I Married My Ex's Billionaire Father
Chapter 45: Breakfast In The Garden

Chapter 45: Breakfast In The Garden

The morning sun dappled through the canopy of ancient trees, casting dancing shadows on the garden table. Lily, sat sipping her tea, a gentle smile playing on her lips. She glanced up as Levi approached, his tall figure framed by the sunlight. He leaned close to her and placed a kiss on her cheek and taking his seat.

"Good morning, my boy," she greeted, her eyes lingering on him. "You do look quite the part of a married man."

Levi chuckled. "Thanks, Mother. I must admit, I am quite happy."

"I can see that," Lily replied, a hint of amusement in her voice. "Though I must say, she is rather young, isn’t she?"

Levi shrugged. "She is old enough to know what she wants, Mother. What matters is how she and I feel about each other. Where is Laurie?" He asked as he buttered a scone.

"She is on another silly diet, i just wish she would understand that she is perfect as she is and does not need any of these things."

Levi laughed, "She is just trying to find what works for her, she will be fine."

Just then, Lyse emerged from the house, her hair still damp from her morning bath. She joined them at the table, a shy smile playing on her lips.

"Good morning, dear," Lily greeted her warmly. "You look lovely."

Lyse thanked her, her cheeks turning a soft shade of pink.

"As you are aware, I have planned a little welcome dinner for you this evening," Lily announced. "A small gathering of family and close friends. We want to properly welcome you into the family."

Lyse smiled even though she was uneasy at the thought of meeting Lily’s friends because her experience with wealthy people was not very pleasant. She did not want to be prodded and discussed by these people but she did not have a choice.

"That sounds like a wonderful plan, I can’t wait."

"I am sure that you will have a lovely time," Lily assured her. "Now, eat up. You will need your energy for the festivities for tonight."

As Lyse finishing her breakfast, Laurie burst into the garden. "Lyse!" She exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "I am going to go shopping, how about you come with me so I can show you around?"

Lyse looked at Levi, who nodded with a smile. "I think it will be good for you to look around," he said. "I’ll see you later."

Laurie grabbed Lyse’s hand and pulled her towards the house. "Come on, let’s go get our bags. We have got a lot of ground to cover."

As they left, Lily noticed how Levi was staring at Lyse and she smiled, all her worries had been put to rest. She had feared that her son would never get over the past and find someone to care for but now it looked like she had been worrying for nothing.

Suddenly Levi turned to his mother with a frown. "Have you had any contact with Bret recently?"

Lily’s face went from looking settled and smiling to looking disturbed. "No, I haven’t spoken to him in a while."

They both looked off into space, their peaceful tone ruined.

*

As they walked through the bustling town, Laurie could not stop talking the whole way. She told Lyse about the local shops, the best places to eat, and the hidden gems of the small but exquisite town.

Lyse listened attentively, her heart filled with warmth. She had never felt so welcomed and accepted.

They spent the morning browsing through the shops, trying on clothes, and buying souvenirs. Lyse was amazed by the variety of goods on offer. She had never seen such beautiful fabrics, such intricate jewelry, or such delicious food.

As they strolled through the market, Laurie pointed out a stall selling fresh flowers. "You should get some for your room," she suggested. "It will make it feel more like home."

Lyse smiled. "That is a good idea." She bought a bouquet of colorful flowers, their vibrant hues brightening her day.

From there they walked into a quaint coffee shop, it was a welcome respite from the bustling town square. Its warm, inviting atmosphere, coupled with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, created a cozy ambiance. Lyse and Laurie found a quiet table in the corner, and as they settled in, they could not help but feel a sense of ease.

Just as they were about to order, two young women approached their table. They were dressed in the latest fashion, their faces adorned with makeup.

"Fancy seeing you here Laurie, I did not know that you were back from school." One of them said then she turned to Lyse with thinly veiled curiosity. "Who is she?"

Laurie’s expression turned sour because she knew exactly what was coming next. They were here because they were looking for gossip.

Lyse, however, remained calm even though she could sense the hostility wafting from them.

"I was not aware that I would need to inform you that I was back to my own mother’s house." Laurie said, her voice hostile.

The other girl giggled. "Can’t you take a little joke?"

"How about Levi, Rosalie said that he is around and your mom is throwing a party for him and his new wife."

"And I hope that you are not invited." Laurie snapped.

The two girls glanced at each other as if they were startled at the hostility. "Why are you so rude Laurie, just because we asked about your brother."

Laurie bristled. "I suggest you mind your own business then," she said, her tone sharp.

The girls ignored her and turned their attention on Lyse. "You’re not as...plain as we thought," one of them said, her voice laced with disdain. "You are actually quite pretty."

Lyse raised an eyebrow. "Thank you. I try my best."

The girls exchanged a knowing glance. "Well, it’s not like we expected different from Levi, he has always had excellent taste in women," one of them said and they giggled, before turning and strutting away.

Laurie watched them go, her face still flushed with anger. "Those girls are always causing trouble," she muttered then she turned to Lyse who remained unfazed. "Don’t let them bother you, Laurie. They’re just jealous."

Lyse smiled. Having lived with two mean girls for a huge part of her life she was not fazed by the two girls who had just left. "Don’t worry about them, they don’t matter."

It’s not like she had a right to be proprietary about Levi, he was not really hers and soon enough he would be back on the market and one of those ladies would probably be able to snap him up.

They ordered their drinks and settled back into their seats. As they sipped their coffee, Lyse could not help but wonder what the girls were planning next. She knew they were up to no good, and they would be there at the party tonight. She would have to protect herself from them.

As if reading her thoughts, Laurie spoke. "Don’t worry about those girls." she said to Lyse. "Levi never took any of these other women seriously, they don’t stand a chance against you."

Lyse smiled gratefully. "Thanks, Laurie."