Chapter 215: He Is Trying To Manipulate You
Levi’s jaw tightened, his eyes burning with a mixture of anger and hurt. He knew, instinctively, that Brandon had known that he was standing there. He had seen the subtle shift in Brandon’s demeanor, the almost imperceptible smirk that had flickered across his lips just before he embraced Lyse. It was a calculated move, a deliberate act designed to provoke him. And it had worked wonderfully. Levi’s blood simmered, a potent cocktail of jealousy and resentment coursing through his veins.
He watched, his frustration mounting, as Lyse turned in Brandon’s direction and noticed him for the first time, before she bid Brandon goodbye, a faint smile gracing her lips. He could not hear what they were saying, but he could imagine the words of comfort, the expressions of sympathy. He hated it. He hated the way Brandon looked at her, the way he touched her, the way he pretended to care for her after everything he had done.
As Lyse turned to walk towards her car, Levi could not contain himself any longer. He crossed the street in long, purposeful strides, his eyes never leaving her. He reached her just as she was about to open her car door, his hand closing around her arm.
Lyse flinched slightly, startled by his unexpected touch. She turned to face him, her expression guarded.
"Levi," she said, her voice cool and distant.
He pulled her slightly closer, his face filled with sadness and anger. "What was that all about?" he demanded, his voice low and dangerous.
Lyse’s eyes flashed with anger. She wrenched her arm free from his grasp, her movements sharp and defiant. "Who are you to ask me that?" she retorted, her voice laced with ice. "You are the one who hurt me, Levi. You are the one who humiliated me, don’t you forget that."
Levi’s heart twisted at her words. He knew that she was right. He knew he had hurt her, deeply. But he couldn’t bear the thought of her turning to Brandon for comfort, for support.
"Lyse, please," he pleaded, his voice softening. "I am so sorry. I never meant to hurt you. I... I was wrong. I made a mistake."