LOVE IN PARIS: Married To My Brother-in-law-Chapter 96: Yvette?
The grand hall was alive with music and chatter, its opulence illuminated by sparkling chandeliers that hung from the vaulted ceilings.
The soft hum of laughter and conversation mingled with the delicate clink of crystal glasses, creating an atmosphere of vibrant celebration.
Guests, casts and crew and other members of production and some of the media moved about in elegant attire, their smiles and animated gestures reflecting the joy of the evening.
Leila quietly and inconspicuously slipped back into the hall without anyone noticing, her cheeks was still tinged with the rosy hue from her earlier interaction with Tyrell in the restroom and just even the thoughts of it made her face a hue of beet root and she pressed her hands on her face immediately, an attempt to calm her racing heart which however eventually failed.
She had just been cornered by someone she had been secretly admiring, her crush at first sight and his boldness and character caught her completely off guard and the intensity of the earlier encounter left her feeling a mix of embarrassment and flattery, a confusing blend that still had her heart racing.
"Leila!. There you are!" A familiar voice called out from across the room and Leila immediately spun around at the mention of her name, it was Yvette who had been searching for her, wondering if she’d lost her way and what took her so long.
"What have you been up to all these while, I’m sure it’s not just about going to the restroom?". Yvette asked, raising an eyebrow as she looked Leila up and down, curiosity evident in her every step. "You’re positively glowing. And is that a blush I see?". She added excitedly pointing at Leila’s cheeks, a spark of mischief glowing in her eyes.
Leila’s hand instinctively went to her cheek at once, trying to cool the warmth she felt there. "It’s nothing," She said and shrugged, attempting to sound nonchalant as she waved her hand dismissively. "Just a bit of excitement, that’s all."
But Yvette wasn’t buying it. She’d taken way too long in the restroom and who comes out of a restroom with a furiously blushing and glowing face and besides she also seems different, her aura seems different.
She folded her arms across her chest adamantly and leaned in closer, a knowing smile playing on her lips as she whispered in a voice only the two of them could hear. "Nothing, huh? You know you’re a terrible liar, you know that? Come on, spill. What happened?"
Leila tried to maintain her composure, but the memory of the Tyrell’s earlier intense gaze and flattering words made her blush deepen. "Really, it’s nothing. Just... someone being a little too friendly, that’s all."
Yvette eyes widened almost immediately, and she let out a delighted laugh. "Aha! I knew it! Someone’s got an admirer. Who is he? What did he say?"
"It’s not like that, it’s not even an admirer. I mean who treat someone he admires that way?". Leila insisted, though her tone lacked conviction. "He just... he just complimented me and . . . That’s all."
Yvette teasing grin only grew wider as she watched her stammer. Seems like things was going to get real exciting soon for Leila.
"Compliments that make you blush like that? Must have been quite something. Come on, Leila you can’t leave me hanging like this."
As Yvette was still interrogating her, a lady from the crew members walked up to her friend and grinned. "Guess what, I heared some couple making out in the restroom and gosh it’s so wild . . I can’t just imagine who can’t wait until the event’s over".
Leila almost bit her tongue upon hearing the lady’s words, suddenly feeling increasingly flustered under Yvette’s relentless teasing and also by what she’d just heard, she immediately took a step back, her mind racing for an escape. "I really need to find the restroom," She said hurriedly, turning to leave.
"Oh no, you don’t. You were just coming from the restroom, remember!". Yvette called after her, but Leila was already weaving her way through the crowd, her cheeks burning with embarrassment and a small, secret smile playing on her lips.
_____________
When Yvette arrived home, the tranquility of the evening was a stark contrast to the bustling party she had just left after a lot of hustle and bustle.
She stepped through the front door, her heels clicking softly on the wooden floor, and then she paused as she noticed something, a sweet, savory aroma as usual .
It’s faint, sweet fragrance hung in the air and she walked towards the kitchen which was surprisingly empty and devoid of human activities, then she realized the aroma was coming from elsewhere, leading her attention to a trail of rose petals that started at her feet right by the stairs.
Intrigued and slightly puzzled, she followed the trail through the hallway, her steps slowing as she took in the romantic gesture.
The petals led her to the balcony, where she stopped in awe. The space had been transformed into a dreamlike setting: soft candlelight flickered gently in the breeze, casting a warm glow over a table set for two.
A gentle melody played in the background, enhancing the intimate ambiance.
Just as her eyes finished scanning the balcony for any signs of her dearest, she felt a pair of strong arms wrap itself around her from behind, and she leaned into the embrace, recognizing the familiar scent of her dearest at once.
"Congratulations on your new role". Zeke whispered in her ear, his voice filled with pride and warmth.
Yvette turned to face him, her eyes glistening with emotion. "You did all this for me, just to celebrate?"
Zeke smiled sheepishly, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Of course. I wanted to celebrate your achievement. You’ve worked so hard for this, and I’m so proud of you and also I wanted to apologize for what happened last week." He added as he scratched his ears nervously and by that , he meant what happened on his birthday, at the town.
"I already told you there’s no need to. If you keep on apologizing like this, then I . . .". Yvette frowned. "And besides I’m almost healed already so why make it a fuss".
"I’m sorry, I just . . ."
Yvette hugged him , sealing the words at the tips of his lips back in as her lips meets his in a tender kiss and he slowly reciprocated. At this point, she no longer knew what to do, she knew not how to make him stop blaming himself for the incident, it was both their fault yet he was still feeling guilty.
The world seemed to fade away as they shared that moment, a perfect blend of joy and connection before Zeke hastily retreated before things get extremely heated.
"Here. Come on and try these new delicacies of mine before it gets cold.
The duo settled at the table, their hands intertwined as they enjoyed the meal he had prepared.
Their conversation was light and easy, a gentle flow of words that mirrored the soft glow of the candles around them.
As they finished their dessert, a comfortable silence settled between them, broken only by the distant sound of crickets and the occasional rustle of leaves.
Hand in hand, they moved to the edge of the balcony, leaning against the railing as they gazed up at the star-studded sky. Yvette nestled into Zeke’s side, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat and that alone made her felt blissful, love is indeed wonderful.
"I’m really going to miss you". Zeke said softly, his voice barely louder than a whisper. "Now that you’ll be living on set entirely, it’s going to be hard to be used to not having you around."
Yvette sighed, understanding the weight of his words. "I’ll miss you too. It’s going to be challenging, especially playing the role of a boy. But this is such a big opportunity for me."
Zeke rubbed her head and nodded, his fingers gently tracing circles on her arm. "I know. And I’m so proud of you. It’s just... it’ll be uncomfortable and stressful, and I worry about not being able to visit you as often with the set being so crowded."
As Yvette listened, she couldn’t help feeling a sudden pang of guilt. She opened her mouth to respond but realized that Zeke’s voice had trailed off. She looked up and saw that he was staring down at her with a tender smile on his face and she also smiled.
"So . . .". Zeke was about to continue when he realized her voice had trailed off and he gazed down only to notice she had fallen asleep on his shoulder.
He chuckled softly, careful not to wake her and then carefully lifted her in his arms, carrying her up the stairs to their bedroom.
After tucking her comfortably into bed, he returned to the balcony to clear away the remnants of their dinner, the candles now burning low. He moved with quiet efficiency, his thoughts occupied with the changes ahead.
After that, he headed to the bedroom and began helping Yvette to pack her luggage for the weeks ahead.
