Chapter 156
hapter 157 Quiet Considerations
Hadrien replied, “It depends on how the wound heals. One week at the earliest p>
He knew Lyra was fretting over the cell blocks.
He softened his tone to reassure her.
VPN
79
Finished
“Take it easy. Phasmophages don’t strike often. You have time p>
On a timeline of attacks every few months, that much was true.
But Lyra feared far more than just psychic monsters.
“I don’t want to wait passively for whatever comes next, Hadrien. Is there another way p>
Hadrien replied, “Understood. I will work on a solution. Don’t wear yourself thin with worry p>
Lyra replied, “Alright p>
A short pause passed before Hadrien messaged her again.
“May I come in? I’ll set your dinner down and leave right away p>
The second she read his request, tension coiled tight in Lyra’s chest.
Shame burned hot in her mind, overwhelming her.
At the same time, she chided herself for being overly sensitive.
They were supposed to be allies who could trust each other with their backs, ready to fight side by side. It was just a simple hug.
Logically, she understood all of it.
This was simply new territory for her. She needed time to steady her nerves and cross that invisible line.
Hadrien waited quietly outside the door, making no attempt to rush her.
He still could not fully grasp why Lyra avoided him after that embrace.
Back in his office, their interaction had been nearly identical.
She had shown nothing but concern and surprise, no trace of awkwardness.
1/5
11:10 Thu, Sep 10
Chapter 157 Quiet Considerations
He had only acted out of care this time, too.
Moments later, her message finally appeared on the Star Brain.
“Come in p>
VPN
79
Finished
Hadrien steadied his emotions, drew a slow breath, then pushed open the door and stepped inside.
Lyra sat propped up on the medical bed exactly as he had left her, seemingly absorbed in tapping at her Star Brain.
Hadrien kept her on the edge of his vision as he smoothly unfolded the side tray and laid out her evening meal.
Then he said, “You eat first. I’ll step outside for a while p>
Lyra nodded with forced composure, refusing to meet his gaze even once.
Silent gratitude swelled inside her.
He could tell she had not overcome her discomfort and was willingly giving her
space.
Before exiting, Hadrien added, “I’m in the room directly across the hall. Send a message if you need anything at all p>
Lyra risked one quick glance toward him and nodded again.
The doctor was mid–meal when the door swung open.
He scowled, ready to complain about the lack of a knock.
Then he saw Hadrien carrying his own food inside.
His expression shifted instantly. “Well now p>
Hadrien cut him off flatly. “Just eat p>
The doctor fell silent.
He huffed in irritation and turned his head away.
Hadrien found an empty seat and ate without another word.
The doctor could not focus on his food.
2/5
11:10 Thu, Sep 10
Chapter 157 Quiet Considerations
VPM
79
Finished
He listened to the movements behind him, a smirk tugging at his lips.
Well, look who’s finally gotten what’s coming to him!
Curiosity got the better of him once Hadrien finished eating.
He twisted around, grinning.
“So what’s going on between you p>
Hadrien shot him a sharp look through his helmet.
“Mind your own business p>
He had chosen not to return to Lyra right away for a simple reason. The girl ate slowly, and she was easily flustered.
If he visited repeatedly, she might gradually grow used to his presence. He could watch her cheeks flush pink again and again, like building immunity through steady exposure.
But Hadrien rejected that thought.
She had endured a terrible shock earlier that day.
He refused to pile more emotional strain onto her shoulders because of him.
The doctor brushed off the cold reply and kept smiling.
“C’mon, spill. You know I can keep a secret p>
Hadrien stretched his long legs out casually and leaned back against the chair frame, ignoring the doctor’s prying questions.
His gaze drifted to the comedy show streaming on the wall display via the doctor’s Star Brain projection.
“Is that any good p>
The doctor blinked, confused, and glanced toward the screen.
“It’s alright. Why p>
Hadrien said, “What’s the title? She might need something to pass the time when she gets bored p>
The doctor stared at him blankly.
315
11:10 Thu, Sep 10
Chapter 157 Quiet Considerations
VPN 79
Finished
Are you serious? You’re just rubbing it in now, aren’t you?
“This is a medical office. Staff only;” the doctor declared.
The unspoken message was clear: get out.
Hadrien tapped his Star Brain without hurry.
“Watching entertainment on duty. Your end–of–cycle bonus p>
The doctor’s smile snapped back into place instantly.
“Frontier Days of Interstellar Colonization. It’s brand new. Light, absurd humor. She’ll probably love it p>
Hadrien typed the title into his Star Brain and ran a quick check for graphic or violent scenes.
Knowing Hadrien was distracted by his device, the doctor darkened his expression and mouthed silent complaints about unfair treatment.
Hadrien seemed able to read him without even lifting his head, but he paid no mind.
“Arrange for a motorized medical wheelchair to be brought over p>
The doctor’s jaw tightened. He stared straight at Hadrien.
“She just underwent wound debridement and bandaging. Are you certain she should be moving out of bed p>
Hadrien said, “Do as you’re told. Less questioning p>
The doctor mentally slammed his fist on a table.
Then a mocking grin returned to his face.
How could he forget?
Lyra looked delicate, but she had an incredibly stubborn streak.
If Hadrien could convince her, he wouldn’t be hiding in here eating dinner with him.
He stifled quiet laughter.
Well, look who’s finally gotten what’s coming to him!
His amusement died when Hadrien spoke again.
4/5
11:10 Thu, Sep 10
Chapter 157 Quiet Considerations
VPN
79
Finished
“Prepare extra pain medication for her, plus additional marrow purifying serum. Charge all costs to my account p>
The doctor could not smile anymore.
He stared across from him expressionlessly.
He really wanted to mix in something to make this guy lose his voice!
After confirming the show contained no inappropriate content, Hadrien forwarded the title to Lyra’s Star Brain, telling her she could watch it whenever boredom struck.
49
Ruby Walker
Ruby Walker is a rising voice in the world of romance and spicy fiction. With a gift for weaving deep emotions, sizzling chemistry, and unexpected twists, her stories are a blend of passion and drama that captivate readers from start to finish. Ruby’s writing style is bold and irresistible—perfect for those who crave intense, addictive love stories.