I Married My Ex's Billionaire Father
Chapter 42: Guilt.

Chapter 42: Guilt.

Brooke gleamed at the deviousness in Lottie’s voice, "Tell me, what is your plan?"

"Why don’t we leave and I will tell you all about it in the car." Lottie said as she got up, she did not want an audience for what she was about to say.

"Thank you so much Marcus." She said, "Please do all that you can to find out who she was married, I am willing to pay however much you charge."

Marcus gleamed at the thought of milking the women for more money as he showed them to the door.

When they were settled in the car, Brooke turned to Lottie and asked excitedly.

"So, tell me."

"We don’t need to tell Levi that Lyse is committing bigamy, moreover until we find out who this husband of hers is we don’t have any proof."

"Fine, what do we do then?"

"While Marcus works on getting the name of her husband, we work on making life uncomfortable for Lyse."

"How?" Brooke asked, not really understanding with Lottie was driving at.

"We are going to pose as her husband and send presents to her then we will also call her and pretend to be someone who witnessed the marriage ceremony between her and her first husband."

Brooke was gagged with the brilliance of Lottie’s plan and she squealed happily. Lottie was right, by the time they did that Lyse would be too frustrated and she would be a husk when they were finished with her.

After that they would land the final blow of releasing the details of her first wedding. And since it was a criminal offense, not only would she be humiliated but she would also go to jail.

Brooke’s eyes twinkled at the thought of frustrating Lyse and paying her back in her same coin.

*

Mrs. Van Doren led Lyse to a private room, a serene space bathed in soft, warm light. The air was thick with unspoken questions and a touch of apprehension. Mrs. Van Doren, a woman of refined elegance and discerning eyes, sat across from Lyse who was trying her hardest not to fidget under the older woman’s scrutiny.

Lyse felt the pressure of her heart pounding in her chest, met Mrs. Van Doren’s gaze. She just knew what was coming next and she braced for it, prepared for another humiliation. At least this time she had been taken somewhere private and no one would witness her shame.

"Lyse, my dear," Mrs Van Doren began, her voice gentle yet firm, "I have been thinking a great deal about your sudden marriage to Levi. I want to understand your feelings about this. Please, be honest with me."

Lyse stared blankly at the woman in confusion, she had not expected that at all and she wondered if she had heard well.

"I’m sorry?"

"You are not pregnant are you? Has he forced you to marry him?" Mrs Van Doren continued and Lyse blinked as she wondered what was really going on.

"I know that everyone thinks that he is some big bad CEO but I am his mother. You do not have to worry, I can deal with him. Just tell me if he coerced you."

"Mrs. Van Doren," Lyse began at last, her voice steady, "I understand your concern. But I want to assure you that my decision to marry Levi was made freely and with love."

A flicker of doubt crossed Mrs. Van Doren’s face. "Are you certain, Lyse? Levi can be quite...persuasive."

Lyse smiled warmly. "Yes, Mrs. Van Doren. I am certain. Levi and I have a deep connection. We understand each other, and we love each other and hope to grow old together."

Lyse felt guilty about the fact that she was lying to this woman who was not as scary as she had expected, the fact that she seemed to even be concerned for her made the guilt heavier.

Mrs. Van Doren studied Lyse’s face, searching for any sign of deception. But Lyse’s eyes held a sincerity that was undeniable. Slowly, a smile began to form on Mrs. Van Doren’s lips. "Very well, Lyse. I believe you."

A wave of relief washed over Lyse. She had feared that Mrs. Van Doren would disapprove of her relationship with Levi, but the elder woman’s acceptance was a gift beyond measure.

"In that case," Mrs. Van Doren continued, her voice filled with warmth, "I welcome you to the family, Lyse. You are now a part of us."

Lyse’s heart swelled with gratitude. "Thank you, Mrs. Van Doren. It means a great deal to me."

"Don’t call me Mrs Van Doren, please call me Lily after all I am more or less your mother."

Lyse felt tears in her eyes and she blinked them away and nodded. Lily’s warmth had torn through her and she had never regretted accepting Levi’s proposal as she did that moment.

"We will have a dinner tomorrow night to celebrate your marriage," Mrs. Van Doren announced. "It will be a small, intimate gathering so that you can meet some family and close friends."

Lyse smiled dutifully even though she was not excited. "A dinner? That sounds wonderful!"

Levi had warned her that there would probably be one held in their honor so she was already prepared even though now it did not seem as daunting as it had before.

With Levi’s mother’s sweet attitude and his sister’s friendliness she should be able to navigate the evening well. She wondered how Levi had fallen into this family of sweet people.

"I’m sure it will be," Mrs. Van Doren replied, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "Now, why don’t we join the others? I am quite sure that Levi is ready to come and rescue you from me."

As they walked back to the main room, Lyse could not help but feel a sense of guilt that nagged at her. She would feel better if Levi’s family were a bunch of horrid people but they had been so sweet to her and all she had done was swindle them.