Chapter 117
Effie took a seat and was caught off guard by the scene before her: the table was set with two sets of gleaming silverware and pristine plates, flanked by a pair of crystal wine glasses and a bottle of Bordeaux from 1982.
She blinked in surprise. Lyman had never struck her as the thoughtful, detail-
oriented type.
She’d assumed they were just going out for a casual dinner-nothing more.
But clearly, Lyman had planned something special.
After a minute, Lyman, as if performing a magic trick, produced a huge bouquet of red roses from a side table.
He walked over and said, “These are for you. Do you like them?”
Effie’s eyes widened in astonishment. She accepted the flowers, her heart
pounding with excitement she barely contained.
Was this the first time he’d ever given her flowers?
She buried her face in the bouquet, inhaling the sweet, intoxicating scent.
“I love them,” she said softly, a shy smile tugging at her lips.
She glanced up and met his gaze. His dark eyes were like polished obsidian, mysterious and magnetic-one look and she felt as if she could be pulled right in.
A gentle smile flickered at the corner of Lyman’s mouth. “I’m glad you do. Let’s enjoy dinner tonight.”
Soon, the waiter arrived with two perfectly cooked sirloin steaks.
Effie looked down at the beautifully plated steak-charred on the outside, tender and pink within, its aroma utterly mouthwatering.
She picked up her fork and knife, slicing off a small piece with practiced grace, then brought it to her lips.
The meat was melt-in-your-mouth tender, juicy, and kissed with a hint of smoky flavor that lingered deliciously on her tongue.
Lyman noticed the faint smile playing on her lips. “How is it?” he asked quietly. Effie nodded, her eyes shining with satisfaction. “It’s wonderful.”
Lyman smiled back, lifted his wine glass, and swirled the crimson liquid. He raised his glass in a toast. “To us, and to this moment.”
Effie lifted her own glass, clinking it gently against his. The crystal rang out with a clear, pleasant note.
She took a sip; the wine was rich and velvety, laced with hints of fruit and oak that left her a little lightheaded.
But she couldn’t quite figure out why Lyman was acting so out of character tonight.
He’d never been the romantic type, had he?
Noticing her drifting off in thought, Lyman asked, “What’s on your mind?”
Effie hesitated, then blurted out, “Why did you decide to take me out tonight?”
“We’re married,” Lyman replied. “Every couple deserves a little romance now and then.”
Effie’s mind darted to the trending topic she’d seen online earlier. She couldn’t help but ask, almost timidly, “Is it because of what’s been circulating today?”
Was this dinner just a way to make up for a guilty conscience?
Lyman paused, realization dawning in his eyes. So she really did know.
But his tone was open and matter-of-fact as he explained, “That’s just the tabloids
stirring up nonsense. Isabel and I are just friends. She had a bit of trouble yesterday and called me for help. I just happened to be nearby, so I went.”
He’d given her an answer.
Still, something in Effie’s heart tightened. Suddenly, the steak on her plate lost all its flavor.
A dull ache crept in.
Maybe Lyman had no ulterior motives, but Isabel certainly did. The way she’d confronted Effie at the office made that all too clear.
But then again, if Lyman hadn’t given Isabel the opportunity, would she really have dared act so brazenly?
Effie wanted to say more, but the reality of their marriage held her back. In the end, what right did she have?
She forced a smile. “I understand.”
To hide her disappointment, she lowered her head and focused on her steak.
Lyman, seeing that she’d dropped the subject, relaxed a little.
He’d always been straightforward, never one to dwell on things too much.
But the truth was, he still couldn’t fathom the complexities of a woman’s heart- and so, an invisible wall remained between them.