novelraw Chapter 135: We Are Already Engaged
Chapter 135: We Are Already Engaged
Chapter 135: We Are Already Engaged
Brandon lurked in the shadows across the street from the Chadwick mansion, his eyes fixed on the imposing building. He had been wait patiently all morning, his anger simmering beneath a carefully constructed facade of calm. He watched as Lottie first left the house, then Brooke next, their departure signaling his opportunity.
Once Brooke’s car eventually disappeared down the street, he got out of his car and crossed the road and approached the mansion. He did not bother with the doorbell, knowing that the staff had been instructed to grant him access. He simply opened the door and walked in, his footsteps echoing in the silent foyer.
He was prepared to go into the bedroom and possibly find Lyse in a compromising situation he could take advantage of, but unfortunately he found her in the living room. She was gazing out the window, a look of quiet contemplation on her face. He approached her cautiously, trying to gauge her mood.
"Lyse," he said softly, his voice gentle.
She turned, a flicker of surprise crossing her features. "Brandon," she said, her voice neutral.
"I was worried about you," he said, forcing a concerned expression. "I just wanted to make sure you were okay."
Lyse hesitated for a moment, then offered a small, polite smile. "I am fine thank you," she said. "Just... thinking."
"I was thinking," Brandon continued, trying to sound casual, "maybe we could grab some lunch. Get out of this house for a while. It might do you good."
Lyse looked hesitant. She still felt a sense of unease around Brandon, a feeling she could not quite explain. His presence, his constant attention, felt suffocating. It was weird considering how much she had loved him before she lost her memory.
"I don’t know, Brandon," she said, her voice hesitant. "I’m not really sure I’m up for it."
"Come on," Brandon urged, his voice laced with gentle persuasion. "It will be fun. Just a casual lunch. It will be good for you to get some fresh air, and we will go to that place you like by the water."
He could see the hesitation in her eyes, the internal struggle she was waging. He pressed his advantage, offering a warm, reassuring smile. "It’s me, the love of your life."
Finally, Lyse relented. "Okay," she said quietly. "Just for a little while."
Brandon’s spirits lifted. He had managed to get her alone, away from the influence of Lottie and Brooke. This was his chance to reinforce his narrative, to solidify his position in her life.
He took her to a quiet, upscale restaurant that she loved, hoping to create a romantic atmosphere and remind her of the times they had spent together. He showered her with attention, telling her stories of their past, carefully omitting any mention of his betrayal. He painted a picture of a loving, devoted relationship, one that had been tragically interrupted by her accident.
As they ate, Brandon steered the conversation towards their future. He spoke of their shared dreams, of the life they had planned together. He even brought up the topic of marriage, his voice filled with a feigned sincerity.
"Lyse," he said, taking her hand in his, "I know things have been... difficult for you. But I want us to be together as soon as possible. I still want to spend the rest of my life with you."
He paused, his eyes meeting hers. "I was thinking... that maybe we should get married soon. As soon as you are feeling better. I don’t want to waste any more time."
Lyse’s brow furrowed. The mention of marriage felt strange, jarring. She still felt so confused, her memories a jumbled mess. They had spoken about marriage and it should not unnerve her, but she could not reconcile the loving, devoted man Brandon was portraying with the vague sense of unease she felt in his presence.
"Brandon," she said, her voice hesitant, "I... I don’t know. I’m not sure that I’m ready for that."
Brandon’s smile faltered slightly. He had expected her to be more receptive to the idea. He had hoped that her amnesia would make her more easily swayed.
"But Lyse," he protested, his voice laced with disappointment. "We love each other. We have always planned to get married, I’m not proposing something different."
"I know," Lyse said softly. "But I just... I need time. I need to figure things out. I don’t remember everything, Brandon. I need to be sure."
Brandon’s frustration began to simmer beneath the surface. He had hoped to fast-track their relationship, to secure his position in her life before her memories returned. But Lyse’s resistance was throwing a wrench in his plans.
"Sure of what?" He said sharply. "We are already engaged."
"Why don’t I have a ring then?" Lyse retorted, my voice so loud that patrons of the restaurant turned to look at them.
He glanced around and forced a smile, trying to hide his disappointment. "You probably lost your engagement ring during the accident, I will get you a new one." He had not even considered the absence of a ring on her finger and how she would take it.
"I still need time." Lyse insisted.
"Of course, Lyse," Brandon said, his voice gentler. "I understand. I will wait for you. I’ll wait as long as it takes."
But beneath his carefully constructed facade, a seed of doubt had been planted. He had underestimated Lyse’s resilience, her innate sense of self. Even without her memories, she possessed a strength that he had not at all anticipated.
He knew he would have to tread carefully, to play his cards strategically if he wanted to achieve his goals. He knew he had to convince her, slowly but surely, that he was the man she loved, the man she was meant to be with. And he wouldn’t let anything, or anyone, stand in his way.
"Brandon, why am I no longer working at Marlowe’s, why did I resign?" Lyse asked and Brandon sputtered as he choked on his wine.