Chapter 116: Love in the spotlight
Lily’s POV
“My love, I meant every word.”
I stared at the text, my mind racing. How could he be so bold?. Did he really mean it?. Or was this just another form of manipulation?.
I felt like I was drowning in uncertainty. Oh goddess, couldn’t I just have one single day when I’m not overthinking my whole life.
Daniel’s voice broke the spell. “Lily!.”
“Y.. yes?.” I rushed out turning to the door to find Daniel standing there staring at me with concern.
“Lil, you okay? You’ve been spaced out for a while. I’ve been trying to get your attention.” He said cocking a brow at me.
I shook my head, trying to clear the fog. “Yeah, sorry. Just… thinking.”
Daniel’s eyes narrowed. “About Alex?”
I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. But Daniel’s kind face put me at ease. “How could he do that, Dan? Declare his love on national TV?”
Daniel shrugged. “Only Alex knows his true intentions. But what do you feel?”
I sighed, confusion swirling within me. “I don’t know. Part of me wants to believe him. But another part thinks it’s just a publicity stunt.”
Daniel nodded thoughtfully. “You’ve been hurt before, Lil. It’s natural to question his motives.”
I nodded, feeling a lump form in my throat. “What if he’s using me for attention?”
Daniel’s expression turned stern. “Alex may be many things, but he’s not stupid. He knows the risks of making a public declaration like that.”
“I guess.” I looked at Daniel, searching for reassurance. “Do you think he’s genuine?”
Daniel’s eyes softened. “I think Alex has feelings for you, Lily. But only you can decide if it’s real or not.”
“Feelings?”. I said with raised brows. “That could be anything.” I pointed out. “He could feel hatred or pity for me.”
“Don’t be dramatic.” Daniel said with a small laugh.
“I’m serious.” I paused and stared into space. “Do you think he loves me?”. I asked lifting my eyes to meet his.
“I think so Lily.” He said with a soft smile. “But that’s just what I think, only him can clarify this.” He added.
I took a deep breath, trying to process my emotions. What did Alex truly want?. Was this a grand gesture or a clever manipulation?, And what did I really feel?.
I just wished things with him weren’t so difficult and complicated. The uncertainty hung in the air, refusing to dissipate.
“By the way you look absolutely stunning.” Daniel said flashing me a soft smile.
“Thank you.” I responded with a shy smile. “You don’t look bad yourself.” I said eyeing him. He looked dashing in his three piece ash suit.
“I know dear.” He said with a wink. “We should get going now, we’re running late.” He said checking the block of a watch on his wrist.
“Oh yes.” I responded as I gathered my things and left the room behind Daniel.
Rose and Ross’s bags were also packed and the maids were dressed to come with. They both carried the children to the car and Daniel assisted me in carrying the children’s bags to the car.
Once we were settled, Daniel got behind the wheel and drove off.
Daniel smiled at me. “Looking forward to dinner?”
I nodded, still lost in thought. Alex’s interview and text lingered in my mind. Was this his own way of showing or telling me how he feels, why couldn’t he just say it to be in person, or was he trying to box me in by going public.
At times people are forced to make certain decisions because you pressure. Take of example, public proposals, some people originally wouldn’t not accept to marry a certain person but because of the audience they would be forced to say yes. Only a few are courageous enough to say their heart desire.
In this situation, people may talk and say why haven’t I accepted him or accept his apology because of his grand gesture but things aren’t as they seemed. They know what he did, and the depth of his actions.
I sighed as we stopped at a traffic light, willing my self to think of anything else but Alex. My gaze drifted out the window, watching a he city.
And then I saw it.
A massive billboard towered above us.
“My heart is yours Lily, always and forever. I hope you can forgive me and give me the opportunity to have your heart and care for it forever.
Love Alex.”
It was written boldly with a picture of me.
My heart stopped. My mouth hung open in the air. I wiped my eyes constantly to confirm if I saw correctly. I still couldn’t believe what my eyes saw.
Daniel followed my gaze. “Whoa…”.
The car grew silent. Even my children who were fussing at the back seat, grew silent, as if they understood what had just happened.
“What is that?!.” Daniel asked with surprise.
I swallowed hard. “It’s… um… a message from Alex.”
Daniel’s eyes met mine, concern etched on his face. The light turned green, and Daniel accelerated.
We drove in stunned silence.
Finally, Daniel spoke up. “Lily, are you okay?”
I nodded, still reeling.
“Want to talk about it?” he asked gently.
I hesitated. The billboard’s words replayed in my mind.
My heart is yours…
Always and forever…
I hope you can forgive me…
And give me the opportunity to have yours.
Alex’s words on TV, now amplified and more clarified.
Publicly. For everyone to see. Was this genuine?. What exactly was he getting at with all these?.
Was this a desperate attempt?. I couldn’t understand.
I glanced at Daniel. “Let’s just get to dinner,” I said softly. Talking about these things with Daniel would not get any answers to my questions. It would not rest my spiraling mind or ease my anxiety. It was pointless.
Daniel nodded, flashing my a look of understanding. We continued the ride in silence until the car pulled to a stop in front of a big restaurant.
“We’re here.” Daniel said with a soft smile.
“Why are there so many people here?”. I asked looking around in panic.
“You’ll see.” He said softly with a knowing look as he helped us out of the car.
Immediately I got down, I was swamped with numerous reporters who flashed blinding lights in my face and bombarded me with so many questions.
‘Are you here with Alex?’
‘You’re back together right?, I’m sure you are after that grand gesture?.”
‘Do you love Alex?’.
‘How do you feel about Alex’s grand gesture’.
These were a few of many questions I heard as I struggled to get into the restaurant. I sighed in relief when I had got back and turned to Daniel.
“Dan?.” I called out but to my surprise he wasn’t behind me nor were the children and the maids.
I looked around in panic wondering if they were still caught in the crowd. I didn’t realize that I had lost them then.
“Lily!”. I heard a familiar voice call out behind me.
I turned around to find Alex standing there with a bouquet of flowers in his hands.
What the hell was going on?..