Chapter 29 - Calm before the storm

After the appetizer, the waiters appeared to discreetly clear the plates. Lily took a deep breath and fought the onset of anger.

She knew she could not keep up with Alexandre in a verbal battle. He was a shrewd speaker. A cunning villain. His answers were often nonsensical. But he was so convincing. Always gave the appearance of pure logic. So she had to give up.

Lily laughed. "Thank you, Louise. I'll probably have to read some articles first. Then I will tell you immediately what is true and what is wrong!" Lily had no desire to discuss her private life before strangers. Which is why she gave in.

"I'll send you my collection immediately!" Smiled Loulou.

The main course was served. The waiter presented a fantastically prepared plate of poached deer fillet on a brussels sprouts salad with black roots and pear ravioli.

"This conversation is not over yet." She whispered coolly to Alexandre as the plates were set down on the table. At home, she would confront him. She would have to draw her limits.

Loulou did not want to give up that fast, until she felt how Phips pinch her side and whisper softly. "That's enough." And then louder said. "Let's enjoy the main menu of our chef. I let the chef fly in from Paris for tonight. Good Appetite."

The food tasted delicious. Adrien also seemed to have found favor with the pear ravioli. Which is why Phillipe had once again ordered a plate only with ravioli for his little guest.

The conversations at the table splashed calmly, spiced with loving teasing by Loulou.

After dessert was served, a fig and pure leaf chai treacle cake, Lily noticed that the toddler on her lap had to struggle more and more with the fatigue. She stroked Adrien lovingly over his soft hair while the toddler curled up in her lap.

Sighing, Lily threw Alexandre a questioning gaze.

"I should take my sister with home." Alexandre took the sleepy Adrien in his arms and caringly carried him to the entrance. Where the butler was waiting with their coats.

"Why?" Loulou asked innocently and winked lovingly with her eyes.

"Maman would rip your head off." Alexandre snorted.

"What would she do with you then?" She whispered mischievously in his ear. "I'm sure you dragged that innocent angel to your bed. Poor little thing, did not even know which wolf she came across." Her whisper was as soft as a breeze, and yet he was worried that Lily had heard something. His eyes sought her. Fear held his heart clutched. Fear that it could hurt Lily. Fortunately, she talked to Phillipe and had not heard anything of the conversation with his sister.

"Get your coat." He then snapped at his little sister. "We're leaving!"

"You aren't funny to tease." Loulou chuckled and Alexandre rolled his eyes annoyed. Sometimes his sister crossed the border uncontrollably. He knew that she meant well. But if he did not stop her, she would get into uncomfortable situations.

"See you again in two days?" Phillipe asked, who had noticed the tension between his Loulou and Alec.

Alexandre grabbed Lily's little hand and squeezed it tenderly. "Naturally."

"Lily, we can count on you too?" Louise asked in amusement. Confused, Lily looked up at Alexandre. Did he mean that evening? Lily remembered the deal at the boutique and nodded hesitantly. She would have to ask Alexandre again, she decided. Otherwise, he would not tell her again, anyway. This time she would start an inquisition. She did not want to be left in the dark again.

"Nice!" Loulou clapped her hands before she stood on tiptoe and pressed a kiss on the cheek of her fiancé.

On the other side, the little group said goodbye to their host. Alexander carried the sleeping Adrien and led the way to the car. While Louise at the doorstep boldly exchanged kisses with her fiancé.

As soon as Lily dropped into the soft leather seats, She felt an inner tension escape from her body. She felt physically exhausted, as well as emotionally exhausted.

But she knew the really exhausting part of the evening had not started yet. After all, their conversation, which had started at the dining table, had not ended yet.