I Married My Ex's Billionaire Father
Chapter 74: Unfortunate News

Chapter 74: Unfortunate News

The soft hum of the air conditioner filled the quiet office as Brooke carefully laid out her designs on Brandon’s desk. Her fingers traced the intricate lines and vibrant colors, a testament to countless hours of meticulous work, not just hers.

"What do you think of my work?" she asked, her voice a mix of confidence and pride.

Brandon leaned in, his eyes scanning the designs. A slow smile spread across his face. "These are incredible, Brooke. You have outdone yourself."

"I could tell that you were beginning to doubt me." She pouted.

Brandon had indeed been worried that bringing Brooke to the fashion house, and annoying Lyse enough that she had quit had been a huge mistake. However as he examined the work in front of him, he had to acknowledge that Brooke had done some great work.

"Why would I ever doubt you?" He refuted. "Your award winning designs were spectacular, and I know you only needed time to get back on track."

Her heart swelled with happiness at Brandon’s feedback and praise, she just wished that he would shower her with as much affection in their relationship.

"Thank you Brandon," she replied, a blush creeping up her cheeks. "I did not want to disappoint you so I had been working on them for weeks to make it perfect."

"What about your submission for the contest, can I see it?" Brandon asked.

"No." Brookr answered too quickly and when Brandon raised an eyebrow she hurriedly explained. "I am not finished with it yet."

Brandon nodded. "Well, judging by your work, I am certain you will win and make us proud."

A comfortable silence settled between them, the only sound the gentle ticking of the clock on the wall. Brooke, unable to resist the urge, broke the silence.

"So, about us..." she began, her voice hesitant.

Brandon’s expression shifted, a subtle frown creasing his brow. "Brooke, I think we have talked about this. I am not ready for a serious relationship right now. Think about what people will say if I get engaged to you immediately after breaking up with your sister."

His words, though gentle, carried a firm undertone. Disappointment washed over her, but she forced a smile.

’But you were happy to humiliate her along with your mother in front of everyone, and now that you have gotten rid of her, you think you don’t need me anymore.’ Brooke thought angrily.

"Lyse is not my sister." She retorted.

When Brandon raised an eyebrow she bent her head.

"Fine," she said, trying to hide her disappointment. "I understand."

Brandon looked relieved and continued to look at the designs on his table when Brooke spoke again.

"I guess that means I will have to be alone when Lyse and her husband come over for dinner." She said in an offhanded manner and Brandon paused then looked up slowly

"Oh, really?" Brandon asked, feigning surprise and trying to keep his expression from showing how he truly felt. "Lyse and her husband are visiting? I would love to come and see the man she married."

Brooke’s eyes widened in faux surprise. "You would?"

He nodded, a playful grin on his face. "Sure, why not? It’ll be fun."

"I am not really sure that would be a good idea." She said reluctantly and Brandon’s brow furrowed.

"Why not?"

Brooke looked at him with wide innocent eyes. "Well, what would I tell my folks you are coming as, since you are no longer going to be my fiancé." She said, "I would not want them having their hopes up, thinking that we are back together."

Brandon stared at her, feeling trapped. He wanted to see Lyse desperately and unfortunately, she was very difficult to find. He also wanted to meet the man that she married and really see why she would chose an old man over him.

"So I will just leave now." Brooke said as she stood up and started to gather her things from the table.

Brandon reached out and grabbed her hand, stopping her progress. She looked up at him in surprise.

"You know," began Brandon as he came around the table to Brooke’s side and affectionately pushed her hair behind her ear and tilted her jaw so she could look into his eyes.

"I said we should go on a break, I did not mean that we should break up."

"So what are you saying?" Brooke asked, her eyes shining with hope.

"I am saying, maybe we have spent enough time apart."

"Does that mean that you are ready for us to pick a date for our engagement party?"

"You can pick whatever date you like, just let me know and I will be ready."

Brooke gasped happily and threw her arms around Brandon’s waist and hugged him tight. She smiled deviously and decided that the best time to announce their engagement should be at dinner when Lyse came over.

Meanwhile, Brandon’s thoughts were far from the engagement party he had just agreed to. He could not wait to see Lyse, he hoped that if she saw him again she would realize that she still missed him.

*

As soon as they were out of the sight of the paparazzi, Lyse’s smile fell off. Her cheeks ached from forcing the smile and she was angry that she had to hold Levi’s hand and pretend like she did not want to bash him over the head.

The ride was a silent one and by the time they got back home, it was thankfully cleared out of most of the paparazzi. There were only a few of them remaining.

As soon as they were in the house and no longer needed to pretend, Lyse jumped out of the car almost before it came to a stop and ran into the house as hot tears of anger and frustration threatened to fall down her cheeks.

She brushed past Mr Dalton who tried to greet her and was left looking at her back. Levi followed her immediately.

"Lyse, please talk to me." He pleaded but she was already running up the stairs to her room.

He stood at the foot of the stairs, staring in the direction she had gone in frustration. Then Mr Dalton came to his side.

"Pardon me sir but I have some unfortunate news."