novelraw Chapter 174: Simply Breathtaking
Chapter 174: Simply Breathtaking
Chapter 174: Simply Breathtaking
Lyse had just settled down at her desk when her phone beeped with a text message from Levi.
"So, what are your favorite flowers?"
Lyse chuckled before typing, "Orchids are my favorite."
"Noted. Don’t overwork yourself today, I’ve got plans for you..."
Lyse shook her head and dumped the distracting phone in her drawer and faced her tasks for the day. She tapped her pen against the sleek surface of her desk, a thoughtful frown creasing her brow. The deadline for the upcoming fashion competition loomed, and the pressure was mounting.
Kim, her junior designer, had been a breath of fresh air when he had joined the team. His ideas were bold, his sketches brimming with a youthful energy that had injected much-needed life into the studio. Lately, however, his enthusiasm had seemed forced, his eyes constantly glued to his phone. Lyse had noticed the frequent, secretive glances towards the window, the hushed phone calls that always ended with a nervous chuckle.
She never suspected that his recent behavior might have anything to do with her, but James’s candies of him standing with Brooke might all be connected to her.
A plan began to form in Lyse’s mind, a dangerous game that could either expose a traitor and shatter her trust in one of her most promising employees. But she knew that she had to take the risk as there was no evidence to prove Kim was doing anything wrong.
"Kim," she called, her voice firm.
Kim jumped, startled, his phone tumbling from his grasp. He quickly scrambled to retrieve it, his cheeks flushed.
"Yes, Lyse?" he stammered, his eyes darting nervously around the room.
Lyse fixed him with a steely gaze. "I am going to need your help with the competition. I’m thinking of taking a different approach, something more... unconventional. I need someone with fresh eyes, someone who can challenge my assumptions."
Kim’s eyes widened and his mouth opened. "Me?" He asked, pointing at himself. "Are you sure, Lyse? I mean, I’m still learning."
"What? So you think you can’t help?" Lyse asked, should I ask someone else for their help?"
"There is no need for that." Kim said hurriedly, "but only if you are sure."
"I am sure, Kim," Lyse said, a subtle smile playing on her lips. "Your ideas are... unique. I think they could be invaluable to me."
Kim beamed, his apprehension forgotten. "Thank you so much, Lyse! I promised, I’m not going to let you down." He could not contain his excitement.
It was an unexpected thing, but it meant that he could climb the ladder of career growth. This was his chance to prove himself, to show Lyse, and perhaps even more importantly, to show Brooke, what he was capable of. He envisioned the look of pride on Brooke’s face and the money which would be debited in his bank account when he presented her with the sketches, the way her eyes would sparkle with admiration.
For a split second, Kim felt some guilt at the fact that what he was doing could ruin Lyse’s integrity as a fashion designer. Then he shrugged off the guilty feeling and reminded himself that Lyse had a billionaire husband, she did not need the money like he did. And if her fashion brand came crashing to the ground, then she could just be a housewife and birth babies for Levi Van Doren.
Unbeknownst to Kim, his excitement fueled Lyse’s own. This project would be her test. It would either confirm her suspicions or prove them wrong. If Kim was indeed betraying her, he would inevitably slip up, his ambition blinding him to the danger.
Lyse watched him leave the room, a satisfied glint in her eye. The game had begun and she was prepared to punish the betrayers around her. If Kim was innocent, then good for him. And if he was not, then he would serve as a deterrent to any others who might have any bright ideas to sell her to competitors.
The sight that greeted Lyse as she stepped through the door was nothing short of surreal. The living room, usually a haven of tranquility, was transformed into a whirlwind of activity. A sleek vanity table was set up, laden with an array of makeup brushes, shimmering palettes, and fragrant lotions. A towering rack overflowed with exquisite dresses, skirts, and tops, while a plush armchair was occupied by a woman armed with a dazzling array of hair styling tools.
It was like a flower shop and backstage for a fashion show clashed together and gave birth to something.
Lyse blinked, momentarily stunned. "What... what is all this?" she stammered, her voice barely a whisper.
A warm smile spread across the face of the woman standing beside the vanity table. "Good day Mrs Van Doren." she said. "Mr Van Doren sent us to help prepare you. He wants you to look absolutely breathtaking tonight."
Lyse’s heart fluttered. Levi. He had thought of everything. He had gone to such lengths to make her feel special, to ensure she felt confident and beautiful. A blush crept up her neck as she imagined the effort he had put into this surprise.
"He... he did?" she whispered, still unable to fully comprehend the extent of his thoughtfulness.
"He did indeed," confirmed the woman with a mischievous glint in her eye. "He told us all about you, your style, your preferences. He even brought along some of your favorite things – that perfume you love, those earrings you always wear."
Lyse felt a surge of warmth, a sensation that spread through her like a comforting blanket. Levi, always the gentleman, had considered her every whim, every preference. He had gone above and beyond to make her feel cherished and adored.
Hesitantly, she allowed the hair stylist to begin her magic. The woman’s hands moved with practiced ease, weaving her hair into intricate braids, then cascading them down her back in a waterfall of curls. The makeup artist, a true artist herself, applied a soft, natural look that enhanced Lyse’s features, making her eyes sparkle and her lips appear full and inviting.
Finally, it was time for the fashion show. The stylist presented a dazzling array of outfits, each more stunning than the last. There was a flowing emerald green gown that shimmered in the light, a playful cocktail dress adorned with delicate lace, and a sophisticated pantsuit that exuded power and elegance.
Lyse, usually decisive when it came to her wardrobe, found herself torn. Each outfit was a masterpiece, a testament to Levi’s meticulous planning. After much deliberation, she settled on a blush pink dress that clung to her curves in all the right places. It was romantic, feminine, and utterly captivating.
As the stylists put the finishing touches on her look, Lyse could not help but feel a surge of excitement. She felt like a princess preparing for a royal ball. This was not just a date; it was an experience, a testament to Levi’s love and devotion and his preparedness to start on a great note.
When she finally emerged from the transformation, she was speechless. She looked in the mirror and barely recognized herself. Her hair was a masterpiece, her makeup flawless, and the dress accentuated her figure perfectly. She felt confident, beautiful, and utterly radiant.
A knock at the door startled her. The stylists exchanged knowing glances and quietly slipped out, leaving Lyse alone to compose herself. She took a deep breath, her heart pounding with a mixture of anticipation and nervousness.
The door creaked open, and Levi stepped inside holding a bouquet of Orchids. He stood frozen in the doorway, his jaw slack, his eyes wide with awe.
"Lyse..." he breathed, his voice thick with emotion. "You... you are simply breathtaking."
A shy smile touched Lyse’s lips. "You think so?" she whispered, her voice barely audible. "It’s not too much?"
Levi stepped closer, his eyes drinking her in. "Not at all!" he murmured firmly, his voice husky with desire. "You are perfect, you’re ... everything."
He reached out a hand, gently tracing the curve of her cheek. "I wanted you to feel like the most beautiful woman in the world tonight," he confessed, his voice filled with tenderness. "Because you are."
Lyse’s heart swelled with warmth. Levi’s words, his gaze, they were everything she had ever dreamed of. She felt a surge of happiness, a feeling so intense it took her breath away.
"Thank you," she whispered, her voice trembling. "Thank you for everything."
Levi smiled, his eyes twinkling. "It’s the least I could do," he said, his voice laced with a playful charm. "Now, shall we?"
He offered her his arm, his gaze unwavering. Lyse, feeling like a fairytale princess, slipped her arm through his and allowed him to lead her away. As they walked out the door, hand in hand, Lyse knew this was just the beginning of a magical night. A night filled with love, laughter, and the undeniable promise of a love that felt like a fairytale come true.