Open Marriage

The fight between Quinn and Leo left her emotionally drained. The grand mansion, with all its luxuries, now felt like a gilded cage. She couldn't stay there another moment. That night, after storming out, she checked into a nearby hotel. The sterile, unfamiliar room was a far cry from the warmth and comfort she once associated with home, but it offered her something she desperately needed: distance. 

For days, Quinn avoided Leo entirely. She immersed herself in work, threw herself into meetings, and surrounded herself with her team at "Quinn's Group". But no matter how busy she tried to be, she couldn't escape the tabloids or social media buzzing with Leo and Sofia's exploits. 

"Leo Langston and Sofia Grant: The City's New Power Couple?"

"Sofia Grant Seen Leaving Langston Group with Leo—What About Quinn?"

The stories and images were everywhere, and Quinn's anger grew with every headline. 

Meanwhile, at Langston Group, Leo was in his office when his phone rang. He sighed when he saw his mother's name. 

"Mom," he answered tersely, leaning back in his chair. 

"Leo," Mrs. Langston began, her voice warm but firm. "I haven't seen Quinn in weeks. I'm inviting you both to dinner this weekend. It's high time the family spent some time together." 

Leo rubbed his temples. "I'm busy, Mom." 

"No excuses, Leo," she interrupted. "You and Quinn are married. You owe it to her—and to us—to show up. Promise me you'll bring her." 

Leo sighed heavily. "Fine, I'll bring her." 

"Good," Mrs. Langston said, her tone softening. "She's part of this family, Leo. Don't forget that." 

Leo ended the call, tossing his phone on the desk. He hadn't spoken to Quinn since their fight, and he had no intention of rekindling their argument. But he couldn't ignore his mother's request. 

The next day, Leo strode into "Quinn's Group" headquarters unannounced, his towering figure and commanding presence drawing curious stares from employees. He ignored them, heading straight for the executive floor. 

He found Quinn in the middle of a meeting, standing at the head of a conference table, discussing projections with her team. She looked every bit the poised CEO, but Leo noticed the exhaustion etched on her face. 

"Quinn," he called, his voice cutting through the room like a knife. 

The room fell silent as everyone turned toward the door. Quinn's jaw tightened when she saw him. 

"Excuse me, everyone," she said sharply, dismissing the team with a wave. As they filed out, she crossed her arms and fixed Leo with a glare. "What do you want, President Langston?" 

Leo walked into the room, closing the door behind him. "We need to talk." 

Quinn raised an eyebrow. "I don't think we do." She turned on her heel, ready to leave, but Leo's voice stopped her. 

"Stop walking away from me!" he snapped, his frustration evident. 

Quinn turned back, her eyes blazing. "Why should I stay? So you can insult me again?" 

Leo exhaled sharply. "My mother invited us to dinner this weekend. I promised her I'd bring you." 

Quinn laughed bitterly, the sound cold and hollow. "And you think I'd go anywhere with you? Why should I?" 

"Because it's my mother's request," Leo replied evenly. "I don't need her asking questions. You don't have to like it, but you'll come." 

Her lips curled into a bitter smile. "You want me to play the dutiful wife in front of your parents while you gallivant around town with Sofia? No, thank you." 

Leo's jaw tightened. "This isn't about Sofia." 

"It's always about Sofia!" Quinn snapped, her voice rising. "Every headline, every photo, every whisper in this city—it's all about you and her. And you want me to sit at a family dinner and pretend it doesn't hurt? You're delusional." 

Leo stared at her, his face unreadable. "Think whatever you want, Quinn, but you're coming to dinner." 

"Watch me refuse," she said coldly, brushing past him and leaving him alone in the conference room. 

The following day, Leo returned to *Quinn's Group*. This time, he barged into Quinn's office unannounced. 

Quinn looked up from her desk, startled and furious. "What the hell are you doing, Leo? You can't just barge in here like this!" 

Leo ignored her, shutting the door behind him. "We need to talk." 

"Again?" she scoffed. "Haven't we said enough?" 

Leo crossed the room, leaning against her desk. "I have an offer for you." 

Quinn folded her arms, her eyes narrowing. "An offer? What kind of offer?" 

Leo's tone was calm but firm. "You want happiness and attention in this marriage. I can't give you that. But we can keep up appearances for our families. We'll maintain the image of a happy couple, but we'll live separate lives. Call it an open marriage." 

Quinn froze, her heart sinking at the coldness of his words. "An open marriage?" she repeated, her voice trembling with disbelief. 

"You can do what you want, and so will I," Leo said bluntly. "It'll keep our parents happy, and you can stop expecting things from me that I can't give." 

The room fell silent as Quinn stared at him, her emotions boiling over. Then, like a storm, her anger erupted. 

"You arrogant, selfish jerk!" she shouted, standing abruptly. "Do you honestly think I'd agree to something so disgusting? Do you think so little of me?" 

Leo's jaw tightened, but he didn't respond. 

"I don't want your scraps, Leo," she continued, her voice shaking with fury. "I'm not interested in living a lie to make you more comfortable. I won't share my marriage with anyone. If you don't want to be with me, just say it!" 

"Maybe I just did," Leo said coldly. 

Her chest heaved as she glared at him, tears pooling in her eyes. "Then there's nothing left to talk about." 

Without another word, she grabbed her bag and stormed out, leaving Leo alone in her office, his expression unreadable. 

That night, as Quinn sat alone in her hotel room, she stared at the photo Mia had sent her of Leo and Sofia. Tears blurred her vision, but her resolve hardened. She was done waiting for Leo to change. 

"She would rebuild her life—on her terms."