explained with a smile.

But deep inside, she was plotting something cruel.

Tonight, you are going to pay, Lyra. I will make sure my friends take turns with you, she thought with a wicked grin.

"Come on!" Gabriela said cheerfully as she held Lyra’s hand and led her to a group waiting by the lounge.

"Hi, Lyra," said Flo sweetly, making Lyra smile.

"You look beautiful in your dress, Flo," Lyra replied.

"Really? But you always stand out more than any of us," Flo said, pretending to admire her.

Lyra smiled again, completely unaware that Flo, just like Gabriela, could not stand her. The other four girls in the group felt the same. Every time they liked a boy, he ended up chasing Lyra instead. Jealousy turned into hate, and tonight, they planned to take revenge.

Flo handed Lyra a drink. It looked normal. Lyra never suspected anything, Flo was her best friend, after all. Or so she thought.

She drank the whole glass without a second thought and sat down, watching the lights and the people around her.

As usual, eyes were on her. Men stared openly. One of them, a handsome guy, had been watching her for a while.

That man was Steven.

The moment he saw Lyra, his attention locked on her. She was stunning, like no one he had ever seen. He watched as a group of men led her away toward a private room. Gabriela and Flo followed behind.

Steven stood up from his seat on the second floor and hurried downstairs.

One of the security guards spotted him and quickly bowed.

"Where did Gabriela take that beautiful girl?" Steven asked.

"There, sir," the guard replied, pointing at the private room near the back.

Steven walked straight to the door and pushed it open without warning.

Gabriela jumped in shock. She had not expected her cousin to show up and ruin her plans.

"Move!" Steven shouted.

One of the men inside was already on top of Lyra, kissing her unconscious body. The drug had taken full effect.

The man ignored Steven. That was a mistake.

Steven grabbed him and threw a hard punch to his face.

He looked around at the other men in the room.

"You were all planning to violate her one by one?" Steven growled.

"She deserves it! She is a slut!" Gabriela spat.

"A slut? That is Lyra Noah! Everyone in the elite circle knows her name!" Steven shot back.

"I just wanted her to feel worthless. She acts like she is better than us!" Gabriela snapped.

"You are disgusting, Gab. Should I bring five men and let them use you tonight? Would that feel fair to you?" Steven threatened.

"You would not do that to me... we are still family," Gabriela stammered.

"I am not Darren. I am Steven. I do not care about family ties, especially with a spoiled girl like you!" he snapped. "Leave now, or none of you will walk out of this club alive."

Gabriela and Flo panicked. They knew who Steven was. He was feared. Unlike his twin brother Darren, Steven was ruthless. They ran out without another word.

Steven turned to Lyra and picked her up in his arms. She looked uncomfortable, so he carried her to the third floor, his private residence.

He laid her gently on the bed.

"Help me... It is so hot," Lyra muttered as she started pulling off her clothes.

Steven’s eyes darkened. "Stop. If you keep undressing, I might really lose control," he warned.

"Hug me... Please," she begged, reaching out.

"Do not tempt me," Steven muttered through gritted teeth.

But Lyra was already naked. She stood up and walked toward him. Steven leaned against the wall, arms crossed, trying to stay calm. Then she kissed him.

Something inside him snapped. He kissed her back. He could not resist anymore.

Since the moment he saw her, she had captivated him. She was the Lyra Noah everyone talked about, now right in front of him, vulnerable and beautiful.

He gave in.

That night, Steven took something precious from her.

He wiped her tears again and again as guilt filled his chest.

"I am sorry, Lyra," he whispered, caught in her spell. He could not stop. He wanted more of her, again and again, not realizing that when she woke up, she would never forgive him.

By four in the morning, news reached him, his twin brother Darren had been attacked by unknown men.

Steven looked at Lyra, still fast asleep. He kissed her forehead softly.

"I promise I will be back soon," he said and quickly left, unaware of the storm waiting for him when she woke up.