leo

Leonardo suppressed a sigh as he listened to Hana's voice urging him to come to her immediately. She said she was feeling lonely and wasn't at her family's house. She insisted repeatedly, and when he sensed that she was about to cry, he finally agreed.

She gave him the address of her new apartment, the one she got in the divorce settlement. When he arrived, she opened the door wearing a silk robe with nothing underneath. The moment she saw him, she showered him with kisses.

"I'm so happy you came, my love," she said, then added in a gloomy tone, "It's been such a difficult day for me."

He scoffed inwardly. And I almost made the worst mistake of my life.

He asked, "What happened with your family?"

"I told them about our relationship, and they strongly disapproved. But then I reminded them that you were the one who helped my father when he was on the brink of bankruptcy."

"And what was their reaction?"

"They were shocked, but they eventually accepted it."

He smirked bitterly. Of course, they did. I have them by the throat. They have no choice but to accept it.

"But…" she hesitated before continuing with a nervous look, "They still disapprove of me being with a married man. They keep telling me that you should divorce Ariana and officially propose to me."

He stood up abruptly, clearly annoyed. "But that wasn't our agreement," he said firmly. "I told you I would start the divorce proceedings in a month, and then I'd propose to you."

Hana shifted uncomfortably. "But isn't this better?" she asked hesitantly. "Didn't you say she already has a lover?"

Leonardo's anger flared instantly, especially as memories of his confrontation with Liam resurfaced. The frustration he had tried to suppress came rushing back, and Hana immediately sensed the tension in his posture. Fear flickered in her eyes as she noticed the hard expression on his face.

She spoke in a trembling voice, "Baby, what's wrong?"

With sudden force, he slammed his hand down on the table, making her jump. "I see," he said darkly. "Even now, they're still trying to dictate my decisions. But no. I'll do whatever I want." His voice dropped to a warning tone. "And don't forget, I can keep Ariana as my wife and marry you as well."

Tears welled up in Hana's eyes. "Why are you doing this to me?" she cried. "I was only telling you what they said!"

Leonardo closed his eyes for a brief moment. He used to love this side of her—the way she cried so easily, thinking it made her more feminine, more delicate. But now, it only irritated him.

Taking a deep breath, he forced his voice to remain patient. "All I need is time," he said. "I'm a well-known businessman. What do you think people will say if I get divorced and then immediately marry someone else?"

She leaned into him, wrapping her arms around him. "Alright," she whispered. "Whatever you want." Then, she trailed her fingers down his chest, her voice turning seductive. "Why don't you stay with me tonight?"

"I'm exhausted," he muttered, rubbing his temples. "This headache is killing me. I'm going home."

Disappointment flashed in her eyes, but she didn't push him further. She walked him to the door and said goodbye, watching with frustration as he left.