novelraw Chapter 168: Are You Truly Happy With This Decision
Chapter 168: Are You Truly Happy With This Decision
Chapter 168: Are You Truly Happy With This Decision
The midday sun streamed through the large windows of the bistro, casting a warm glow on the bustling scene. Lyse sat across from James, the familiar comfort of his presence a welcome balm after the emotional turmoil of the past few weeks.
This was their first proper meeting since his return from his business trip, a trip that felt like it had taken him away for an eternity given all that had transpired in his absence.
"It’s so good to see you, James," Lyse said, a genuine smile gracing her lips. "I’ve missed you."
"I have missed you too, Lyse," James replied, his eyes filled with warmth. "It feels like I have been gone forever. So much has happened. Where is your sexy bodyguard?"
Lyse rolled her eyes in amusement, she knew that Joel had purposefully stayed out of sight so that he would not be subjected to James’s flirting.
James leaned forward, his expression concerned. "How are you holding up?" he asked. "How are you dealing with... everything."
Lyse sighed, her smile fading slightly. She knew James had been filled in on the basics – the DNA revelation, Sutton’s death, Levi’s questioning – but she had not had the chance to give him the full story.
"It’s been... a lot," she admitted. "More than I can even begin to explain. After you abandoned me." She accused sulkily.
"If I knew that all of this would happen when I left you alone, I would have not gone anywhere." James said, reaching out his hands to hold hers.
The contrite look in his eyes mollified her, she knew that it was not his fault that he was not around in the midst of all her drama. She took a deep breath and began to recount the events of the past few weeks, starting with her amnesia and Brooke and Lottie’s attempt to use it against her. Next was her father’s death then the discovery of Levi’s secret about Brandon’s paternity, then moving on to Sutton’s death and the subsequent police investigation.
"I can’t believe your dad was so crooked." James blurted out and slapped his hand over his mouth. "Not supposed to speak evil of the dead."
Lyse sighed sadly. "But he did do those things, because of him so many families are hurting." She said, "I’m ashamed at what he did, there was no excuse for that."
"Does he have a will, has it been read yet?" James asked.
Lyse chuckled sadly. "I don’t know about that." She said, "and even if he had a will, I doubt that there would be anything there for me."
James looked at Lyse’s crestfallen face and wanted to hug her and punch her family for being so shitty to her.
"At this point, with the lawsuits and everything, I doubt Lottie and Brooke will have anything from the will anyway." He interjected and Lyse smiled sadly knowing that it was probably true, there would be nothing left for Lottie and Brooke after all the civil cases against her father’s estate.
She continued to speak, and told James about her confrontation with Levi, his admission of guilt, and the complex emotions that had been swirling within her ever since.
James listened intently, his expression growing more serious with each passing detail. He had always been protective of Lyse, and the thought of her going through such a difficult time without his support weighed heavily on him.
"And then," Lyse continued, her voice dropping to a near whisper, "Levi told me he loved me."
James’s eyes widened in surprise. "He did what?" he exclaimed. "Levi Van Doren Said he loved you?"
Lyse nodded, her eyes filling with a mixture of sadness and confusion. "He said that he loved me," she repeated. "After everything that has happened, after all the lies, after all the hurt, he told me that he loved me."
James remained silent for a moment, processing this new information. He could see the conflict in Lyse’s eyes, the internal struggle that his friend was facing.
"What did you say to him?" he asked, his voice gentle. "Do you think he was being honest when he said he loved you?" He probed.
Lyse thought about the earnest look one Levi’s eyes when he told her he loved her but she shrugged.
"Who knows?" She asked. "I just told him that I needed space,I told him that I needed to be with myself"
She paused, taking a deep breath. "And I told him that I wanted to be free from him and any contractual obligations."
James’s eyes widened again, this time with shock. "A separation?" he repeated. "Lyse, are you sure about this? Is that what you really want?"
Lyse stared at him, the look in her eyes waving, her emotions in turmoil. Then she nodded firmly, her expression hardening. "Yes," she insisted. "I am sure that it is what I want. I can’t be with him anymore, not after everything that has happened. I am not fully sure that I can trust him. I have forgiven him but I think we need to be away from each other."
"But Lyse," James began, his voice laced with concern, "don’t you think that you are being a bit hasty? Levi is going through a lot right now. He is being accused of murder, for God’s sake. He needs your support."
"He lied to me, James," Lyse interrupted, her voice rising. "He kept such a huge secret from me, a secret that destroyed everything I was feeling for him. Even if I have forgiven him, I think it is best if I lived my own life and he lived his."
She paused, her voice softening slightly. "And besides," she continued, "he has already agreed to the separation, so that is that. The papers will be ready in a couple of days. It is over."
James remained silent for a moment, his gaze fixed on Lyse’s face. He could see the determination in her eyes, the unwavering resolve in her voice. He knew that arguing with her would be futile.
He felt it strange that Levi would tell her that he loved her and then willingly let her go, Levi Van Doren did not seem like a man who took kindly to losing. Unless, he really loved Lyse and was willing to give her up for her happiness, despite how he felt about her.
"Okay," he said finally, his voice low. "If that is what you want, then I will stand by you."
He paused, taking a sip of his water. "But are you truly happy with this decision, you have made Lyse?" he asked, his voice laced with concern. "Are you sure this is what you really want?"
Lyse looked away, her gaze fixed on the bustling scene outside the window. She did not answer for a moment, her mind a whirlwind of conflicting emotions.
"Yes," she said finally, her voice firm. "I am sure. It is the only way for us to move forward."
It was her belief that she needed a clean break from Levi, she needed to get over the deflated feeling she had been dealing with.
James sighed, his expression still concerned. He knew Lyse was hurting, and he worried that she was making a decision she would later regret. But he also knew that he could not force her to do anything she did not want to do, it was all her choice and it was his responsibility was to be there for her through it.
.
He decided to change the subject, hoping to lighten the mood. "So, tell me." he said, forcing a smile, "how is the preparation for the Golden Fleece going? Are you ready to take the world by storm?"
Lyse managed a weak smile. "I have been working hard on it," she replied. "It has been so difficult to focus with everything that has been going on and considering how short the time is, but I’m trying my best."
"I’m sure you will make me proud," James said, his voice encouraging. "You are incredibly talented, Lyse. I have no doubt you are going to blow all of them away."
Lyse smiled again, this time a little more genuinely. "Thanks, James," she said. "That means a lot to me."
They continued to chat for a while longer, discussing lighter topics, trying to avoid the heavy subject of Levi and the separation. James excitedly chirped about the cruise and the new friends that he had made, he tried to lighten the mood. But the tension remained, a palpable undercurrent that hung in the air between them.
As they were finishing their lunch, James reached for his phone, checking for any missed messages. His eyes widened suddenly, his expression shifting from casual to shocked.
"Oh oh," he said, his voice laced with surprise.
Lyse looked at him, her brow furrowing. "What is it?" she asked.
James looked up at her, his eyes filled with a mixture of disbelief, a flicker of anger and concern. "It’s about Levi," he said.