I Married My Ex's Billionaire Father
Chapter 227: I Didn’t Invite Her

Chapter 227: I Didn’t Invite Her

Lyse stood before her full-length mirror, her reflection shimmering back at her. She had chosen a statement piece from her latest collection, a flowing, ethereal gown that whispered of elegance and sophistication. The fabric, a delicate blend of layers of silk and chiffon, cascaded around her like liquid moonlight, its intricate details catching the light with a subtle, mesmerizing sparkle. She felt a sense of quiet pride as she admired her creation, a testament to her talent and her passion.

A soft knock on the apartment door broke her reverie. She took a deep breath, a flutter of nervous anticipation in her stomach, and opened the door. Standing before her was Ken Stuart, his warm smile radiating genuine admiration. Beside him stood Bella, her eyes sparkling with approval.

"Lyse, you look... breathtaking," Ken said, his voice laced with awe. "Absolutely breathtaking."

Lyse blushed, a wave of bashfulness washing over her. She hadn’t expected such a fervent reaction. She had simply chosen a dress that she felt comfortable in, a dress that reflected her personal style.

"Thank you, Mr. Stuart," she said, her voice soft. "You look very dashing yourself."

"Enough of that Mr. Stuart business." He scolded and Lyse chuckled.

Ken, dressed in a classic tuxedo, beamed. "I am just a simple man in a suit," he said, his eyes twinkling. "You, on the other hand, are a sight for sore eyes."

Bella, ever the pragmatist, stepped forward, her smile warm and encouraging. "We should probably get going," she said. "The event starts soon, and the paparazzi are already swarming the venue."

Lyse nodded, her nervousness returning. She was not looking forward to being in the spotlight, to being the center of attention, most especially with the drama of her relationship with Levi. She however had no other choice than to suck it up since she had agreed to go.

As they walked towards the waiting limousine, Ken’s gaze lingered on Lyse, his expression thoughtful.

For a fleeting moment, he wished that Lyse was his daughter, that she was the child he and Maeve had never had. The resemblance, the quiet strength, the undeniable elegance – it was all so reminiscent of Maeve. A wave of emotion washed over him, a bittersweet pang of longing for what could have been.

He blinked, shaking off the momentary reverie. He could not dwell on the past. He had to focus on the present, on the event, on Lyse.

"Ready?" he asked, his voice laced with a hint of tenderness.

Lyse nodded, her smile returning. "Ready," she said.

They climbed into the limousine, the plush leather seats enveloping them in comfort while Bella sat in the front along with the driver despite their efforts to make her join them in the back. The ride to the event was quick and smooth, the city lights blurring past the tinted windows. Lyse’s nervousness grew with each passing mile, her palms growing clammy.

As they approached the venue, the unmistakable flash of camera bulbs illuminated the darkened windows. A crowd of photographers and reporters had gathered outside, eager to catch a glimpse of the celebrities and dignitaries attending the charity event.

The limousine pulled to a stop, and the chauffeur opened the door. Ken stepped out first, his presence immediately igniting a frenzy of activity. The photographers surged forward, their cameras clicking and flashing, their voices shouting questions.

"Mr. Stuart! Mr. Stuart! Over here!"

"Who’s your date, Mr. Stuart?"

"What are you wearing tonight?"

Ken smiled and waved, his demeanor calm and composed. He was used to the attention, to the constant scrutiny of the public eye. He had learned to navigate the chaos with grace and poise.

He turned back to the limousine, his hand outstretched to Lyse. "Ready?" he asked, his voice laced with a hint of amusement, while Bella looked back encouragingly at Lyse.

She took a deep breath, her heart pounding in her chest. She nodded, her expression determined. She would not let the crowd intimidate her. She would not let the pressure overwhelm her, she would simply look at this as another hurdle to jump. She could not hide away forever because of a scandal that was not totally her fault in the first place.

She stepped out of the limousine, her gown flowing around her like a shimmering waterfall. The flash of camera bulbs intensified, the shouts of the photographers growing louder. She felt a moment of disorientation, a sense of being thrust into a whirlwind of noise and light.

Ken placed a reassuring hand on her arm, guiding her through the crowd. "Just smile and wave," he whispered, his voice calm and reassuring. "You are doing great."

Lyse managed a smile, her eyes fixed on the entrance to the venue. She focused on putting one foot in front of the other, on maintaining her composure.

As they reached the entrance, a security guard stepped forward, clearing a path through the throng of photographers. Lyse and Ken stepped inside, the noise of the crowd fading behind them.

The interior of the venue was a dazzling display of elegance and sophistication. Crystal chandeliers shimmered overhead, casting a warm, golden glow over the elegantly dressed guests. The air was filled with the sounds of conversation and laughter, the clinking of glasses and the soft strains of music.

Lyse took a deep breath, her nervousness subsiding slightly. She felt a sense of relief, of having escaped the chaos of the outside world.

Ken smiled at her, his expression warm and encouraging. "See?" he said, his voice laced with amusement. "That wasn’t so bad, was it?"

Lyse chuckled, her own nervousness replaced by a sense of exhilaration. "No," she admitted. "It wasn’t."

As they started to move further into the venue, their presence drawing the attention of the other guests. Lyse felt a sense of pride as she walked beside Ken, her gown a testament to her talent and her passion. She was not just Levi Van Doren’s wife, she was a designer; she deserved to be a part of the event, a part of the celebration.

"What’s that bitch doing at my party, I didn’t invite her!" Came a shrill voice from across the room.