Chapter 140: Deja Vu
The crowded ballroom shimmered with crystal chandeliers and buzzed with the murmur of excited conversations. Champagne flowed freely, and the air thrummed with the energy of celebration. Brandon’s CEO appointment party was in full swing, a testament to his newfound status and power. He moved through the crowd with Lily, accepting congratulations with a practiced smile, the image of Lyse lingering in the back of his mind.
He had decided against inviting her to the party. He felt like it was not the right time to be seen with her and he knew that the paparazzi would be out in force, eager to capture every detail of the event. He did not want to subject Lyse to their intrusive questions, especially given her fragile state and the sensitive nature of her separation from Levi.
He did all this because wanted to protect her, at least that is what he told himself, but a small, honest part of him knew that he did what he did because he wanted to control the narrative, to prevent any unwanted attention from being drawn to their complicated history. He also worried that someone could ask Lyse something that would trigger a memory for her, or make her go searching.
Unknown to the blissfully unaware Brandon, Brooke had other plans. Seething with a mixture of jealousy and a twisted sense of entitlement in spite of their breakup, she had decided that Lyse needed to be present, not for Lyse’s sake, but for her own.
She had secretly invited Lyse to the party, painting a picture of a celebratory occasion that Lyse should not miss. She had conveniently omitted the fact that Brandon had explicitly chosen not to invite her.
Lyse, still grappling with her amnesia and feeling increasingly isolated, had accepted the invitation. She craved connection, a sense of belonging, usually, partying and hob nobbing with the rich was not really her cup of tea but she would rather that than remain all alone at home.
She arrived at the party, dressed in a simple but elegant dress, her expression a mixture of apprehension and anticipation. She scanned the room, searching for Brooke, her heart pounding in her chest.
She spotted her near the bar, engaged in an animated conversation with Brandon. As she approached, Lyse saw Brandon turn and pull Brooke into a passionate kiss.
The sight hit Lyse like a physical blow. A wave of confusion, betrayal, and a deep, visceral pain washed over her. It was a fragmented memory that felt familiar, like deja vu, a fleeting image of betrayal, that surfaced from the depths of her amnesia.