Chapter 21
Effie was caught off guard by Lyman’s words, her cheeks quickly blooming with a faint blush.
His gaze on her just now had been so intense, it set her heart racing.
“Come on, let me show you around,” Lyman said, taking her hand and leading her further inside.
As they walked, he began to explain, “The house is over three thousand square feet. There’s a primary bedroom, three guest rooms, a study, and two bathrooms…”
Effie couldn’t help but marvel inwardly. In a city where every inch of space was precious, owning a house this spacious spoke volumes about his wealth and status.
They stopped at the entrance to the master bedroom. Effie paused, her gaze immediately drawn to the wide king-sized bed dominating the room, and her heart skipped another beat.
The decor echoed the rest of the house-modern and understated, yet undeniably warm. Soft golden light spilled across the plush bedding, making everything feel especially inviting.
Lyman stood beside her, noticing her momentary daze. The corners of his mouth curled up in a teasing smile. “What’s wrong? Is there something about the bed?”
Effie snapped out of her thoughts, her blush deepening. “No, it’s just… it feels a bit too big, that’s all.”
Lyman chuckled, his tone affectionate. “Isn’t bigger better? There’s more room for… whatever you might want to do.”
His voice was low and gentle, laced with a hint of mischief, and Effie’s cheeks burned even brighter.
She lowered her head, fingers nervously twisting together, feeling both anxious and a little excited.
Seeing how shy she was, Lyman’s gaze softened. “Effie, are you nervous? Don’t worry. I respect you. We’ll wait until you’re ready.”
Effie gave a quiet “Mm,” barely above a whisper.
Lyman added, with a laugh, “Just don’t make me wait too long, okay?”
That only made her blush deepen, her face almost scarlet.
“Oh, by the way,” he continued, changing the subject, “tomorrow we’ll head back
to my family’s estate for dinner. We can also take the opportunity to discuss the wedding.”
Effie turned to him in surprise. “We’re having a wedding?”
“Of course. I want to give you a proper ceremony,” Lyman replied without hesitation.
She hesitated. “Actually… there’s no need to rush. Maybe we could wait a bit?” Effie was still tangled up with unresolved issues involving Mitchell, and she worried things might get complicated.
Lyman paused but nodded, respect in his eyes. “Alright, whatever you want.”
The next morning
Mitchell’s phone rang early; his family wanted him home.
Still wrapped up in Suzan’s affection, Mitchell decided to bring her with him.
Hand in hand, the two walked into the house, looking for all the world like a pair of newlyweds, completely smitten with each other.
Mrs. Lloyd greeted them with a warm smile as they entered. “Back already? And who is this?”
She eyed Suzan with polite curiosity.
Mitchell, still holding Suzan’s hand, introduced her. “Mom, this is Suzan-Suzan Bagnold, President Bagnold’s daughter.”
Mrs. Lloyd’s eyes lit up with delight.
President Bagnold’s only daughter! Now that was a match made in heaven.
Far better than that Effie.
Ever since Shepard’s affair and Vera’s sudden rise in the family, Effie and her mother had moved out, cutting ties with the Bagnold family entirely.
As a result, few people realized Effie was also a Bagnold by birth.
Not that Effie cared to mention it she found the whole thing disgusting.
Meanwhile, Suzan was practically glowing as she stepped into the Lloyd family’s grand home. The Lloyds were old money, far above the Bagnolds in prestige; to her, this was marrying up.
Suzan greeted Mrs. Lloyd sweetly, “It’s lovely to meet you, Mrs. Lloyd.”
Mrs. Lloyd’s smile widened, her tone warm and affectionate as she took Suzan’s hand. “Oh, Suzan, is it? What a lovely girl you are-beautiful and charming. Come in, don’t just stand there, make yourself at home!”