Chapter 197: Will You Marry Me For Real
The drive home 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 came 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 apartment building, she noticed how late it was and wondered if Levi had gotten home 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 came strains of soft music.
She stepped into the apartment, her breath catching in her throat. The living room had been transformed. Soft jazz music played softly in the background where a couple of musicians played, the melody 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 handsome features. "Welcome home 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 welcome 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."