Chapter 3

More Asher accusations! I'd explained this over and over. I was just tired of it.

"Think what you want. I'm not staying under the same roof with you anymore."

I ignored him and headed out—my taxi had arrived. I didn't bother going back upstairs for my things.

"Bayview Villas on Willow Street," I told the driver.

This was the property my parents had bought me when I graduated. I'd originally wanted to use it as our marital home, but Leopold had insisted it was a gift of love from my parents that should remain solely mine—he didn't want to take advantage.

I couldn't understand when the Leopold who had always considered my feelings had changed.

Back in my own home, the tears I'd been holding back flowed uncontrollably. Leopold and I had known and loved each other for a full decade. Yet it wasn't enough to withstand the power of first love.

Fate was terrifying. The human heart even more so.

At least it wasn't too late. I could start over. Right now, the more pressing matter was explaining to my parents. And to Leopold's grandfather, Donovan Percy...

Donovan had been the strongest supporter of our marriage in the Percy family. He'd even gone to church to pray for us, hoping Leopold and I would have a harmonious, lifelong partnership. If he found out we wouldn't be getting married after all, I didn't know if he could handle it.

Just as I was thinking about him, Donovan called. I quickly wiped away my tears, took several deep breaths, and answered.

"Grandpa."

"Cindy, have you eaten?" Donovan's cheerful voice came through the phone.

My nose stung with emotion as I forced a smile into my voice. "Yes, I have. What about you?"

"I've eaten too. Why don't you and Leo come over for dinner tonight? I went to the early market with the housekeeper and bought your favorite fish. And..." Donovan lowered his voice mysteriously. "I've saved something special just for you..."

Tears streamed down my face as I struggled to control my voice. I exhaled heavily before responding, "Grandpa, I actually have plans tonight. Another time?"

Donovan was perceptive. "Cindy, has Leo been bullying you? If he dares, I'll scold him for you."

"No, not at all." Afraid he'd detect something wrong, I quickly said, "Grandpa, I need to go. I'll talk to you later."

I hung up immediately, hoping Donovan hadn't noticed anything. I didn't want to think about it further.

I wanted to be like an ostrich, burying my head in the sand and pretending nothing had changed. But I knew that wasn't possible. What had happened, had happened.

Soon Leopold would appear in public with Sophia, and there would be plenty of people enjoying my humiliation. I couldn't let them win. While I still had time, I needed to get to know my new boyfriend better.

I opened my phone to message him, but after searching for a while, I couldn't find him. I suddenly realized I hadn't saved his name after adding his contact, and I hadn't even asked what he was called. After extensive searching, I finally found an unfamiliar avatar in my contacts. Opening it and seeing the payment record confirmed it was him.

[Hello, do you have time to meet tonight? We haven't properly introduced ourselves. I'd like to get to know you better.]

Several minutes passed before he replied: [Fine. Decide the time and place, then let me know.]

His commanding tone triggered a strange sense of familiarity.

I freshened up, took a taxi to a restaurant, reserved a window seat, and sent him the details.

At seven sharp, the young man appeared at the restaurant entrance. He immediately spotted me and walked over.

"Please, sit," I said quickly, anxious to avoid awkwardness.

He nodded and sat down.

Maybe it was my imagination, but he seemed completely different from our first meeting. Not only had he lost that nervous energy, but his entire demeanor had cooled. He seemed transformed—more like Leopold, actually.

"I wasn't sure what you liked, so I ordered a variety. Try it, and we can order something else if it's not to your taste."

The young man scanned the table, then said quietly, "It's all fine. I'm not picky."

"Good." I forced a smile, then added, "I don't know your name yet. What should I call you?"

"You can call me Leo."

Our eyes met unexpectedly, and my heart tightened. Leo? What a coincidence.

"I'm Lucinda Wipere. You can call me by my name, or Lulu."

"Lulu?" Leo repeated, his previously flat lips curving slightly. "Lovely name."

I smiled politely. "Thank you."

Leo nodded again. Silence fell between us.

My hands tightened in my lap as I racked my brain for conversation topics. Finally, I decided to just introduce myself.

"I don't have many hobbies—I just love ballet. I have a performance in a month; you can come watch if you're free. Also... my parents might visit next week. I'd like you to join us then. I'll tell you their preferences and habits beforehand, so don't worry. I'll take care of everything."

Leo was silent for a moment before responding, "Alright. I'm just a working guy without many hobbies. I prefer staying home. But I do have one question."

"Go ahead."

"You don't seem like someone who'd have trouble finding a boyfriend. Why choose me?"

Because his demeanor reminded me of Leopold. But I couldn't say that.

I took a quiet breath before explaining, "Because you're suitable."

Leo watched me silently. He didn't say anything, but I could tell he didn't believe me.

I was about to explain further when he spoke. "I understand the concept of earning my pay. Tell me, what else do you need me to do?"

I was surprised but quickly composed myself. "I do have one more request. When would it be convenient for you to move into my place?"

Leo looked startled. "Move in with you?"

I nodded. "During our relationship, we should naturally live together. And during this time, you need to fulfill all my requests—that's what makes a proper boyfriend, isn't it?"

Leo's gaze shifted before settling back on me. After a moment, he nodded. "That makes sense. Give me your address, and I can move in tomorrow."

"Great." I took out the prepared key and bank card from my bag and handed them to him. "This is the key to my house—you can go directly there tomorrow. This bank card has five hundred thousand dollars. If you need to buy anything, just use it. There's no PIN."

Leo took the card, the curve of his mouth deepening. "So now I'm officially your boyfriend."

"Of course."

His gaze suddenly lifted. An invisible pressure bore down on my heart.

"Then, am I allowed to kiss you? My dear girlfriend."

I froze. His manner and tone of speaking unexpectedly overlapped with the Leopold in my mind.