This Time, It's Forever

Back at the annual dinner, Claudia showed up with new black dress only to be heard murmurs around her.

"What do you think the relationship between the new risen President Dylan and the Lyon's family?"

"To be called out personally by Mr Jayden and bringing them to another private room is very lucky."

"They must have business deal together. With this collaboration alone they could shake up the entire world."

"I thought they were enemies since LHD company manage to snatched their position easily."

"I doubt it since they were invited to this annual dinner and to be called privately they must have some special status."

"I agree with you. And did you guys notice President Dylan's wife have a little bit of resemblance with the Lyon's family? Especially her unique eyes. The only way we could tell someone is from the Lyon's family is through their unique eyes. Could it be..."

"Ridiculous. As far as i know the current head of the Lyon's family only have three sons and one daughter and that is Ms Claudia alone."

"Agreed."

Some agree with the statement while a little group still hold some doubt in their heart but only kept it to themselves thinking they shouldn't offend anyone from the Lyon's family no matter what.

Claudia who's been hiding behind the pillar and heard the conversation are in the state of panic. What happen when she was gone? Dylan and Lyla is here at the party? She glance around but could not find the person she was looking for. What's mortifying when all of her family members were no longer at the party. Did they know all this time? Is that the reason all of her 'family' present at this annual dinner including her retired grandparent? Unwilling to accept her dark future, she searched for any signs of Lyon's family or Dylan nor Lyla. She went to the private room but it was empty and locked. Devastated, she called the one responsible for putting her in this family and the one who started all this problem.

"They found out." As soon as her call got connected she told him the news.

"How?" her biological father asked. His voice has a trace of annoyance.

"Unknown. But all i know Dylan and Lyla were invited to this party also and they were asked to go to the private room. The moment i found out, they were gone." she blamed the kids who got her dress dirty. If it wasn't for her dirty dress she wouldn't need to excuse herself giving them the opportunity to meet. She was sure after the Lyon's family met up with Lyla, they will immediately take action.

"It seems we can no longer fool the Lyon's family. Make your choice. Either you return to me or live on your own." With that he hung up. Claudia was trembling with anger. She don't want neither. She want to live her life as one of the Lyon's family. Living as the Lyon's family is something everyone would fight for. And she's not going to give that up so easily. If she can't have then Lyla can't have that spot also. This time, she herself will kill Lyla.

Not bothering to wait until the annual dinner ended, the Lyon's family invited Dylan, Lyla and their kids to their mansion. It was a smaller house than the castle and only they know about this mansion. They even hid it from Claudia since they never consider her as their family.

Dylan almost forgot about Braxton and it was Lyla who finally woke up reminded him about their 'babysitter'. They were already in the limousine and Logan asked his assistant to pick up Braxton who left alone at the annual dinner.

Lyla who was embarrassed at the moment for acting like a kid the moment she found out the truth only kept her mouth shut and her head down. She's been crying her heart out and all of her buried feeling all these years finally spilled out. Remembering how she act and Dylan's worried gaze towards her makes her troubled. She didn't know what to do nor say at this moment. Logan and Diana just smile seeing how awkward she become considering she was literally wetting their shoulders moments ago. Diana look at Dylan and he somehow understood her intention casually switching his seat with her. Lyla looked up when her shield suddenly moved away from her side making her in a state of panic. However all of that gone the moment Diana hold her hand. She turned towards Diana and like a small child flashing her innocent smile.

"Do you hate mother?" Diana asked carefully. Lyla shook her head.

"I used to not care. Back then when i didn't know i was not related with the Liam family, i thought i was someone who was cursed. To be able to surpass my other siblings and i kept on hearing them call me a monster whenever i show my talent. But after i found out i'm not one of them somehow i felt relief. The thought of finding my real family is something that i buried at the back of my head. But before i met Dylan i always wish i found my real family. Due to fear i didn't bother to search. After i married with Dylan and have kids, the thoughts of having someone like a mother or father to teach me right and wrong is getting stronger. Whats more i wanted my children to feel like they have the perfect family. I wanted a grandparent for them to pamper if we ever scold them and needed a time out. So, i don't hate you mother. Tonight meeting is something that i never dream would happen. Although i could never be with you when i was small but i hope with my kids it can replace the years that we lost." Lyla said in her calm voice. Despite the previous nervousness and embarrassment Lyla seem calm looking at her mother. Diana burst into another series of tears and immediately hug her daughter. Following her is her father who have been listening from the start.

"You're back now. Back in our arms." Her mother said in her soft voice. Lyla nodded. At last, her heart that feels a little bit empty finally seem full. With the rest of pieces puzzle together. With Dylan, her triplets and now her real family in her life. She's no longer the monster and the curse. Looking at the mansion, she can finally say she's home.