Let's Stop It All
A message came in from Leon this time through my phone. "I was thinking about our dinner plans; there's something else we need to talk about." I put my phone away again after reading the message from Leon. Messages from Leon are starting to lose their appeal for me, even though I used to eagerly await his messages with a racing heart. This time, his betrayal has completely changed my feelings.
When I was about to focus on my work again and there were no messages coming in from my new friend Jean, I instead received repeated messages from Leon that I was not expecting at all. "Please make time tonight at eight at the restaurant where we first met."
I paused for a moment; our first meeting happened five years ago with Leon's father and my father at an Italian restaurant my father frequented. I don't know what Leon wants to talk about, but suddenly I feel like going to that restaurant just to remember my late father.
I reacted with an agreement to his message without bothering to type; I came not for him, but to reminisce.That night, wearing a purple dress, my father's favorite color, I arrived at the Italian restaurant that always satisfied him with its dishes. Leon said he was waiting on the second floor, and when I arrived on the second floor, the man greeted me with a wave of his hand. Leon sat at a table near the window, where from there we could see the view of the city lights, as well as the twinkling stars in the sky.
The restaurant is quite crowded tonight, so I didn't realize that it was just Leon and me here. Veronica got up from her seat, sat down on the chair opposite Leon, and greeted me with her fake smile. Veronica's short maroon dress looked enticing, not only to Leon but also to several men in the restaurant who were eyeing her with predatory gazes.
"You look very beautiful in your dress, Rein." Leon made small talk; he gestured for me to sit down, and Veronica, uninvited, sat down next to me. I think they should have realized I was uncomfortable with this situation through my gaze, but Leon seemed oblivious and stuck to his plan.
"I brought you to this restaurant to talk about something serious," said Leon.
"I thought the serious matter was just between us, but it turns out there are three people here." I openly hinted at Veronica's presence as if she were innocent."Because Veronica is now my assistant. I couldn't bear to leave her in the car." While tossing my loose hair, I laughed at Leonard's silly answer.
"So your assistant deliberately wears clothes like this to work?" Veronica looked down, lowering the hem of her too-short dress.
"This is just a coincidence. Come on, Rein. Let's focus on the core of this meeting," said Leon. I knew he was changing the topic to avoid being cornered, and what they had been hiding all along would eventually be revealed.
"Alright, what do you want to talk about?" I said curtly.
"Why have you suddenly become cold since yesterday?" Leon protested.
"Really? I didn't even feel that. Please focus on what you want to say first." Leon realized the uncomfortable atmosphere between us. But he still voiced his intentions.
"I plan to move our wedding date up to this year." I wasn't surprised; it seemed like there was another plan behind this.
"Oh, why the hurry?" I asked, pretending to be surprised."I realize we have delayed for too long. Your late father wanted the wedding to be held as soon as possible after our meeting."
"That's true; then I have no choice but to follow your lead." And let's see how far this plan goes. I know this plan is influenced by Veronica; my unfortunate friend wasn't surprised at all. Veronica seems to have known this before I did.
"That's good. What if three months after this? Specifically in April." When he said that, Veronica suddenly dropped pasta from her fork, splattering a bit on her dress.
"Ah, sorry for interrupting you, Leon. I have to go to the toilet first." Veronica hurriedly left. Leaving me with Leon, who was restless as if afraid Veronica would be angry. I could guess his expression; even if I diverted his focus, he still felt uncomfortable.
"Rein, dear. I need to go to the toilet too." Leon left after I agreed. However, a moment after he left, I followed him to the toilet. Silently, I even saw Leon enter the women's toilet after the other visitors had finished and left.
I approached the toilet, and at that moment, I heard their conversation. "You said it wouldn't be this soon? Why did you change your mind?" Veronica protested about the wedding date that Leon mentioned earlier in front of me.
"The sooner is better; after our businesses merge and I can control a much larger territory, then I will be able to easily get rid of Rein. I will marry you, my dear Veronica. Just a little, but for now you have to be patient because you know Rein is much taller and more powerful than I am. She must be useful before I get rid of her." Leonard's concise and clear words made my heart race with suppressed anger. Leonard really just wants to take advantage of me.
When I was about to confront them, I suddenly heard their moans and groans from inside. Leonard turned Veronica's body and unzipped her dress. "Who told you to wear sexy clothes like this? The men are looking at you with their hungry gazes." Veronica smiled upon hearing Leon's words, which sounded like a compliment to her.
"This outfit is to make you realize that Reinhardt's beauty is even surpassed by my body." Veronica said.
"You are right," Leon agreed, sighing behind Veronica's body. Before I could confront them, I felt my knees weaken, and I quickly returned to my hiding spot and crouched there. I can still hear their moans in the toilet; I cried while covering my mouth. I thought I had completely let go of Leonard, but there is still a bit of love that makes my eyes and heart ache right now.
Reinhardt, rise up! I must not be weak; I have to take advantage of the situation to let go of Leonard, no matter if this man is my father's wish, no matter how much loss it would cause if I don't marry him. I have to confront them and declare that I am absolutely canceling the arranged marriage.
I quickly wiped my tears. I entered the toilet and leaned against the wall, where, from here, my reflection would be visible through the mirror where Leonard was now enjoying Veronica's body against the sink wall with a large mirror in front of them. I counted in my heart; right on the third count, Leonard noticed my presence.
"Rein?" Leonard turned around, their activities immediately halted, and they hurriedly tidied up their clothes.
"I can explain--"
"No! let me clarify it. Our marriage will never happen. You can take Veronica as my apology."