In Love With My Bully-Chapter 96: The Proposal

Lilian sighed dramatically, as if she’d expected nothing less. "And who is this fine young man?" Her sharp gaze raked over him like she was analyzing a puzzle she hadn’t solved yet. "Boyfriend?"

Drake cleared his throat and extended a hand, offering her the most polite yet firm smile he could manage. "Drake. And I think Chay just made herself clear. Maybe pick this up some other time."

"Or never," Chay added, folding her arms.

Lilian tilted her head, clearly unfazed. "I’m her grandmother. I can see her whenever I like."

Drake’s spine straightened. Grandmother.

The realization struck like lightning, connecting all the loose threads of information he had about Chay’s family.

Drake hated to be disrespectful to little old ladies, but damn, this woman reeked of trouble.

"Ma’am," he said, his voice polite but unwavering, "I’d hate to be disrespectful, but I’d like you to listen to your granddaughter’s wishes."

Lilian’s gaze flickered between him and Chay, something unreadable flashing across her face.

And then, just like that, she backed down.

"I get it," she said with an exaggerated sigh, as if indulging a child. "I won’t bother you anymore."

A pause.

"Until I know you really need me."

Chay’s jaw tightened, but she said nothing.

Lilian turned to leave, then tossed over her shoulder, "Oh, and happy birthday in advance."

Chay let out a long, shaky breath.

"I’m sorry about that," she muttered, rubbing her temples.

Drake gave her a sideways glance as they walked towards his car. "It’s okay, but I’ll be honest... that made me a little uncomfortable. I don’t like scaring little old ladies."

Chay scoffed. "Pssshhh... you couldn’t manage scary even if your life depended on it."

Drake stopped dead in his tracks. "Excuse me?"

Chay turned to face him, crossing her arms with a smug little smirk. "You heard me. You’re about as intimidating as a puppy."

Drake placed a hand over his chest in mock offense. "I can be scary."

Chay rolled her eyes. "Sure, sure. Absolutely terrifying."

"I can," he insisted. "I’ve got that whole tall, dark, and brooding thing going for me."

Chay snorted.

Drake smirked, watching her laugh. He liked this side of her; the one that wasn’t overthinking, wasn’t guarded.

He opened the passenger door for her. "Get in before I actually show you how scary I can be."

"Oh no," she teased as she slid into the seat. "Whatever will I do?"

Drake just shook his head, laughing as he walked around to the driver’s side.

*****

The party was exactly as Richard had promised. It was small, intimate, and free of the ridiculous pomp that usually accompanied anything related to the Numeros. Just close family, friends, food, drinks, and cake. Simple. Chayara could breathe.

Queen was there, of course, perched elegantly beside Liam, who looked as smug as ever. And then there was Drake, standing beside Chay, his presence warm and steady.

"Here," he said, holding out a small box.

Chay blinked at him, then took it, lifting the lid to reveal a stunning red rose pendant necklace.

Her breath caught.

"It’s beautiful," she whispered, looking up at him.

Drake smirked. "I know."

Her cheeks heated. "I meant..."

"I know what you meant," he teased, reaching out and putting the necklace around her neck.

Her heart tripped over itself.

As expected, the Numero family went all out with their gifts.

A brand-new car, an exclusive shopping spree at Numero Boutique, and a first-class spa retreat.

Only one person in the family exercised restraint and that was Mrs. Numero.

She handed Chay a simple, elegant gift. It was an embroidered sketchbook, her name stitched in gold on the cover.

Chayara held it close, the weight of it feeling more meaningful than the keys to a car she didn’t need.

"Thank you, Nita. This is so thoughtful."

"Well," Nita smiled knowingly, "I seem to be the only one in this family who truly knows you."

She pulled Chayara into a warm hug, then glanced at her neck. Spotting the necklace, she gave a slow, knowing wink.

Chayara blushed. "It’s from Drake."

Nita chuckled. "Well, looks like someone else in your life truly knows you too."

Chay laughed lightly, though something about those words made her stomach flip.

And then Richard clinked his glass, drawing everyone’s attention.

"Alright, alright," he grinned. "One more surprise for the birthday girl."

The guests quieted as Richard set up his phone. A few moments later, the screen lit up. On the screen was Sam.

Chay gasped.

"Daddy!"

"Happy birthday, baby."

Richard stepped out of the frame, giving them space.

Chay’s heart ached as she stared at the man on the screen.

"Hey, babe," Sam said with a smile. "Having fun?"

"Yes," she grinned, tears threatening to spill. "I got ridiculous and extravagant gifts, but yeah, surprisingly, I’m having fun."

Sam chuckled. "I’d get you something too, but, well... resources are kinda limited in here."

Chay sniffed. "It’s okay. Seeing your face is enough."

"I’ll see you next weekend then?"

"Definitely."

Sam smiled. "I love you, baby."

"I love you too, Dad."

The call ended.

Chay turned to Richard, tears still glistening in her eyes, and pulled him into a tight hug.

The rest of the Numero family joined in.

Clink clink clink.

The sound of glass tapping against metal.

Chay turned, still smiling, only to feel Drake go rigid beside her.

Liam stood at the center of the room, a confident grin plastered on his face.

"I have something to say," he announced.

Drake exhaled sharply.

Chay frowned.

What is he doing?

Liam turned to Queen, slipping a hand into his pocket.

"First off, happy birthday, Chayara. You’re part of a wonderful family, and honestly, I’m envious."

Chay’s frown deepened.

"Which brings me to..."

His hand emerged from his pocket, holding a small velvet box.

A gasp rippled through the guests.

Chay stiffened.

Drake clenched his jaw so hard she heard it.

Queen, however. She beamed.

Finally. Finally.

Liam got down on one knee.

"Well, about time!" Queen rolled her eyes, acting unimpressed, but the way she practically thrust her hand toward him betrayed her excitement.

"Queen," Liam said smoothly, opening the box to reveal a massive diamond ring, "will you marry me?"

Queen barely waited half a second.

"Yes," she breathed.

The room erupted in applause.

Chay didn’t clap.

Neither did Drake.

Instead, she whispered, "He’s not right for her. He doesn’t love her."

Drake exhaled, barely moving his lips. "Neither does she." freewёbn૦νeɭ.com

His voice was drowned out by the cheering.

Queen shrieked, throwing her arms around Liam. "I’M GONNA BE A CEO!"

Drake’s stomach twisted.

That was it. That was all Queen cared about.

It wasn’t love. It wasn’t a future. It was power.

And he had finally lost her.

Nita turned to Richard, her expression full of concern.

"Richard..."

Richard squeezed her hand, his smile forced.

"It’s her choice, babe," he murmured. "We have to let her make her own mistakes."

*****

Drake stormed out onto the balcony, his hands balled into fists.

Punching a wall would be satisfying, but Queen’s family had expensive taste, and he wasn’t about to foot the bill for some imported Italian marble.

Still, he needed to breathe.

He sucked in a deep gulp of the cool night air, gripping the railing so hard his knuckles turned white.

Queen was engaged.

To Liam.

Drake exhaled sharply.

Of all the reckless things she could do, this had to be the worst.

"You don’t seem happy for us."

Drake stiffened. The voice, dripping with amusement and mild arrogance, belonged to none other than Liam himself.

Great. Just what he needed.

Drake turned slowly, his expression blank. "What gave it away?"

Liam stepped onto the balcony, hands in his pockets, a smirk playing on his lips. "I don’t know... maybe the way you stormed out?"

Drake scoffed. "Look around, Liam. Half the people in that room aren’t happy for you."

Liam shrugged. "Sure. But you seem to take it personally."

Drake folded his arms, keeping his voice even. "She’s my friend. One of my best friends."

Liam stepped closer, his smirk deepening. "Is that all?"

Drake’s jaw clenched. "What are you getting at?"

Liam tilted his head, studying him. "I’ve been watching you all night. The way you look at her, the way your entire mood shifted the second I proposed. Seems a bit more than friendship to me."

Drake held his gaze. He didn’t have the patience for this conversation. Rightly put, he didn’t have the patience for this conversation tonight, not when his mind was already a mess.

Liam took a step back, nodding as if he’d just confirmed something for himself. "My point is, we’re getting married. And I’d like you out of our way."

Drake chuckled, a humorless sound. "Is that so?"

"Yeah," Liam said casually. "Consider it a friendly request."

Drake exhaled through his nose, shaking his head. He wasn’t in the mood to argue. Not when Queen’s entire future was dangling on the edge of a cliff, and she was too blinded by ambition to notice.

"Is everything alright here?"