Chapter 111: Beneath the surface
Lily’s POV
The car came to a stop and I sat patiently on the passenger seat as Alex rushed around to my corner and opened the door for me.
“Thank you.” I said softly as he held my hands, helping me out of the car.
The cool evening breeze caressed my skin, carrying the sweet scent of blooming flowers from the nearby gardens.
He flashed me a wide smile as he shut the door and handed the keys to the valet. He attempted to hold my hands and walk side by side with me but I shrugged his hands off. But I’m that slight moment when our hands touched, I felt a spark of electricity jolt through my body.
He had a sad smile on his face as he walked in front of me, turning back at intervals to glance at me. I on the other hand just stared at the restaurant in front of us, its elegant facade radiating sophistication.
The sign above the entrance read “Concave Vita” in elegant, cursive script. Soft golden lighting spilled from the windows, casting a warm glow on the sidewalk. The exterior walls were adorned with ivy, adding a touch of whimsy to the upscale atmosphere.
As we approached the entrance, the sound of gentle chatter and clinking glasses drifted out, mingling with the distant hum of the city. The heavy wooden doors, polished to a rich sheen, swung open with a soft creak, revealing a sleek, modern interior.
Alex’s eyes remained glued to me as he led me towards the entrance. I felt a flutter in my chest, my heart beating faster with anticipation. We paused for a moment, allowing a couple to exit, and then stepped inside.
The hostess, poised and polished, greeted us with a warm smile. “Welcome to Bella Vita. Do you have a reservation?”
“Oh Mr. Dankworth.” She said wide eyed as she saw his face clearly.
The hostess’s eyes flickered to me, her gaze lingering on my dress before returning to Alex again. “Right this way, Mr. Dankworth.”
As we followed her, the soft music and muted conversations enveloped us. The air was thick with the aroma of fine cuisine, making my stomach flutter with hunger. We weaved through the crowded dining area, passing tables adorned with crisp linens and sparkling glassware.
I’m sure if it were any other class of people they would have stared us down but these classy people just swept their eyes over us softly and retuned to their conversations. I guess that’s how the wealthy behave.
The hostess stopped at a cozy table by the window, overlooking the city skyline. Alex pulled out my chair, his hand brushing against my bare shoulder, sending shivers down my spine. I settled into the plush seat, feeling like royalty.
With a smile, Alex took his seat across from me, his eyes locking onto mine. The dim lighting danced across his features, highlighting the sharp angles of his face. I felt my pulse quicken, my senses heightened in his presence under his stare. I had to get my shit together. I didn’t come all these way to melt under his stare.
The hostess handed us menus, her voice barely above a whisper. “Your server will be with you shortly. Enjoy your evening.”
As we settled into our seats, the soft glow of the candle on our table cast a warm ambiance. Alex’s eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled, his gaze still fixed on me. “You look stunning, Lily.”
I raised my eyes at him. “Thank you, Alex. It’s the second time you’re saying this.”
“I know, you’re just so beautiful and I want you know that.” He said with a grin. It was really strange seeing him all smiley and nice. “I could say it all night”. He added with a small smirk.
“Okay.” I said with a tight smile as I look around the restaurant.
“I hope you like it.” He said with raised brows.
“I guess.” I shrugged nonchalantly. I refused to give him the satisfaction feeling like he did well.
“I originally booked an entire restaurant for us but changed my mind last minute.” He confessed.
“An entire restaurant?.” I asked with wide eyes.
“Yeah, but I figured you would prefer this. It would be nice for you to be around other people.” He explained. It was sure nice to be out of the house and be around people for a while.
“I guess.” I responded with a small smile. It was really thoughtful of him and I appreciated it. I had been running up and down as I transitioned to motherhood and it seemed I had never had any day off until this evening.
We both picked up our menus, the leather-bound covers creaking softly as we opened them. The pages rustled as we scanned the offerings, the aroma of freshly baked bread and roasting meats wafting from the kitchen.
“I’m having trouble deciding,” Alex said, his brow furrowed in concentration. “Everything looks amazing.”
I chuckled, my eyes scanning the menu. “I know what you mean. I’m torn between the seafood risotto and the grilled salmon.”
As we deliberated, my mind began to wander to my children. I wondered if they were sleeping soundly, if Daniel was managing okay. A pang of guilt struck me, and I suddenly felt the need to check in.
“Excuse me for a minute,” I said, setting my menu aside.
Alex looked up, concern etched on his face. “Is everything okay?”
“I just need to call home and check on the twins,” I explained, pulling out my phone from my clutch.
Alex nodded understandingly. “Take your time.”
I quickly dialed Daniel’s number, my heart beating faster as the phone rang. Daniel answered on the second ring.
“Hey, how’s everything?” I asked, trying to keep my voice low.
“Everything’s fine, Lily,” Daniel reassured me. “The twins are sleeping soundly. Don’t worry, I’ve got everything under control.”
I breathed a sigh of relief, feeling a mix of gratitude and guilt. “Thank you, Daniel. I appreciate it.”
“We’re doing great, Lily. Enjoy your evening,” Daniel said, his voice warm and reassuring.
I hung up, feeling a sense of peace wash over me. Alex’s eyes met mine, his expression soft.
“Everything okay?” he asked again.
I nodded, smiling. “Yeah, everything’s fine. Just checking in on the twins.”
Alex’s gaze lingered on mine for a moment before he returned to his menu. “Shall we order?”
I nodded, picking up my menu once more. “Yeah, let’s.”
As we ordered and waited for our food to arrive, I stared around the room avoiding Alex’s stare and the awkward atmosphere.
His expression sobered all of a sudden as his eyes clouded. “Lily, I want to talk to you about something,” he said, his voice low and hesitant.
I sensed a shift in his tone and nodded .”What is it?”
Alex took a deep breath, his eyes locking onto mine. “I’m sorry, Lily. For what happened to your mother.”
My heart skipped a beat. The pain and guilt etched on his face were palpable.
“I know I can never undo what I’ve done,” he continued, his voice cracking. “But I want you to know that I regret it every day. I was blinded by my own demons, and I made a terrible mistake.”
I felt a lump form in my throat as memories of my mother flooded back. The pain and anger I’d carried for so long threatened to resurface.
“Alex,” I began, my voice barely above a whisper. “I appreciate your apology, but forgiveness isn’t easy for me.”
Alex nodded, his eyes filled with understanding. “I don’t expect it to be. I don’t deserve it.”
I took a deep breath, choosing my words carefully. “I don’t forgive you entirely, Alex. But I’m trying to understand you. You were broken, and you made a terrible choice. But that doesn’t erase the pain you caused.”
Alex’s face contorted in anguish, but he remained silent, allowing me to continue.
“However, I need time to process everything. I need time to heal,” I said, my voice firm but gentle. “And right now, I’m not ready to let you in. Not completely.”
Alex nodded, his eyes welling up with tears. “I understand, Lily. I’ll give you all the time you need. I’ll earn back your trust, if you’ll let me.”
I studied his face, searching for sincerity. And I found it. Alex was genuinely remorseful, genuinely willing to make amends.
“Alex,” I said, my voice softer. “I appreciate your willingness to make things right. But forgiveness is a journey, not a destination. And right now, I’m still finding my way.”
Alex nodded, his face etched with determination. “I’ll walk that journey with you, Lily. For as long as it takes.”
The waiter arrived with our food, breaking the intense moment. As we dug into our meals, the tension between us eased, replaced by a sense of fragile understanding.
The evening had taken a profound turn, one that left me questioning my feelings about Alex and his past, about my past and everything that had led us to this point.
We finished our meal in silence and prepared to leave. We got to the car and I noticed Alex’s hesitation to get into the car. “What’s wrong?.” I asked eyeing him curiously.
“I don’t want this night to come to an end just yet.” He confessed.
I too but I kept it inside me. At least someone else thought the same way. “So what do we do?”. I asked with a shrug.
“Let’s take a walk.” He said walking over to my corner.
“Alright.” I sighed, I guess I could enjoy myself for a little longer. My children were already sound asleep and their grandfather was with them to take care of them. A little more time out wouldn’t hurt right?.
As we strolled out of the restaurant, the moon casted a bright light on the fancy street. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the soft hum of luxury cars cruising by. I felt Alex’s hand brush past mine softly and pulled my hands away.
We walked side by side, our footsteps echoing off the sleek glass and steel facades of the high-end boutiques and designer stores lining the street. The pavement was immaculately clean, adorned with elegant street lamps and perfectly manicured trees.
To our left, the sleek, modern architecture of the luxury hotels and office buildings seemed to stretch on forever, their reflective windows mirroring the vibrant colors of the sunset. The sound of laughter and conversation drifted from the outdoor cafes and bars, where elegantly dressed patrons sipped champagne and savored exquisite cuisine.
As we turned a corner, the stunning vista of the city skyline unfolded before us. The towering skyscrapers, their peaks shrouded in mist, seemed to touch the heavens. The distant hum of the city’s nightlife pulsed through the air, beckoning us to explore its secrets.
I turned to look at Alex to find his eyes scanning the street with a mixture of nostalgia and melancholy. I sensed a deep longing in him, a yearning for something just out of reach.
We paused at a street corner, waiting for the traffic light to change. Alex’s gaze drifted to mine, his eyes searching for something. I held his stare, trying to decipher what he was thinking.
The light turned green, and we crossed the street, our footsteps synchronizing as we strolled through the heart of the city’s upscale district. We passed by a picturesque fountain, its waters dancing in the fading light. The sound of gentle splashing and soft music filled the air, creating a serene oasis amidst the bustling city.
As we continued our leisurely walk, the stars began to twinkle above, casting a magical glow over the street. The world seemed to slow down, and for a moment, it was just Alex and me, lost in the beauty of the evening.
I felt his gaze on me, his eyes burning with intensity. “Lily,” he whispered, his voice barely audible over the sounds of the city.
“Yes?” I replied, my heart skipping a beat.
“You’re breathtaking,” he said, his voice filled with emotion.
My cheeks flushed, and I smiled, feeling my heart flutter in response. The world around us melted away, leaving only the two of us, suspended in the magic of the evening.
“Alex, can I ask you something?” I said, my curiosity getting the better of me.
“Anything, Lily,” he replied, his eyes locked on mine.
“What happened in your past?” I pressed on, my voice gentle. “With Daniel ?.”