The drive ho from the Golden Fleece venue was a blur of city lights and swirling thoughts. Lyse replayed the day’s events in her mind, the tension, the accusations, the triumph.
She had made it through the first round just like she had expected, but the encounter with Brooke had left a bitter taste in her mouth. She knew that Brooke would not stop at that one malicious act, she was sure to continue to try and sabotage her at every turn.
But what Brooke did not know was that Lyse was ready. She was ready for whatever her sister ca up with and she had a plan, a strategy to deal with Brooke’s relentless ambition and sabotage.
As she pulled into the parking garage of her apartnt building, she noticed how late it was and wondered if Levi had gotten ho and if he was waiting for her or if he was still dealing with work at the office. As she got off the elevator and dialed in the code in the keypad, the door opened and with it ca strains of soft music.
She stepped into the apartnt, her breath catching in her throat. The living room had been transford. Soft jazz music played softly in the background where a couple of musicians played, the lody weaving a romantic spell. Candles flickered on every surface, casting a warm, inviting light. A small, intimate dinner table had been set near the window, adorned with a crisp white tablecloth, elegant china, and a bouquet of her favorite tulips.
And there, standing by the window, a glass of wine in his hand, was Levi.
He turned as she entered, a dazzling smile spreading across his handso features. "Welco ho darling," he said, his voice warm and inviting. "I thought we could celebrate your success."
Lyse’s heart fluttered. She had not expected this. A romantic dinner, just for her. It was a thoughtful gesture, a welco respite from the stress of the competition.
"Isn’t this a little bit premature?" Lyse chuckled, "I just went through the first round." She said as she pulled her bag off her shoulder and dropped it on a couch and walked towards him.
"It is all just a formality." Levi said confidently, "I am certain you are winning."
"This is all so...amazing," she said, and gestured around the room. Her voice filled with surprise and delight. "You did not have to do this."
"I wanted to," Levi said, walking towards her. He took her hand, his touch sending a shiver down her spine. "You deserve to be celebrated. I know that you worked so hard today."
He led her to the table, pulling out her chair with a gentlemanly flourish. They sat down, the soft jazz music creating a cozy, intimate atmosphere.
Lyse glanced at the jazz singers and back at Levi and she giggled. "Is this not a lot?" She asked.
"Nothing is a lot for you, Lyse." He said and held her hand to his lips. "So, tell . How did the competition go?" Levi asked, his eyes filled with genuine interest.
Lyse hesitated for a mont, not wanting to ruin their perfect evening. Then she shrugged and decided to tell him the truth. She did not want to burden him with her problems, but she knew that he would want to know.
"It was...eventful," she said, her voice carefully neutral. "Brooke tried to sabotage ."
Levi’s face hardened. "Brooke tried to do what! What did she do?" he asked, his voice low and dangerous.
Lyse recounted the events of the day, the missing garnt, the accusations, the discovery of Cora’s involvent. She explained how she had anticipated Brooke’s tactics and had taken precautions to protect herself.
Levi’s jaw tightened. "That’s...that is simply outrageous," he said, his voice filled with anger. "I can’t believe that she would do sothing like that to you."
"It’s Brooke, I expected that." Lyse said with a sigh. "She has always been like that. Competitive. Ruthless, I knew she was going to try sothing stupid."
"I guess I am going to have to speak to her," Levi said, his voice firm. "I’m going to tell her to leave you alone or else..."
Lyse placed her hand on his arm, her touch calming. "No, Levi," she said gently. "Please don’t. I want to handle this myself."
"But Lyse..."
"I have a plan," she interrupted, her voice confident. "I know how to deal with Brooke, no one else knows her antics better than . I just need a little ti."
Levi looked at her, his eyes filled with concern. "Are you sure about that?" he asked. "I don’t want you to have to deal with this on your own."
"I am sure," Lyse said, her voice reassuring. "I’m strong, Levi. I can handle it. But...if I need your help, I promise I will reach out to you imdiately."
Levi hesitated for a mont, then nodded. "Alright," he said. "But the mont you need anything, you call . Understand?"
"I understand," Lyse said, smiling at him. "Thank you, Levi. For everything."
"So, tell ." Lyse said, "how did work go?"
"Pretty well actually." Levi said. "Brandon is doing his first campaign and he is doing quite well."
"I am so glad you gave Brandon a chance." Lyse said softly. "I know he ca across like a bad sort, but it’s honestly because he was under Sutton’s shadow."
Levi looked at Lyse for a mont, wondering if her care for Brandon was just that. Then he shook the stupid thought out his head, of course it was just care that Lyse felt for him.
"You know," he said. "I have felt responsible for Brandon after both his parents died and despite my feelings about it, he is family. I feel obliged to give him a chance."
They continued their dinner, the conversation shifting to lighter topics. They talked about their day, their work, their dreams. They laughed, they shared stories, they simply enjoyed each other’s company.
As they finished their al, Levi stood up and went to the kitchen then ca out with a tiramisu on a plate which he placed before Lyse.
"I made this myself for you." He said and when Lyse took a spoonful and moaned, he felt his pants tightening thanks to the look of her face.
When they were finished with the Tiramisu, Levi stood up and took her hand, leading her to the center of the room. They began to dance, swaying gently to the music. Lyse felt herself relax in Levi’s arms, the stress of the day lting away in his warmth.
They danced in comfortable silence for a while, their bodies moving in perfect harmony. Then, Levi stopped, his eyes eting hers.
He took a deep breath, his expression serious. He got down on one knee, pulling a small velvet box from his pocket.
Lyse gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. She knew what was happening and she could not believe it, even though she wanted it so badly.
Levi opened the box, revealing a stunning marquise cut diamond ring. "Lyse," he said, his voice filled with emotion, "will you marry for real and make the happiest man in the world?"
Tears welled up in Lyse’s eyes. She had waited for this mont for so long. She had dread of this mont. And now, it was finally here.
"Yes," she whispered without hesitation, her voice choked with emotion. "Of course, Levi. I will marry you."
Levi smiled, a radiant smile that lit up his face. He took the ring from the box and gently slipped it onto her finger. Then, he stood up and pulled her into a tight embrace.
"I love you so much, Lyse," he said, his voice filled with love and tenderness.
"I love you too, Levi," she replied, her voice soft.
They held each other close, the music swirling around them, the candlelight dancing in their eyes. It was a perfect mont, a mont that Lyse would cherish forever.
She was properly engaged to the man she loved, the man who had stolen her heart. And as she looked into Levi’s eyes, she knew that their future together would be filled with love, happiness, and endless possibilities.
As they stared into each other’s eyes, Levi spoke without breaking eye contact.
"Ethan, please show the gentlen the way out."
"Right away sir." Ca Ethan’s voice. "This way please."
Lyse’s pulse quickened as she knew exactly what Levi was up to, she could see it in his eyes. Within monts, she heard the door close and Levi lowered his head to her and kissed her thoroughly as if trying to stamp his mark on her.
Lyse wrapped her hands around his neck and leaned closer to him. Her mouth opening in a gasp as he suddenly picked her up. Levi used the opportunity to slip his tongue inside and taste the velvety insides of her mouth while blindly navigating his way to the room.
After he kicked the door open, he gently laid Lyse on the bed and stared down at her in the midst of the waves of hair that frad her flushed face. He touched her face reverently and whispered.
"I fucking love you." And at Lyse’s wide smile, he leaned into her and kissed her soundly while his hand went down and pulled one leg up so that he could nestle himself in the middle of her legs, his hardness cradled by her softness.
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