LOVE IN PARIS: Married To My Brother-in-law-Chapter 112: Single One’s

The rain continued to hammer against the windows in steady rhythm, and the cozy warmth of the living room contrasted sharply with the storm outside.

Dani and Linda had long retreated to the bedroom, leaving Tyrell and Leila all alone in the living room.

The air between them was quieter now, charged with an unspoken intimacy.

Tyrell stood up and wandered around the room, taking in the decor, then his eyes landed on a framed family portrait hanging on the wall just close to the fireplace and he strode over to pick it up, studying the image of the you her Leila with her parents and sister.

"That’s your family?". He asked as he caressed the frame even though he knew the answer, holding up and gesturing at the frame in his hands.

Leila’s followed his gaze and nodded as her sight landed on the frame, her smile tinged with sadness. "Yes. That’s my mom ann Dad and Dani and I ".

They’re not around anymore, are they?". He guessed gently.

And she shook her head. "No. They passed away a few years ago."

Tyrell set the frame down carefully, his voice low and his expression softened. "I’m sorry. Mine are gone too, they’ve been late for years."

Leila’s gaze snapped to his almost immediately, her eyes widening as she asked. "Really?". And he smiled as he leaned casually against the couch.

"It must have been so hard for you guys". Leila said and he nodded as he leaned against the armrest of the couch with his hands tucked into his pants pocket.

"Yeah, it was but it’s all good now".he smiled and gazed back at her. "And how was it for you also?".

"It was tough, especially for Dani. She was just a kid back then. She shut down for a while, but Linda helped her and she’s stronger now as you can see all thanks to Linda. Honestly, your sister brought her back to life and it was amazing."

Tyrell felt his chest tightened at his words, it must have been so hard for them then he glanced back at her and said. "We’re family now," He said softly. "There’s no need to thank us. All we have is each other so who else should we watch out for" .

Leila blushed and gave him a small, grateful smile, the warmth of his words settling in her chest. "You have no idea how much that means to me."

Then she stood up and moved to a small wooden box on a nearby shelf. She opened it, pulling out a delicate embroidered handkerchief and then she walked over to him, holding it out.

She hesitated for a moment before walking over and handing it to him.

"This was my mother’s". She said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "It’s the last thing I have left of her".

Tyrell’s eyes widened as he stared at the delicately embroidered kerchief she was handing out to him. "I can’t take this, it’s way to important."

She shook her head and roll her eyes at his expression. "It’s just a gift. I want you to have it."

He took it slowly, almost reverently, running his fingers over the intricate and delicately handmade embroidery. "I’ll keep it safe. Always."

Leila rolled her eyes, her lips quirking into a smile. "Idiot. It’s just a gift."

He looked up, his gaze meeting hers. "It’s the first thing you’ve given me. That makes it special."

Her face turned crimson, and she looked away, muttering, "You’re impossible."

Tyrell laughed, folding the handkerchief carefully and tucking it into his pocket as he pulled her to sit on his lap, whispering in her ears. "Maybe. But you’re stuck with me now."

She blushed and glanced out the window at the still pounding rain, her heart feeling lighter despite the storm and for the first time in a long time, she felt safe, like she had finally found a home, not in a place, but in a person.

___________________

The sky was just beginning to lighten with hues of soft pink and orange as Tyrell and Leila strolled through the narrow alleys leading to the bustling local market.

The fresh morning air was cool and carried the faint scent of fresh produce and baked goods.

Leila tugged her scarf tighter around her neck, her excitement barely contained.

"I can’t believe you’ve never had my red-braised pork before, I’ll make it up to you this morning, just wait and see". Leila said, glancing over at Tyrell with a teasing smile.

Tyrell smirked, his hands buried deep in his jacket pockets. "You’ve been holding out on me. Isn’t this supposed to be your signature dish?"

"I was waiting for the right time". She replied with mock seriousness, though her cheeks flushed faintly.

The market was alive with vendors setting up their stalls, calling out cheerful greetings to familiar faces.

Leila moved with purpose, her eyes scanning for the freshest ingredients whilst Tyrell followed close behind, occasionally carrying the bags that quickly filled with garlic, ginger, star anise, and slabs of fresh pork belly.

"Do you always shop this early?" . He asked, shaking his head at the sheer energy she exuded.

"Of course. The best ingredients don’t wait for late risers". She quipped, picking up a bunch of green onions and giving them a sniff.

As they moved to the spice stall, Leila leaned in to haggle with an elderly vendor and Tyrell could only watch her, amused by how effortlessly she charmed people. It was a side of her he hadn’t seen before, and he found himself drawn to it.

Unbeknownst to them, a pair of curious eyes caught sight of the duo and a smartphone discreetly rose above the crowd.

A quick snap captured the candid moment of Leila laughing as she held out a handful of star anise to Tyrell who was shaking his head in playful mock surrender.

The click of the camera was faint, lost in the hum of the market.

"You’re impossible". Tyrell muttered, grabbing the spice from her.

"Impossible to resist, you mean". She shot back with a playful grin.

The morning sun streamed through the wide-open windows of Yvette and y cozy dining room, casting golden rays onto a sprawling breakfast spread.

Steam rose from freshly brewed tea, the tangy scent of scallion pancakes filled the air, and a platter of dumplings sat invitingly in the center of the table.

Around the large wooden table, everyone gathered and chatted animatedly, laughter punctuating their conversations.

"It’s so nice to finally get together like this, work has been on my neck ". Remarked Eriq who looked so please, stirring his cup of tea.

Ollie smiled and took a sip and glanced around, her brows furrowing slightly. "But... where’s Leila? She never misses breakfast with us, it’s so rare to have a time like this and she’s absent"

"Good question,I was just about to say the same". Odiette chimed in, balancing a sesame ball precariously on her fork before popping it into her mouth. "She’s always the first one here." She giggled.

As if on cue, Ollie reached for her phone. "I’ll just give her a quick call—"

"Don’t bother.". Yvette’s voice, calm but playful, stopped her mid-dial. Her eyes sparkled mischievously as she smoothed down the front of her apron. "She’s... busy."

"Busy?". Ollie lowered her phone. "With what? Or is the question supposed to be with who?"

The room fell into a curious silence, eyes flicking toward Yvette with growing intrigue. Even Zeke who had been quiet all the time and Knox who had been quietly reading the newspaper in the corner, looked up, their interest piqued. The tension hung in the air like an unfinished melody.

Yvette smiled and raised her hands in mock surrender, a smile teasing at her lips.

"Don’t look at me like that y’all . It’s not my place to reveal her private life."

A collective groan of frustration rippled through the group. "Come on, Yvette". Ollie pressed curiously. "Give us something. We’re dying here, we won’t even tell her you told us anything."

"Is it serious?" Odiette asked, leaning forward, eyes wide. "Do we know the guy?"

"I said guess". Yvette replied with a laugh, her eyes dancing with delight. "That’s all you get."

"Not fair". Eriq pouted. "You’re leaving us hanging."

"Guessing won’t be hard for you, Odiette I know" Yvette eased, a sly grin forming. "You and Eriq are the only two left who are still single. Maybe it’s time you both found someone and let yourselves be loved."

The words hung in the air, and Eriq nearly choked on his tea.

He coughed, thumping his chest as Odiette turned crimson.

"Wow, WOW". He managed between coughs.

"So you’re a matchmaker now?". Odiette was equally as stunned as he.

Yvette winked. "Just looking out for my friends."

"Yeah exactly". Ollie added with a stern gaze. "Let yourself be loved".

Everyone burst into laughter at her words and funny expression, the warm sound mingling with the morning light as curiosity and joy filled the room.