Let's talk.

The room was a little dark, but that didn't stop Charlotte from seeing every detail of Leonid's body. Her chestnut eyelashes fluttered shyly as she stole a glance at him.

Leonid opened the wardrobe door and pulled out a white shirt. Dressing in front of her didn't embarrass him, but on the other hand, Charlotte froze when she noticed his lack of modesty. She quickly turned away.

Charlotte stared at the floor, but the sound of fabric brushing against his body tempted her. The thought of a quick glimpse crossed her mind just a brief glance, it wouldn't make a difference... would it?

But she quickly suppressed that mischievous desire within her and forced herself to stay composed. Yet, a sharp sensation began pressing against the side of her head. It was a sudden headache, making her lean more against the wall before slowly moving toward the bed. She sat down first, then lay on her side, pulling the blanket to cover half of her body.

"Are you okay?"

Leonid asked as he tightened his pants' belt, giving her a quick glance before putting on his jacket.

"Just... my head hurts, that's all."

He moved closer and studied her in silence. His calm eyes hid something deeper than just passing concern. After a moment, he spoke in a low voice that carried a hint of guilt.

"I bet it's because you cried so much yesterday."

He swallowed the bitterness of what had happened between them, but felt relief that she was still talking to him. He came even closer, bent over her slightly, placing a towel on his shoulder as droplets of water fell from his wet silver hair. His hand rested next to her head, unintentionally trapping her, but his eyes were searching for something else, perhaps a sign that she wasn't angry at him as he thought.

One of the droplets slipped from the tips of his silver strands and fell on Charlotte's bare skin below her neck. It was cold enough to make her flinch slightly, before she involuntarily pressed her lips together.

The refreshing scent of soap slipped into her nose, but what made her heart race were only his intense gazes.

Leonid watched her in silence, then raised his hand to wipe the droplet off her skin, his fingertips gently brushing her neck. The necklace glistened on her pale skin, a transparent diamond reflecting the color of his eyes. It was there, as a silent reminder of the bond that he might deny to himself after what had happened yesterday.

Fortunately, he noticed the fading red mark that had covered her neck, but it had turned into dark bruises barely visible.

He suppressed his desire to ask her again and simply said.

"Stay here in my apartment. I'll go out to buy us breakfast. Take your time to shower if you want, and wear anything from my clothes... just don't worry, okay?"

"Hmm..."

Charlotte didn't respond, only gazing at his face for a moment before slowly raising her hands, gently taking the towel from his shoulders, and began drying his silver hair with an instinctive movement.

Leonid stared at her for a few moments, the touch of her hands as she moved the towel over his hair dangerously gentle, almost making him lose control of himself. He lowered his silver lashes and glanced at her full lips, which were pouting, before letting out a barely audible sigh.

"Alright, that's enough."

He said in a voice he tried to make sound dry, then stood up, moving a few steps away from her. He snatched the towel from her hands and placed it firmly on the table. He stood for a moment before leaving, then added.

"I won't be gone for long. So don't think about leaving."

He then turned quickly and left, leaving Charlotte alone on his bed.

Her black eyes stared, silently sparkling as she gazed at the bedroom door from which Leonid had just left. The surroundings around her were quiet, with only the sound of her steady breath and the calm beat of her heart audible to her.

Charlotte tried to follow his advice and not worry, but she found herself caught in a whirlwind of thoughts. Slowly, she raised her hand to touch her neck, then let her fingers rest on the diamond in her necklace. She still felt the coldness of the droplet... and the warmth of his touch.

Finally, she turned and got out of bed. Her bare steps were barely audible as she made her way toward the bathroom, picking up the towel from the table before closing the door behind her.

She set the towel aside, then approached the bathtub, turning on the faucet to adjust the water temperature.

Her fingers moved slowly as she unbuttoned her shirt, then the Kaiser shirt slid off her shoulders and fell to the floor before she stepped into the tub.

"Don't think too much... just shower and forget."

She whispered to herself, letting the warm water flow smoothly over her hair and body, enveloping her in a temporary sense of comfort.

Outside, Leonid walked through the streets dampened by the morning mist.

His hands were in his pockets, his silver strands still slightly wet, but they remained perfectly styled as always. He didn't know why he had left so quickly. But one thing he was sure of had he stayed longer, he would have done something he would later regret.

Leonid stopped in front of a small café, watching its glass façade with little genuine interest before entering.

His steps were quiet, but he wasn't there to enjoy the atmosphere. His eyes scanned the warm pastries displayed behind the glass, selecting a few random pieces, hoping they would suit Charlotte's taste. He ordered their favorite coffee and then left, carrying a paper bag and a cup holder, hurriedly heading back to the building.

He ascended to his floor, but as soon as he exited the elevator, his steps slowed.

There were people standing in front of his apartment.

He froze for a moment, feeling as though a bullet had pierced his chest. Something was wrong. He quickened his pace as he approached, his gaze scanning the unfamiliar faces, then he noticed white flowers pinned to the wall near his door.

Flowers meant mourning.

A tightness gripped his chest, and he took a slow breath before speaking in a cold voice, masking his anxiety.

"What's going on here?"

One of the men turned and looked at him with sad eyes before quickly standing up and giving him an unexpectedly warm hug.

"Oh, poor neighbor! Our deepest condolences to you."

Leonid froze, his brows furrowing sharply as he stood stiffly between the man's arms. He didn't even know him.

"What—"

But the man didn't give him a chance to respond before patting him sadly on the back.

"This is truly unfortunate. Losing a pup is like losing family... We hope you'll get through this."

A pup? Was he referring to Hunter? Leonid thought to himself, furrowing his brows even more, while a woman with short black hair took out a handkerchief and wiped her tears, speaking in a sorrowful tone.

"It's alright, neighbor. Most animals pass quickly, especially husky pups... It's a matter of genetic mutations, sadly."

Silence fell on Leonid.

For two or three seconds, he didn't move. He was holding the paper bag in his hand, the scent of hot coffee lingering around him, and his mind tried to process what he had just heard.

"Ah... thank you for your heartfelt condolences, but how did you know what happened?"

"Well, the building owner posted a picture of your pup, saying it passed away from a heart attack... and that you're so sad, so we should all come together to help you get through this and move on with life!"

Leonid remained silent for a moment, staring at the woman with narrowed eyes. He slowly ran his free hand over his face, as if trying to process the absurdity of the situation, then took a deep breath and prepared to respond, but another voice interrupted him.

"Good day, Mr. Leonid. Allow me to introduce myself."

Leonid turned to see a tall man in a sharp suit confidently approaching him. The man extended his business card and spoke in a formal tone.

"Alex Smirnov, Executive Secretary of Stars Corporation."

Leonid furrowed his brows for a moment, then without any comment, he pulled out his key and unlocked his apartment door. He glanced at Alex and said.

"I have a lot of questions for you. Please, come in."

"Before your invitation, Mr. Leonid."

Alex bowed professionally, returned his card to his inner pocket, and then followed Leonid inside, casting a quick glance at the tenants.

"Thank you for your condolences and cooperation, you may leave now in peace."

The tenants began to disperse, whispering among themselves, while Alex closed the door behind him and followed Leonid into the living room.

The apartment was quiet, with only the sound of water flowing from the bathroom.

Leonid glanced at Alex for a moment, then decided to end this conversation quickly before Charlotte came out.

"Alright, let's start from the beginning... Can you explain what's going on?"