Free Web NovelChapter 98: The secret garden
Mark always played the part of the calm, collected businessman and incoming senator, yet he had let his anger show so publicly.
Lyvana walked across the cold floor, her heels clicking in the empty space. She looked at the spot where the two men had stood. The tension between them had been thick.
Julian had been calm and composed but Mark’s eyes had shown something deeper than just a bruised ego.
Was it love? A dry laugh escaped her lips at the thought. That just seemed ridiculous to even think about.
"You’re still here," a voice called out from the doorway.
Damon walked in wearing a pyjamas.
"I will be going to bed soon." Lyvana said, walking towards him.
"I am sorry I yelled at you yesterday."
"It’s ok. I would have yelled at me too."
Damon smiled slightly, the tension in his shoulders dropping. But as Lyvana moved to walk past him into the hallway, he reached out a hand.
"Wait," he said.
Lyvana stopped.
"This Julian," her father started, his eyes searching hers. "Who is he exactly?"
Lyvana hesitated. She couldn’t tell him, Julian was her boyfriend and that she was pregnant for him. At least not yet.
"He is the investor who saved Aurora," she said, keeping her voice flat. "It’s a long story. Can we talk about this tomorrow?"
Damon studied her for a long second. Finally, he leaned in and kissed her forehead.
"Of course, baby. Goodnight."
"Goodnight," Lyvana whispered and went up the stairs.
Damon watched her go. He poured himself a drink and took a sip.
Then he went to his study.
As soon as Lyvana got to her room she picked up her phone and went to the bathroom.
She saw Julian’s text and called him back.
"Hi baby," he said. "You are still awake."
"Have I told you how amazing you are? Thank you for making my grandma’s evening."
"You know I’d do anything for you."
"I know. I wanted to hear your voice before I went to sleep," she whispered into the phone.
"I’m glad you called," Julian said. "I hated seeing you caught in the middle of that mess tonight. Mark is clearly desperate."
"It’s okay. I’m used to his banter. My father asked me who you were, exactly."
"And what did you tell him?"
"That you’re the investor who saved Aurora," she said. "I kept it professional. I’m not ready for him to know the truth yet. Not while am still officially engaged to Mark."
"I want you to break it off, Liv. I want you to leave Mark for good. I don’t trust him near you."
"You know what happened the last time I tried. My grandma ended up in the hospital. Her heart can’t take another shock. I want us to do this gradually."
She heard Julian sigh.
"Urg, you’re right. We’ll tell them when the time is right. Do you want to do something crazy."
"Define crazy."
"Meet me outside in five minutes."
Lyvana laughed, her pulse quickening. "Julian —"
"I’m almost there. I want to see you. Don’t keep me waiting in the dark."
"Wait. You’re serious."
The line went dead. freeweɓnovel.cøm
She moved quickly. Kicking off her heels and changing into something casual.
Then she slipped out like a naughty teenager. Julian was leaning against his car.
"Took you long enough," he teased, pushing off the car.
She rolled her eyes, laughing. "You know I had to ditch the heels."
He grinned, taking her hand. "Get in."
"Where are we going?" she asked.
Julian glanced at her, and kissed her lips. "You’ll see."
The engine roared to life as they sped through the quiet streets.
The car stopped in a secluded part of town. In front of them was a tall, dark fence covered in climbing plants.
A small stone booth stood at the entrance. There were two security guards in a dark uniforms inside. One of them stepped out, looking serious.
When he saw Julian, he simply nodded.
"You are welcome, Mr. Blackwood," then he motioned to the other guard who pressed a button.
With a heavy clink, the giant gates swung open.
Julian drove onto a private path lined with lots of flowers, then parked under a large, leafy tree.
"Where are we?" Lyvana asked.
"The secret garden." He got out and opened her door. He reached for her hand. "Its inspired by the book."
They walked onto the soft grass. Tiny fairy lights hung from the branches above, glowing like little stars.
In the middle of the lawn was a small, white tent. It was lit from inside, looking warm and cozy.
"Julian," she breathed, her heart racing. "It’s beautiful."
"Wait till you see it in the morning. It’s one of my mother’s projects. Sometimes she allows some people to book it in advance."
He took her hand and walked her down a narrow stone path. The path was lined with glowing lanterns that looked like floating bubbles.
They reached a wide wooden bench at the top of a small hill. Below them, the garden opened up. There were hundreds of flowers — white lilies, deep red roses, and blue hydrangeas — all lit up by soft garden lights hidden in them.
"Oh, this is beautiful," Lyvana whispered. She sat down, her eyes wide. It looked like the flowers were glowing from the inside.
Julian sat next to her and put his arm around her shoulders. "My mother spent years making this place look perfect. She wanted a place that felt like a dream."
She leaned her head on his shoulder. The cool night air felt good on her face. "It does feel like a dream, doesn’t it."
They sat there for sometime simply starring at the garden.
"Come, you must be tired."
He lifted her up and carried her to the tent.
When they got inside, he set her down gently onto the thick pile of bedding with blankets and silk pillows.
Near the corner of the tent, there was a small cold chest. Julian reached in and pulled out a bottle of fresh water, unscrewing the cap and handing it to her.
Lyvana took a sip.
THen Julian did the sweetest thing. He sat down beside her and began to remove her shoes, tossing them aside.
"Julian," she murmured, her eyes growing heavy as she leaned against the soft pillows. "Thank you for this. For everything."
"Considering everything that happened to you was my fault, you don’t have to thank me."
He pulled her closer then, his chin resting on top of her head and his hand on her belly.
Morning came soon enough.
Lyvana’s eyes flew open. Something small and furry was pressing against her bare arm. In the dim, early morning light of the tent, she saw a shadow moving near her face.
"Ah!" she screamed, scrambling back against the silk pillows.
Julian bolted upright in an instant. His eyes were sharp and alert, his body tense.
"Liv, what is it?"
