Chapter 133: A Mutually Beneficial Arrangement
The next day, Levi arrived at the Chadwick House, his heart heavy with a mixture of hope and dread. He had fought the urge to go to see Lyse immediately he found out she had been taken home, Chris had reasoned with him that he could scare Lyse off if he came on too hard. So he had waited exactly one day. But he could not stand it, he had to see Lyse, and after being unable to resist, he had come.
He rang the doorbell, his hand trembling slightly.
The door was opened by the stern-looking housekeeper, who ushered him into the grand foyer, then she left him standing there and disappeared through the doors. Briefly after, Lottie appeared at the head of the sweeping staircase, her expression cool and composed.
"Mr. Van Doren," she greeted him as she descended down the stairs, her voice a veneer of politeness under her snide smile.
"Lottie," Levi replied, his gaze searching the hallway behind her. "I need to see Lyse, now."
Lottie’s lips curved into a tight, almost imperceptible smile. "I’m afraid that will not possible," she said, her voice smooth as silk.
Levi’s brow furrowed. "What do you mean?" he asked, his voice laced with confusion. "I am her husband, you cannot stop me."
Lottie’s smile widened, a glint of something cold and calculating entering her eyes. "Not anymore," she said, her voice dropping to a low, almost conspiratorial whisper. "At least, not in her mind."
Levi stared at her, his heart sinking. He knew what she was implying. He had prepared himself for it, but hearing it from her, hearing it spoken aloud, was like a physical blow. He had been hoping for a miracle, for her to remember him.