Chapter 5
"Flynn" Leah's heart skipped.
"How're you feeling? Thanks for coming back to me" she said, cupping his hands like he was going to disappear of she let go.
"I'm feeling better" Flynn replied, the hesitated.
"You.. you said you're getting married" his voice barely above a whisper.
"Uhmm.. Flynn that's not necessary, you're better now and that's what's important" she said, forcing a smile.
She pulled out the lunch box she brought earlier, needing something, anything to distract Flynn.
"Hey little man! Guess I'm too insignificant whenever Leah's around" Martin greeted, popping up from behind Leah.
"Big Marty, c'mon. It's good to see you" Flynn greeted with a soft smile.
"Great to see you too. Finally leaving here, aren't you?" Martin said.
"Yes and it's thanks to you two" Flynn nodded.
"A'ight I'll be on my way. Unlike someone I've got evening shift. We'll talk later Flynn" Martin teased, patting Leah lightly and he walked out.
"So you're getting married" Flynn suddenly spoke up, lifting his gaze from his plate, "Because of me?"
"No Flynn. It's not entirely because of you. Besides it's just to be his wife on paper" Leah said, convincingly.
"Leah, but it's still because of me. Who is he?" Flynn asked.
"You probably will not know him" Leah said, "Levi Parker"
Flynn froze.
"What? Chicago's top and most feared businessman? How did you get in touch with him? Does his know me?"
Too many questions and Leah rubbed her temples. Of course, Flynn knew him and he's going to interrogate her all day long.
"Flynn. You should rest" Leah said, deliberately ignoring his questions.
"You haven't answered me yet" Flynn pouted.
"How do you even know him?" Leah asked
"C'mon Leah, who doesn't know him. He's even my mentor"
"The one you always brag about, yeah?" Leah asked.
"Yes. But Leah.." Flynn's tone softened. "Are you ready for this? Can you handle it? I mean he's not someone jovial"
"That's not for you to worry about, you should focus on recovering" Leah said gently, " Get some rest"
"I've rested enough.."
"Watch movies" Leah cutt him off, packing the lunch box as she walked out of the ward to air.
She stepped out into the balcony, resting on the railings as she watched the cars below her pass.
For a moment, she breathed. And then…
*Cling*
*Cling*
*Cling*
Leah's phone buzzed, erupting her meditation. Not once, not twice and not thrice.
Forced to check it, her breath caught the moment her screen lit up with tons of notifications swimming in.
*BREAKING NEWS: LEVI PARKER TURNED DOWN OFFER TO MARRY SOPHIE CLARKE AND INSTEAD SETTLES FOR LESS.
*LEVI PARKER IS FINALLY GETTING MARRIED.
*LEAH MCWILLIAMS? DEFINITELY A NOBODY. EXPECTED MUCH MORE FROM LEVI CONSIDERING HIS STANDARDS.
*SO GLAD SOMEONE ENDED UP MATCHING HIS TASTE, EWW.
*SOMEBODY TELL ME THAT'S NOT LEVI PARKER PLANNING TO MARRY AN ORPHAN. A TOTAL NOBODY.
*I REALLY THOUGHT HE WAS GOING TO END UP WITH SOPHIE.
*IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN SOPHIE, AT LEAST TO TIGHTEN THE PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THEIR BOTH COMPANIES.
*AND WHAT'S THE PARKER'S FAMILY TAKE ON THIS?
…
And a message from Martin, "STAY AWAY FROM THE MEDIA"
In capital letters.
Too late. She had seen it all.
***
The gates to the penthouse swung open, inviting the car in. And Leah stepped out and froze.
Luxury wrapped around her instantly, from the towering glass walls to the silence that screamed and smelled like 'Wealth'.
She followed the staffs inside, and the grandeur took her breath away. The sprawling living room stretched out before her, with windows that seemed to touch the sky and a chandelier that sparkled like a thousand stars.
She realized she hadn't seen it any of these the last time she was here.
Power lived here.
The air was thick with luxury, from the rich textures of the furniture to the subtle scent of fine leather.
Every inch of the penthouse exuded power and sophistication, a testament to the owner's impeccable taste. It was a space that commanded respect, a majestic lair where only the finest things dwelled.
She was lead straight to an elevator that whisked her up to the third floor alongside the maids with her luggages.
The doors slid open to a grand bredroom with an en-suite bathroom and a private balcony. The master suite was a sprawling oasis, with a king-sized bed, a sitting area, and a bathroom with a sunken tub and a separate shower.
"Who's room is this again?" Leah asked faintly.
"It's your Mrs Parker" a staff replied.
Her head spinned in disgust.
Mrs Parker.
After they had helped her settle in they left her in awe until a knock snapped Leah back to her senses.
"Mrs Parker, I was asked to inform you that you have a dinner with the Parker family in a hour" Derek said, dropping a shopping bag on her bed.
"Mr Parker request you get dressed and join him in thirty minutes" he bowed and left.
"His family?!" Leah whispered after the door shut.
She didn't even have time to panic before the staffs returned.
"Mrs Parker we're here to get you ready" the chief staff said.
Leah felt trapped, she had to succumb as they did their biddings.
The maids bustled around Leah, expertly styling her hair and applying the finishing touches to her makeup.
They slipped the silver gown onto her shoulders, the fabric whispering down her body like a caress. As they stepped back, Leah's eyes finally met the mirror, and her breath caught.
She stared at her reflection, surprise etched on her face. The blonde hair was transformed, cascading down her back in effortless waves.
Her grey eyes sparkled like diamonds, her makeup was understated yet flawless. The silver gown hugged her curves, showcasing her elegance.
The maids beamed with pride, pleased with their handiwork.
"M'lady, you look stunning," one whispered, adjusting a stray strand of hair.
Leah's gaze lingered on the mirror, hardly recognizing the beauty staring back.
"Thank you" Leah smiled as she picked up her purse and walked out of the room.
*
Levi was already impatient as they were already late, what was keeping her? He lost patience as he turned toward the elevator, just then it dinged and then..
She stepped out.
And time itself seemed to slow down.
Leah moved like she didn't belonged to this world, yet she somehow commanded it.
Her blonde hair cascaded down her back in waves, framing a marble-like face.
The silver gown was a masterpiece, hugging curves with precision. It showcased her shoulders, waist, and hips.
The lights danced across her features, highlighting cheekbones and full lips. She smiled subtly, drawing him in.
Her grey eyes sparkled like morning mist, awareness flickering in their depths. Makeup accentuated her natural beauty, shimmery hues making her eyes pop.
Sparkles danced across the walls as she moved.
For the first time in a long time Levi's cold demeanor cracked, he couldn't help but stare.
Possessiveness flickered, unwanted but undeniable.
Dinner with his family just got complicated.
And Leah McWilliams had no idea what she had just walked into.