Chapter 187: Free!!
The heavy steel door of the detention center swung open with a resounding clang, a sound that echoed not only through the sterile hallways but also through Lyse’s heart. She stood there, frozen for a moment, her breath catching in her throat. Then, she saw him. Levi. He walked out, his face pale but his eyes filled with a quiet intensity. He was free.
A wave of relief washed over Lyse, so powerful that she almost stumbled. She rushed forward, her steps quickening, and threw her arms around him. "Levi!" she cried, her voice choked with emotion. "You’re free! You’re really free!"
Levi hugged her back tightly, his embrace warm and comforting. "It’s over, Lyse," he whispered. "It’s finally over."
Behind Lyse, Chris stepped forward, a wide smile spreading across his face. "Levi, it’s good to have you back," he said, extending his hand with a smirk. "I know that you thought you could avoid your responsibilities by going to jail but everything is still waiting for you."
"You got me!" Levi said as he shook Chris’s hand, his eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Chris, For everything."
"It was nothing brother." Chris said and pulled Levi in for a hug. He was feeling very emotional seeing Levi out.
Mr. Black, the lawyer who had facilitated Levi’s immediate release, stepped forward, a satisfied look on his face. "Mr. Van Doren," he said, "it is a pleasure to see you a free man. We have a lot to discuss."
"Thank you for your help Mr. Black." Levi said to him.
The group quickly made their way out of the detention center, bypassing the throng of paparazzi waiting outside with the help of bodyguard. Ethan had already arranged for a private car to whisk all of them away, avoiding the media frenzy that had surrounded Levi’s arrest.
They arrived at Levi’s penthouse apartment, a luxurious space that had felt strangely empty without his presence. Lyse could not help but feel a sense of relief as she stepped inside, the weight of the past few days finally beginning to lift.
"How is Laurie doing?" Levi asked in concern.