I Married My Ex's Billionaire Father
Chapter 214: Brandon Being So Vulnerable

Chapter 214: Brandon Being So Vulnerable

The early morning sun streamed through the windows of James’s apartment, casting long shadows across the living room. Lyse, dressed in a pair of James’s oversized sweatpants and a simple t-shirt, stood before him, a hesitant expression on her face.

"James," she began, her voice quiet, "would it be alright if I... if I looked through your closet? I need something to wear to work."

James looked at her, a flicker of concern in his eyes. He was worried about her. He knew she was hurting, deeply hurt by Levi’s revelation. He had seen the pain in her eyes, the hollowness in her gaze. He was afraid that she was trying to bury her feelings with work, throwing herself into her job to avoid confronting the emotional turmoil within her.

"Of course, Lyse," he said gently, trying to keep his voice light. "Help yourself. But... are you sure you are ready to go back to work? You don’t have to, you know. You can take some time off."

Lyse shook her head slightly. "No, James," she said. "I need to... I need to do something. I can’t just... sit around here all day."

James understood. He knew that for Lyse, work was more than just a job. It was a part of her identity, a source of strength and purpose. And perhaps, he thought, it was better for her to be busy, to be surrounded by colleagues and familiar tasks, than to be alone with her thoughts, dwelling on the pain and confusion that plagued her.

"Alright," he said, nodding. "Go ahead. See what you can find."

Lyse managed a small smile. "Thank you, James," she said. "You are a lifesaver."

She headed towards his closet, a walk-in space filled with an eclectic mix of clothes. She rummaged through the racks, her fingers brushing against the various fabrics. She found a crisp white silk shirt, oversized and comfortable, and paired it with a mini skirt of her own that was still at James’s apartment. It was a simple outfit, but it was professional and presentable.

After changing, Lyse looked at herself in the mirror. The oversized shirt swallowed her frame, making her look smaller, more vulnerable. She sighed, a wave of weariness washing over her. She didn’t feel like going to work. She didn’t feel like facing her staff, there were sure to be whispers, curious glances. But she knew she had to. She had to pretend that everything was normal, that she was not falling apart inside.

She took a deep breath, steeling herself for the day ahead. She thanked James again for his kindness and headed out the door.

As she stepped out of the apartment building as she headed to the parking lot, she collided with someone, sending a jolt through her. "Oh, I am so sorry," she murmured, automatically reaching out to steady the person.

She looked up and her breath caught in her throat. Standing before her was Brandon. He looked different, more subdued than she remembered. His eyes were red-rimmed, and his usually confident demeanor was replaced by an air of vulnerability.

"Lyse," he said softly, his voice filled with a mixture of regret and longing.

Lyse’s heart fluttered slightly. She had not seen him since the day he came to the building , it seemed he had gotten an apartment. She didn’t know what to say to him.

"Brandon," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

He looked at her, his eyes filled with pain. "I... I don’t know, if you saw the video I made." he said.

"I did, that was so thoughtful of you. I want to thank..." Lyse replied.

"It was... it was the least I could do," Brandon said, cutting her off. "For everything. For how I treated you. For not being there for you when you needed me the most. I was a coward, Lyse. I was weak and I deserved to lose you."

Lyse looked at him, her heart softening slightly. She could see the genuine remorse in his eyes, the pain that mirrored her own.

"Thank you, Brandon," she said quietly. "It... it means a lot to hear that."

He shook his head. "It’s not enough," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "Nothing I can do will ever make up for what I did to you."

Lyse remained silent, her gaze fixed on the ground. She knew he was right. Nothing could erase the past, the hurt, the betrayal.

"I know you will never take me back," Brandon continued, his voice trembling slightly. "And I don’t deserve you. But... I just want you to know that I am truly sorry, Lyse. I’m so sorry for everything."

Tears welled up in his eyes, and he blinked, trying to hold them back. But they spilled over, tracing paths down his cheeks.

Lyse’s heart ached for him. She had never seen Brandon being so vulnerable in all the time that they had been together, it seemed that his mother’s death had deeply affected him and jolted his perception of life. He seemed genuinely remorseful for his actions.

Instinctively, she reached out and hugged him. It was a brief embrace, a moment of comfort, a silent acknowledgment of their shared pain.

As they pulled away, Brandon looked up, his eyes meeting hers. And then, a flicker of something else, something dark and intense, flashed across his face. He looked past her, his gaze hardening.

Lyse turned her head, following his line of sight. And her breath caught in her throat.

Standing across the street, beside his car, was Levi. His face was a mask of fury, his fists clenched at his sides. His eyes, dark and stormy, were fixed on Lyse and Brandon, his gaze burning with an intensity that made her shiver. He had seen their embrace. He had seen the tears in Brandon’s eyes. And he had seen the look on Lyse’s face, a look that he could not quite decipher and did not want to examine too much, a look that made his blood run cold.