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Maddox said, “Just have Curtis pick up Anne. Why’d you go yourself?”
“I picked up my dear granddaughter. It’s none of your business.”
“She’s such a kid at heart,” Maddox thought, exasperated.
Curtis interrupted, “She’s your granddaughter, and I’m your grandson. Yet we’re married.
Let’s keep this secret under wraps, or people will start thinking we are strange.”
No sooner had he finished his sentence than three pairs of eyes glared at him.
Jennifer scolded him, “What nonsense are you spouting now?”
Maddox frowned, “Mind your words!”
Leanne didn’t even need to rebuke him.
But Mary was always amused by Curtis, chuckling, and she playfully swatted at him. “You rascal, you should come with me to a church to see if you don’t get straightened out.”
Curtis didn’t dodge, standing there lazily as she tapped him on the cheek. “Why would they need to straighten me out? I’m the picture of devotion, praying for your long life every day.”
Jennifer said, “Anne, go and help Mary change into something nice for dinner.”
“Okay.”
Leanne helped Mary back to her room, and Mary had Leanne pick an outfit for her, complaining everything in the closet was so last season, “These styles are so out of
date.”
Curtis leaned on the doorway. “Maybe you should borrow one of Leanne’s floral dresses.”
Leanne couldn’t understand how the same family could raise a solid and steady brother and this joker.
“I don’t have floral dresses.”
“What a shame,” Curtis feigned helplessness, “Your dear granddaughter here isn’t as fashionable as you.”
Leanne was at a loss for words.
Sarah, who was helping Mary with the clothes, couldn’t help but shake with silent laughter. Even Mary laughed, shooing him away. “Go on, get out. We ladies are busy picking clothes. No room for peeping toms.”
Finally, they settled on an outfit that pleased her, and Sarah helped her dress while Leanne
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put away the clothes they’d discarded.
As Leanne stepped out, Curtis was on the phone, arranging the delivery of the latest seasonal fashion.
She opened the door to leave, and he glanced over. After finishing his call, he lowered the phone and hung up.
As Leanne passed by him, his brooding gaze followed her. “You sure are good at hanging up. What were you in a past life, a telephone operator?”
Curtis didn’t forget a grudge.
Leanne was about to leave but turned back to say, “You can explain our divorce to Mary.”
With his hands in his pockets and leaning against the door, Curtis looked at her from under raised eyelids. “Nice try, making me out to be the bad guy.”
“If you’re not the bad guy, then who is?” Leanne snapped back. “How do you plan on getting engaged to Suzan without first telling Mary the truth?”
Curtis frowned, and his tone was ambiguous. “Who told you I was getting engaged?”
“Everyone’s talking about it.”
“Everyone who? Give me a name.”
Seeing she couldn’t name anyone, Curtis scoffed, “I’m not legally divorced yet, and how am I getting engaged? It’s like monogamy can’t hold me down anymore. How capable do they think I am?”
Leanne turned to walk away. “You’re aware you’re out of your league.”
Curtis laughed out of irritation, following her. “When did you get so sharp-tongued?”
“I learned from the best.”
“I never taught you that. What, did you catch it from kissing me?”
Leanne suddenly halted, and Curtis stopped, too, looking up.
Suzan had appeared at some point and was sitting on the living room couch, discussing
the details of her recent surgery with Jennifer.
Curtis’ last remark reached their ears. Suzan’s smile froze, and Jennifer wore an expression of disbelief.
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Curtis raised an eyebrow, leaning against the doorway with his usual nonchalance. “Aren’t you in surgery today? Shouldn’t you be at the hospital instead of crashing our family. get-together?”
“I came to see Mary,” Suzan responded, her gaze shifting toward Leanne. “Oh, Leanne, surprised to see you here.”
The tone of her voice carried an insinuation that Leanne didn’t belong.
Mary’s return had prompted a family feast in the Richardson family, and Suzan’s presence suggested she was already slipping into the role of the future Richardson daughter-in-law. On the other hand, Leanne seemed the one who ought to feel out of place.
With a cold expression, Leanne replied, “If you can be here, why can’t I?”
Caught off guard, Suzan turned to Jennifer, “Jennifer…”
Jennifer frowned, and her voice laced with disapproval as she chastised Leanne. “Is this how I’ve taught you to behave? You’re showing no manners at all.”
Once upon a time, dependent on the Richardson family’s charity, Leanne bore Jennifer’s scolding without complaint.
But things had changed. No longer under anyone’s thumb, Leanne refused to endure in
silence.
“You never taught me anything.” she retorted icily.
Curtis’ eyebrows rose further, his gaze on Leanne carrying an enigmatic message.
Taken aback by the retort, Jennifer demanded, “What did you just say?”
Leanne had been raised by Sarah, not Jennifer who had plenty of criticisms but had taken the time to guide her.
“If you think I’m the result of your teachings,” Leanne said calmly, “aren’t you insulting yourself by criticizing my manners?”
The Richardson family was known for their integrity, unlike other wealthy dynasties tha only shone on the surface. Preoccupied with work, Maddox never indulged in vices, and both his sons, Phillip and Curtis, were accomplished and respectful toward Jennifer.
She had only ever taken flak from Mary, who spent most of her time at the family retreat, which left no one else daring to talk back to her.
Jennifer’s cheeks flushed with rage, but Leanne’s words left her without a comeback.
Curtis seemed to enjoy the drama, asking with a hint of mischief, “Did you learn that from
14-32
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Jennifer hurriedly tried to smooth things over. Mary, Suzan just wanted to show her respect. She’s still getting over her injury and dashed over the moment she could
“If she’s injured, she should be resting. Im not a miracle cure Mary wouldnt usually Embarrass someone younger in public unless they asked for it.
Curtis watched the scene, his words laced with sarcasm. “Who are you trying to impress in front of Leanne? At your age, playing the wise elder, who are you trying to fool?”
“Today is our family’s feast meant for us alone Mary declared sternly. “Arrange for a car to take her home. Give her some of my omega-3 supplements. We don’t want anyone saying our family’s lack of manners
It was clear who lacked manners, and it wasnt Leanne
For Suzan, the humiliation was unbearable. She looked toward Curtis for support, but he shrugged indifferently. “No use looking at me. I can attord to offend no one in this house. Even the neighborhood dogs have more say than I do.
In the end, Jennifer escorted Suzan out, offering a few words of comfort.
“Mary’s always been like that. I’ve taken my fair share of her temper. It’s not personal. She’s been unwell and doesn’t know about Curtis and Leanne yet. You really shouldn’t have come today.”
Tm sorry, Jennifer. I just missed Mary so much and didn’t think she would still dislike me this much,” Suzan managed to say, smiling bitterly “Unlike Leanne, who’s been a darling since her childhood days”
Leanne planned to have dinner with Mary and that the right moment to dear the air. If Mary was unaware of the situation and Suzant ut she didn’t want to take the blame
Chapter 108
Jennifer had been shouldering the blame for more than her fair share.
At the dinner table, she served Mary some vegetable salad with the serving tongs.
Mary’s appetite had been waning, but she didn’t let it show in front of them. She tasted a bit of the tenderly braised fish, nodding in approval. “This fish is nice. Give some to our Anne, too.”
So, Jennifer obliged, serving some to Leanne.
Leanne responded politely, “Thank you, Mrs. Richardson.”
Mary’s hearing was as sharp as ever, her response quick, “Why have we moved on to formalities now?”
There was a palpable pause at the table, all with varying expressions.
Mary glanced around, and her displeasure was evident. “What’s with all these faces?”
Jennifer put down her utensils, ready to spill the beans. “Mary, the truth is, Curtis and Leanne…”
“Cough! Cough!” Mary suddenly erupted into a fit of cough. It was so severe that Leanne. immediately rose to pat her back gently.
After a moment, the coughing subsided, and Mary seemed to have expelled all her vitality, appearing extremely weak.
“I can’t go on much longer… can’t even enjoy a meal. Don’t know how many days I’ve got left.”
When even eating became a challenge, it was a sign that the Grim Reaper was lurking nearby.
Tears welled up in Leanne’s eyes. “Don’t be silly. We’ll take it slow. How about I get your some fish soup?”
But Mary couldn’t stomach a single sip.
The mood in the dining room plummeted into a grim silence. After a beat, Maddox said solemnly, “Let’s get Mom back to her room to chill out.”
They escorted Mary to her room, where she clutched Leanne’s hand. “Stay the night, dear. Keep me company. Your room with Curtis is all ready for you.”
Face pressed against Mary’s hand, Leanne nodded. “I’ll stay with you.”
The number of people in this world who genuinely cared for her was no more than five.
Leanne stayed with Mary for a while, only slipping out once Mary was asleep.
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Maddox, Jennifer, and Phillip sat in the living room. Curtis was absent, whereabouts
unknown.
“What did the doctor say?”
Phillip had just gotten off the phone with the caregiver in charge of Mary, his brow furrowed, “Grandma had a relapse recently and underwent surgery without telling us. The doctor said she might have another six months if lucky.”
If not…
Jennifer was visibly troubled. “We can’t keep Curtis and Leanne’s situation from her
forever.”
Phillip was silent for a moment before replying, “I just called off an engagement, and Curtis is getting divorced. It’s all bad news. And telling her would only upset her more.”
Maddox, who rarely smoked at home, lit a cigarette, his expression grim and silent.
As Leanne approached, all eyes turned to her.
Phillip asked, “Is Grandma asleep?”
Leanne confirmed, “She dozed off for a bit.”
Maddox’s brow remained knitted as he finished his cigarette and finally spoke, “Given Mom’s condition, we can’t risk any more stress. Let’s wait until she’s stronger before. breaking the news about you and Curtis. Her health is the priority. Everything else can be put on hold.”
Leanne nodded. “I understand.”
Still looking worried, Jennifer rested her head in her hands but could only sigh.
“Dad, Mom, you should get some rest.”
After Maddox and Jennifer retreated to their room, only Leanne and Phillip remained in the living room.
Looking equally exhausted, Phillip apologized to Leanne, “Anne, I’m sorry you’ll have to endure this a little longer.”
Leanne said nothing. She was as unsure as they were about how Mary would react to the truth. She didn’t want to take that risk, either.
In her desperation, she wondered if her divorce from Curtis had broken some unspoken cosmic balance, causing Mary’s condition to flare up again. The timing was uncanny.
After a pause, she asked, “Phillip, why did you cancel your engagement with Ms. Watson?” “There’s no particular reason,” Phillip answered wearily, “We just had different pursuits.”
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“Oh.”
“Get some rest,” Phillip advised before heading upstairs.
The Watson family of Northbrook was a more suitable match for the Richardson family than the Wright family ever was. The union of the two families was a veritable
powerhouse alliance.
Their engagement had been set after Leanne and Curtis’ marriage, lasting over two years. without leading to a wedding, and then, surprisingly, it was called off.
These were marriages of convenience, alliances forged on family and influence, with little regard for affection. Whatever the reason for the canceled engagement, it was a mystery.
Leanne pondered for a moment but did not conclude. It wasn’t her concern.
While turning to retreat to her room, she spotted Curtis standing at the patio door.
He seemed to have been there for some time, as if he’d just returned from somewhere, his coat carrying the outside chill. His indifferent eyes fixed on Leanne, darker than the night
itself.
Chapter 109
Leanne shivered as a gust of brisk autumn wind tousled her hair.
Curtis shut the door behind him, cutting off the draft. He shrugged off his heavy coat and
headed to the home bar
He took a pristine glass from the shelf. The clink of its base against the countertop rang clear and sharp. He reached into the liquor cabinet and pulled out a bottle of whiskey. As Leanne was to head upstairs, his voice, frostbitten as if it had tumbled through a snowdrift, stopped her in her tracks.
“You don’t think you’ve got a shot because he called off the engagement, do you?“
Leanne’s ascent faltered, and she turned around.
“What are you talking about?”
The sound of ice cubes clinking filled the quiet as Curtis poured the amber liquid over them. The color deepened on the surface but couldn’t seep into the core of the ice.
You’ve always had your eye on my brother. Happy to hear he’s back on the market?” He took a swig of his drink. “Too bad, even if you and I split, you wouldn’t stand a chance.”
His tone, laced with scorn, stung. Leanne wanted to argue but couldn’t deny the truth in
his words.
Compared to Curtis, who had a knack for being cutting, she would have preferred Phillip.
She had once asked Jennifer, why not him? Phillip was single and unattached, while Curtis had been with Suzan. By order of age or emotional availability, it would have made more sense for her to be with his brother.
Jennifer had dismissed her as fanciful. “Phillip is the heir. He’ll take over the family
business. His marriage must be strategic, not just to any woman.”
Leanne had no input in the decision to marry, let alone whom to marry.
Leanne wouldn’t have married into the Richardson family if she had a choice. If she had a choice, she would have chosen Phillip, not Curtis.
1 had married your brother, it would have been better than this farce with you,” Leanne
Curtis grip on the glass tightened. “Leanne, what dream world are you living in?” Just because you married me doesn’t mean you’re worthy of my brother. His marriage is a business merger, a bargaining chip at the negotiation table. It’s about stacking interests, consolidating resources, networking… creating enough value for the Richardson family.”
His voice was as loy as the drink in his hand. “Do you bring that kind of value?”
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Chapter 110
“Go crash in the guest room,” Leanne suggested and lowered here to avoid string any midnight gossip in the house.
“Why would I ditch my bed to sleep in the quest room? Curtis voice was a low growl, barely containing his frustration. “Just open up.”
Leanne stood her ground, her voice muffled through the door “Suit yourself You seem to love wandering off and sprawling out on that king size out in the yard, anyway.
“Great, just perfect.” Curtis sounded ready to blow a fuse. “What did I do to warrant this? You’re like some karmic joke on me.”
The silence outside the door stretched as Leanne dried her hair and settled into bed, flipping the lock again. As she was dozing off, there came another knock. Assuming it was Curtis, she called out irritably, “Can’t you just call it a night?”
But it wasn’t Curtis. “Leanne, I’ve brought you something.” Sarah’s voice sounded from the other side.
Leanne opened up to find Sarah bearing things like a few sets of clothes for the next day, her favorite skincare and makeup essentials, and her trusty phone charger.
“Mr. Curtis had me fetch these for you.”
Had Curtis gone out shopping amid their spat?
While taking the items, Leanne said, “Thanks, Sarah.”
“Don’t mention it,” Sarah replied. “Try to get some rest. You’ve got work in the morning.”
With Sarah gone, Leanne secured the door again and lay in bed, the soft glow of the floor lamp casting a comforting light. But something nagged at her, and she got up, crouching to inspect the floor lamp closely. It was like the ones at Crystal Cove Villas, with no visible wires. They must have been cleverly hidden away. When had they installed these?
She had always feared the dark, prone to nightmares, so a nightlight was a must. The glaring brightness of a table lamp was too harsh, and the dimmer ones left shadows. lurking in the corners. These floor lamps, however, traced a gentle outline around the room, banishing darkness without intruding on her sleep.
But Curtis had no such need for light when sleeping..
Leanne hadn’t paid much attention before and couldn’t recall when these lamps were installed. They had been there since their first night together after the wedding.
Confounded by the intricacies of electrical wiring, she soon gave up her investigation.
The living room downstairs was quiet, the family at rest. Having delivered her package, Sarah tiptoed into the kitchen for some soup and carefully opened a door to a bedroom.
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Mary in bed snapped awake at the sound. Everyone moleen? she kuired her voice clear and sharp.
“All tucked in,” Sarah whispered, setting a tray on the bed and handing over a steaming soup. “Kept it warm for you, ma’am.”
Mary, who had appeared frail at dinner, sat up with vigor and sipped the fragrant broth.
“That daughter-in-law of mine, I can read her like a book,” she boasted. Lucky I’m quick on my feet!”
“You gave us quite the scare, Sarah remarked. ‘It sounds like Mr. Curtis and Leanne had
another tiff.”
“Over what this time?”
“I didn’t dare eavesdrop. No clue what set Mr. Curtis and Leanne off.”
“Do you know what’s driving their divorce?”
“I’m in the dark, too. Rumor has it that Mr. Curtis got a soft spot for that Ms. Wright from Emberland…”
Mary scoffed, “Pfft, what past could he have with Suzan? It’s all Jennifer’s doing. I never saw him take it to heart. That Wright girl, always causing drama, nothing compared to
Anne.”
“Could be idle gossip. We’ll never truly understand what goes on between Mr. Curtis and Leanne.”
“This family… I only step away for some time, and it’s like they’re falling apart,” Mary sighed. “I’ve been praying for peace between them, and look where
e we are.”
“Why not ask Mr. Nelson or Mr. Perez? They’re close to Mr. Curtis and might know something, Sarah suggested.
Mary nodded in agreement. “That Perez kid, always hanging around Curtis, might spill the beans. He’s gotta be in the know.”
Chapter 11
As Leanne descended the staircase that morning, Curtis and Philip were already seated in the dining room.
The family dining table had its unwritten rules. When the elders were present, everyone had their assigned spots. The brothers sat opposite each other, leaving Leanne no choice but to take her usual seat beside Curtis despite her reluctance to engage with him.
As she moved towards Curtis’ side, he looked up, his gaze cunningly scanning her before. he let out a scornful chuckle.
Phillip caught the sound and asked, “What’s with the sneer?”
Curtis lifted his coffee cup, his tone dry. “Why don’t you show me how to flash a warm smile, and I’ll learn.”
Phillip just shook his head.
Leanne knew the hidden meaning behind Curtis’ sarcastic laugh. She turned around. “I’ll go wake Mary for breakfast.”
After a while, Maddox and Jennifer joined them at the table. Leanne helped Mary to her seat at the head before sitting back down beside Curtis.
They were in the middle of breakfast when they saw Sarah emerge from a guest room on the first floor.
Mary looked puzzled. “Did we have visitors last night?”
Sarah answered with restrained politeness. “Last night, Mr. Curtis stayed in there.”
The cutlery clattered subtly around the table as Mary instantly turned to Curtis and Leanne. “Why on earth would you sleep in the guest room?”
Caught off guard and still holding her fork, Leanne was at a loss for words.
Curtis, unfazed, replied, “I got back late and didn’t want to disturb her.”
As he spoke, he nonchalantly served Leanne a bite of food, his lips forming a sweet smirk. “Darling, dig in.”
Leanne glared at the garlic on her plate. Thanks, but no thanks.
Perhaps feeling Curtis was overdoing the performance, Maddox cleared his throat. “Let’s just eat.”
After breakfast, Leanne said, “Mary, how about I take you to the hospital for another check-up? Tyler just returned to Stonebridge last week. I’ll schedule an appointment for you. He’s the best in the field for gastric issues and performed your surgery, after all.”
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Chap 1
Sarah looked uneasy. That was the last thing she w
out.
would come
Grandma was calm as ever. “Dear, Tyler knows my coin herche wete a sute would’ve been healed by now. This old body cant handle he sine anymore Going to the hospital is just suffering.”
The admission brought tears to Leanne’s eyes, which she hurriedly tried to hide
Curtis clicked his tongue and glanced at Mary. “Stop upsetting her
Mary quickly consoled Leanne. “Oh, my dear, no more tears I’m fine You’re my lucky star Just come by more often, and I’ll live another three years.”
Leanne’s heart ached. Then I’ll take the day off to stay with you.”
“You have healing hands that save lives. The hospital needs you, and patients are waiting Come back to me after your shift
“I’ll come back as soon as I can. If you feel unwell at all, you must tell me
“Now, off you go.” Mary pivoted towards Curtis. “You drop Anne off at work. Its super chilly out there. Don’t let her catch a cold.”
She even escorted Leanne to the door, watching her get into Curtis car and waiting until the vehicle was out of sight
Once out of Mary’s watchful eye, the pretense was no longer necessary.
Leanne said, ‘Just pull over and let me out.”
Curtis gave her a sidelong glance, a mocking curve on his lips. “What you want to ride with my big brother instead?”
Phillip’s car trailed behind them, leaving the house a bit le
Leanne couldn’t be bothered to argue. “Yes. His car smells better than yours!
Curtis’ face darkened, matching his black overcoat. With a forced laugh, he ordered Jake “Lock the car doors. You want to ride with him, but I won’t let you.”
How childish.
Leanne turned her gaze out the window, reminiscing about the ten years she spent growing up in the Richardson family. Besides Mary, only Phillip had been kind and gentle to her.
The Richardson family’s Christmas celebrations were always bustling with visitors making her birthday seem insignificant. No one seemed to care except for Phillip On Christmas Eve, he would quietly bring her a birthday cake, encouraging her to make a wish and wishing her happiness. It was a small gesture, but it was one of the few moments she cherished from childhood.
Chapter 112
Compared to Curtis, who thrived on ribbing her poking fun, and generally giving her a hard time, she naturally enjoyed spending time with Phillip, who was stable and gentlemanly. Her fondness for him did not stem from romantic feelings. After all, he was seven years her senior. When Leanne first arrived at the Richardson family as a child, he was already a grown man.
To Leanne, Phillip was a beacon of warmth and reliability, a figure of trust for a little orphan girl guided by her instinct to seek comfort and avoid harm.
If she had to marry into the Richardson family, Phillip was the safer bet than Curtis.
Looking back over the past three years, she thought events had proven her initial thought
correct.
All she wanted was to fulfill Mary’s wish by marrying into the Richardson family, quietly getting through three years, and then getting a divorce.
But Curtis insisted on meddling with her, seducing her, and then abandoning her.
If only it had been Phillip.
He was a good man. Even if he didn’t love her, he would at least respect her and not harm, her.
When news came that Mary was back in town but under the weather, the house was abuzz with visitors throughout the day.
The Perez family had also dropped by.
Mary mentioned over the phone, “I haven’t seen Devin in ages. I do miss him.”
When she came over, Brenda had dragged Devin out of bed by his ears, where he’d been sleeping off a night of shenanigans, and brought him straight to the Richardson family.
Finding himself half-asleep and Curtis nowhere to be found, Devin’s energy levels dropped even more. He slumped in the living room, listening to the elders chatting and yawning until he dozed off on the couch.
When he woke up, to his surprise, it was already afternoon, and his mother and
sister-in-law were gone.
“Damn,” Devin muttered in confusion, “Did my mom just ditch me?”
Mary sat across from him, looking gentle. “You’re family. Just make yourself at home. If
you’re tired, sleep. Curtis will be home soon. Here, have some fruits.”
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Sarah brought in a feast of snacks and drinks. Devin, wh
spent plenty of time with the Richardson family since little, felt right at home. Whatever Mary offered, he ate without hesitation.
While he was enjoying the food, Mary sighed sadly. “Curtis and Leanne have been arguing again. For the life of me, I don’t know what about. I’m old, and they don’t tell me anything, leaving me to worry.”
“They’re divorced now. Why bother about them?” Devin said, “Curtis has a crush on Suzan. Just let them get married.”
Mary looked at him, “Did Curtis tell you that?”
“Uh, um, isn’t it obvious?” To Devin, the fact that Curtis loves Suzan is as clear as day. But if you asked him if the grass had ever declared itself green, he’d be stumped.
“They’ve been dating for ages. Suzan went abroad for college, and Curtis waited years for her. If Leanne hadn’t come between them, they would’ve been married by now.”
“They broke up a long time ago.” Mary retorted,
Yeah, before the wedding.”
Mary sighed and realized that his connection to current events was slower than hers.
“They broke up when Suzan went to study abroad.” she said.
Devin
ack automatically, “Oh please, as if you’re such a know-it-all.”
ut to say sorry when Mary snapped, “I know my own family’s business, of can’t carry on this conversation with you. You’re a complete fool. You have no anding of what’s happening,” she said as she stood up, dismissing the idea of any information from him. “Useless. I could be offline for three years and still w more than you.”
Devin was left doubting the authenticity of his relationship with Curtis.
“No, seriously, how did I not know they split? Weren’t they in a good relationship? After the wedding, didn’t Curtis go to Emberland to see her, staying for over two years before he recently returned?”
“He went to Starlake City because of Bullion Boulevard, the world’s financial hub. It wasn’t because of Suzan.”
Mary’s face was stern, “Curtis is so accomplished, making his mark on the business. world and leaving others in the dust. How come all you can see is Suzan?”
Chapter 113
After a long shaft, Leanne teft the hospital to hid Curtis Bentley parked at the cum, Exer the respectful chauffeur, take opened the car door for her Leanne gland teet Curtis and quived an eyebrow “What brings you here? Mary at hover why the full act? Her words traded off as Curtle wordlessly flipped his phone Womend her
On the screen was Mary’s smiling face Yourdoft work now, dear We only night for m pick you up. Hurry home for dinner Eve made your favonte fried chicken Von Marys
Curtis was busy, often juggling multiple commitments. Yet, he had cleared his schedule early to spend more time with Mary, and his phone rang all the way home As the preced the house, seizing a rare moment of silence, 1 gonne turned to him, Havent you drafted that agreement yet?”
Without looking up from his phone, Cuntis voice was indifferent Mylawyer’s sick impot a slave driver expecting work from an ill man
Fine, fill draft it myself,” Leanne sand, cutting to the chase. W’s not that complicated
Curtis gave her a sidelong glance, and his tone linged with sarcasm, Dr Castillo, the woman of many talents”
What choice do I have? Beller to rely on myself than count on you” Leanne was all for efficiency
“Thave a meeting tomorrow, Guntis replied
“The day after?
Til be out of town”
“When will you be back?”
Leanne fromed Then I’ll sign the papers and send them to your office Sign them whenever you return Surely
Curtis’ expression darkened, and his enthusiason dampened He tossed his phone aside and leaned back into the seat Tet’s do it next Monday”
Upon arriving home, they entered the house, aging as if nothing was amiss in Mary’s presence
Leanne didn’t lock her door that night, worried about Mary noticing, but Curtis didn’t retum to sleep.
Once Curtis was away on business, Lomme fel more at peace, out of sight and out of
Chaple
mind. However, Mary was less than pleased, mandeering Leanne’s phone every evening to video call Curtis and insisting Leanne appnat on screen, tap
Caught in the middle of a dinner party, Curtis became the subject of light hearted teasing when his companions saw the caller ID. “Your wife checks in on you like clockwork, eh?”
With ambiguous intent, Curtis hummed, “That’s your great grandma for you
As soon as the call connected, Mary puckered her lips in displeasure. “Days have passed, and you’re still not back. What’s more important, your project or my old life?
“Take my life if it pleases you,” Curtis offered.
Recognizing Mary from a visit to the Richardson family, some acquaintances at the table sent their regards, which prompted a chorus of flattery from the others.
Amid the pandering voices, Curtis’ gaze settled on the reluctant Leanne, pushed into the frame. She wasn’t fond of socializing and edged away when she noticed the crowd on his end. Her face and most of her body were out of view, but her hands remained, tenderly massaging Mary’s legs, her fingers delicate, her wrists white.
Someone offered Curtis a cigarette, lighting it for him while commenting. That must be your wife, right? Even her hands are beautiful.”
Curtis’ eyelids flickered open as he said frostily, “Who gave you the permission to look?”
The man sheepishly backed off.
Curtis pocketed his phone and shooed away the sycophants.
“I’ll be back tomorrow.”
Leanne spent several days at the Richardson Manor, rushing over to keep Mary company after work and staying through the weekends.
Joy felt neglected and spoke her suspicions out, “Are you sure she’s not just putting on an act? Trying to keep you tied to the Richardson family?”
“Don’t be so cynical,” Leanne rebuked her.
“Fine, I’m cynical. But you’re making a fool of yourself!”
After ending the call, Leanne continued slicing fruit. Mary’s attempts to play matchmaker with her and Curtis were not subtle. Whether genuine or not, Mary’s failing health was a reality. Spending more days with Mary meant fewer regrets when Mary was no longer there.
Chapter 11.
Mary wanted some fruit yogurt, so Leanne picked up the nest strawberries.
After all, her hands were more accustomed to surgical precision than culinary flair. Her knife skills had advanced at breakneck speed despite her struggles with cooking
temperatures and seasonings.
With meticulous care, she sliced the strawberries into uniformly thin pieces as if she were in the lab rather than her kitchen.
“Why don’t you thread them into a string and knit a strawberry sweater while at it?” Curtis joked. His voice startled Leanne behind the kitchen, where he had been leaning unnoticed. Her hand jerked, and the knife nicked her finger.
She hissed in pain, raising her finger to see a small cut.
Curtis was at her side in an instant, grabbing her hand. “You need to be more careful.”
“It’s your fault for sneaking up on me,” Leanne retorted, trying to pull her hand away.
“Stay still,” Curtis insisted, holding her hand firmly and calling for the maid to fetch the first aid kit. “Mary insisted I watch over you. Even cutting fruit can be dangerous, it seems. Maybe she’s worried the strawberries will eat you.
“What guilty conscience have you so jumpy that my presence scares you?”
The family’s medicine box was with all kinds of medicines, and Curtis rummaged through
Leanne reached for the saline solution, but Curtis was quicker and cleaned her wound with it, followed by a swab of alcohol, and then wrapped it with several turns of gauze.
“Is that good enough?” he asked confidently. “My medical skills are leagues beyond your cooking.”
For such a minor cut, his fuss was over the top.
With her finger resembling a popsicle from the thick bandaging, Leanne unwrapped it herself. “A band-aid would have been enough.”
“You don’t appreciate kindness,” Curtis commented, eyeing the neatly sliced strawberries. “Did our family go bankrupt unbeknownst to me and now we’re on a strawberry ration?” “They’re not for you. I cut them for Mary,” Leanne said, carrying the prepared yogurt away.
At dinner, Leanne sat beside Curtis, but they avoided eye contact.
taway
Recently, Maddox and Phillip also made it a point to come home early if they weren’t too busy. The dinner table wasn’t bustling, but everyone ate quietly. However, Mary’s sharp eyes noticed the tension between Leanne and Curtis.
“Why the silence? Did you two argue again?” she glare Cus. “Did you bully Anne again?”
“Look at you taking sides. I just got home, and how could I have bullied Leanne?” Curtis defended himself. “Why not ask if she’s been bullying me?”
“If she’s bullying you, you probably deserve it!” Mary managed to say before she started to gasp for breath. Worried, Leanne quickly intervened, “We haven’t been fighting. We’re
fine.”
“Really?”
“Really,” affirmed Leanne, her face a picture of sincerity.
Mary seemed a bit skeptical and demanded proof. “Then stand together, hold hands, and look into each other’s eyes for a minute.”
“There’s no need for that…” Leanne wasn’t keen on playing staring games with Curtis.
But Mary wouldn’t have it. She got up, took them by the hands, and pulled them off their chairs, pushing them together, face to face.
Leanne’s entire body stiffened. She didn’t want to get any nearer to Curtis and promptly turned her face aside. “Mary, please…”
Equally uninterested, Curtis drawled, “We’re not kids to be playing this game. How childish.”
“There, you see, heh? You did argue!” Mary exclaimed.
Jennifer couldn’t help but interject, “You should leave the young people’s business to them.”
“I see you don’t want them to be happy!” Mary accused.
Jennifer was stuck with the blame and had no way to argue back.
Holding her chest, Mary sighed dramatically. “I’m old and have lived my life. The only thing I can’t rest easy about is you two. If you don’t get on well, I won’t be at peace even after I’m gone…” Her words were punctuated by a few weak coughs.
Leanne couldn’t stand to hear such talk. “Please don’t say that.”
Mary could indeed be dramatic. Resigned, Curtis compromised, “Fine, we’re good, okay?”
Then he looked down at Leanne, who was still resistant. “You better cooperate, or she’ll
start her death scene.”
Leanne was speechless.
Chapter 11
Leanne was baffled by the sudden attention thrust upon her, like being singled out by a teacher during class, with all eyes fixated on her, particularly being urged to lock eyes with Curtis.
Eye contact? Serious? In front of a bunch of elders, no less.
And Mary had instigated this nonsense. She had no choice but to comply, biting her lip and turning her head his way.
But she still didn’t want to look at Curtis, fixating instead on the dark pattern of his tie.
Curtis lowered his eyes to her, while Leanne’s expression was tight, stubborn as a mule, staring at his chest but avoiding his gaze.
Looking rather gloomy at the scene, Mary asked, “Anne, why won’t you look into his eyes?” Leanne sighed internally, her gaze reluctantly lifting to meet Curtis’ downturned eyes.
Their gazes locked, unobstructed, at an intimate distance.
Curtis watched her silently, his expression unusually earnest.
Leanne’s eyes were stunning, akin to two shimmering pearls, glowing with a serene light, radiating a calm strength.
When she smiled, her eyes sparkled brilliantly as if the entire universe’s stars were within
them.
Looking directly into someone’s eyes was a vulnerable act, magnetic fields intertwined, tendrils pulled, sparking endless chemical reactions every second.
The surroundings fell silent. All noise vanished as if the bickering and hostility dissipated
at that moment.
Nothing else mattered but the person before them.
Slowly, a subtle ripple began to stir in Curtis’ heart.
Maddox and Phillip were watching, and Leanne couldn’t feel more embarrassed.
She pursed her lips, counting down the seconds, eager to endure this minute and be done
with it.
Curtis’ lips curved into a more pronounced smile, his breath brushing lightly against Leanne’s nose at twenty-nine seconds.
“What are you laughing at?” she asked, bewildered.
“If I feel like laughing, I laugh,” Curtis replied, unable to explain why he found it impossible
to suppress his mirth looking at her.
His eyes shimmered with amusement as gentle ripples spread out, he is because you have a funny face.”
What the hell?
Leanne didn’t want to entertain him, but their steady gaze made her acutely aware of the shifts in his expression.
It was like strings of cheese stretching, sticky and tender, suggesting gentleness as if enveloped in his deep affection,
Leanne felt his gaze on her, causing her long eyelashes to tremble involuntarily.
However, she knew those eyes that gazed at her with such depth were equally adept at deceit.
She reminded herself not to fall for it again. Because he could look at a dog with the same affectionate gaze.
Maddox, a corporate titan, couldn’t fathom why he was there witnessing his son and former daughter-in-law engage in such an affectionate staring contest, worrying it might
in such an affectionate staring contest, reflect some bizarre personal interest.
He cleared his throat, ready to suggest they stop and join dinner, but Mary glared at him.
“Keep it down! Don’t disturb them!”
Maddox was speechless.
There was no denying Mary’s tactic was effective. Curtis’ irritation had melted away, like chocolate, gooey and soft.
He wrapped his arm around Leanne’s waist, pulling her into his embrace.
Despite knowing he was in a no-win situation, he cast all thoughts aside.
All he wanted was to kiss her and nothing else seemed to matter.
Mary smirked, thinking her scheme worked.
Holding Leanne’s slender waist, Curtis felt Adam’s apple bob, his nose grazing hers, ready Leto kiss.
As he leaned in, Leanne turned her face away.
“A minute’s up.” she stopped him.
Curtis froze.
Leanne stepped back from his embrace, his face losing the tender smile as her movement broke the connection.
સ કરવા ક
Chapter 116
The cigarette hung lazily between his lips, burning on its own as he sat motionless, half-squinting into the night.
Footsteps approached, and Phillip set a bottle of bourbon and two glasses on the glass coffee table, sitting beside him and saying, “Not hitting the sack? What’s on your mind, sitting out here all alone?”
Curtis gazed at the deep blue of the night sky, taking his time before he spoke, “You know, Phillip, sometimes, I envy you.”
“What’s there to envy?” Phillip asked.
“Since childhood, you got it all. You were Mom and Dad’s favorites, received all the respect, and everything our family had to offer. Curtis continued, “The whole world. seems to be yours.”
Phillip’s face showed no surprise as if he’d known all along, and he said, “Curtis, you have no idea how much I envy your freedom.”
With a self-mocking smile, Curtis lounged back in the wicker chair. “Everything a person gets comes with a hidden price tag. You envy my freedom because I don’t have to attend the classes an heir must, and I don’t need to master the skills you’ve learned since childhood. It’s not a privilege, Phillip. It’s because I was denied that right.”
“So, heading off to Emberland was about proving to Mom and Dad that you could make
yourself without the Richardson name?”
som
Curtis removed the cigarette from his lips, flicking away the ash, his eyelids. Cealing his gaze. “I wanted to prove I’m no less than you.”
was silent for a moment. “Curtis, you don’t need to prove anything.”
ah.” Curtis laughed lightly, a cryptic shade to his amusement. He took a drag from his. cigarette, his tone growing indifferent. “Turns out, proving it doesn’t make a difference.”
After her shower, Leanne reached for a towel only to find the rack in the bathroom empty.
The Richardson family staff, seasoned with years of service, wouldn’t make such an oversight.
Even if they forgot to restock, the spares should still be there. They were just yesterday.
She couldn’t help but suspect it was Mary’s doing, purposely leaving her without a towel, forcing her to call for help from Curtis.
OTL
Though clever, she probably didn’t know that Curtis usually didn’t sleep in this room, making her scheme futile.
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Chapter 116
Yet, even with no one around, it took courage to ventu
Damping all over, Leanne cautiously stepped out of the bathroom, tipto came close for a spare towel
As she opened the cabinet and reached up, the door swung open, and Curtis came in, his stride halting when his eyes landed on her.
At that moment, Leanne’s mind fizzled, frozen. Her arm still lifted in mid reach, wet locks cascaded down her shoulders, water streaming down her dazed face, over her elegant neck and delicate collarbone, meandering past her curves to the soft expanse of her waist.
There wasn’t a single flaw on her, from the full curves of her hips down to her well-proportioned legs, so straight and long.
Curtis snapped back from the vivid scene in seconds, or maybe less. He raised an eyebrow.
“I should’ve known Grandma snatched my liquor to send me up here, but I didn’t expect such a grand surprise.”
In a panic, Leanne yanked a piece of cloth from the closet. She didn’t know what it was, wrapping it hastily around herself.
Her lips pressed together, then she said, “There are no towels in the bathroom.”
“I noticed.” Curtis remained, blatantly admiring her with no intention to look away. “Grandma’s quite the strategist.”
With him not moving and Leanne unable to dress before him, her skin burned with irritation under his gaze.
“Have you seen enough?”
“If you ask like that, obviously not.” His eyes casually roamed over her as he continued, “What a dilemma. I’m beginning to regret the thought of divorcing you.”
Chapter 117
With her hands tightly clenched, Leanne’s face flushed and set her cheeks ablaze, not from embarrassment, but from a potent mix of rage and humiliation.
“What do you mean by that?” she asked.
What did he mean? Maybe it was the alcohol speaking, letting the inner truths slip out.
Her reaction was as if she had been dealt a terrible insult, a tiny needle pricking at Curtis’
nerves.
Frustration and anger battered Curtis’ ego like a chaotic drumbeat, and he was simultaneously lucid and muddled as a smug smile curled at the corner of his lips.
“What else could I mean?”
He took strides toward Leanne, each lax step heavy with an air of aggression.
He cornered her, leaving no escape.
“What are you doing?” She tried to sidle past him, but Curtis pulled her back, pinning her against the cabinet.
The piece of cloth she was holding barely covered her, leaving her exposed, and Curtis’ fingertips brushed her back.
At first, it was unintentional, but having touched her, he found himself caressing her
mooth, silky skin a few times, which was slightly damp.
The air was thick with her scent, moist and lively as it invaded his nostrils.
Curtis’ breathing grew heavier.
Damn it, he didn’t want to let go.
His gaze dropped, deep and unfathomable, while his tone was decidedly flippant, like some rogue playboy who was too used to getting his way.
“Leanne, why don’t you stick with me for a few more years? Whatever Phillip’s got, I’ve got too. Everything he knows, I know. I can give you anything you want…”
His words were cut short by a resounding slap that turned his face to the side.
Leanne’s entire palm tingled with the force of her strike, “Curtis, you absolute jerk.”
Her voice trembled, as did her entire body, quivering with indignation and sorrow.
“All I want is a bit of respect, to be treated like a person, not some toy for you to play with until you get bored.”
Curtis remained in that turned position, silent and still for a long time.
Chapter 117.
That slap seemed to have drained all of Leanne’s
What kind of person had she fallen for? Now sh
It was pitiful that she had ever loved such a man.
he finderstood him less and less.
“You could have any kind of woman you want it one enough, find two or three, play to your heart’s content. There are plenty prettier than me and always up for a laugh, ready to keep you amused. Just let me go,” Leanne said, exhausted. I’m begging you, let me go
After a moment, Curtis chuckled softly, a sound that was almost a laugh but not quite, his eyes hiding an unreadable emotion.
He straightened his clothes, regaining the poise of a gentleman, and offered a nonchalant apology, “Sorry, I’ve had too much to drink. Forget I said anything.”
Leanne watched him, still guarded.
Curtis took a half step back, hands in pockets, composed, his gaze sober, as if he had never been drunk at all.
“You can go. I’ll talk to my grandma. She’s not sick, just faking it. She had fast food delivered just before.”
Leanne grabbed some clothes from the wardrobe, changed in the bathroom, and then stuffed all her belongings into her bag in a rush.
Curtis was still standing there, though at some point he had turned to face her.
He leaned against the door, silently watching her pack, seemingly lost in thought, his. focus elsewhere.
“See you at the city hall tomorrow,” Leanne said.
He replied, “Okay.”
Leanne went downstairs to Mary’s room, knocked, and as she turned the doorknob, she caught Sarah frantically trying to hide a bucket of fried chicken in the bedside drawer.
Sarah’s movements froze under Leanne’s gaze, and the air hung with an awkward silence
for a moment.
Mary on the bed looked as if she might breathe her last any second, “In this lifetime, I wonder how many more KFC meals I’ll get to enjoy.”
hapter 118
Leanne didn’t cause a scene or demand to know why try was fegning itness, and she simply said, “If you’ve got a hankering, have a little taste, but don’t overdo it you’ve got to keep tabs on your own health.”
Hearing the edge in Leanne’s voice and noticing the bag in her hand, Mary’s anxiety flared, and she sat up with a jolt.
“Where are you off to with that bag? Are you leaving?”
“Did you already find out about my divorce from Curtis?” Leanne asked.
Unable to keep up the act any longer, Mary throw off the covers, determined to get out of bed, “Everything was fine before, why the divorce? Did that rascal upset you again? I swear I’ll wallop him.”
Leanne stopped Mary, who was all set to go and give Curtis a piece of her mind.
“We were never fine. He never loved me, and I don’t love him anymore. The marriage was for you, we agreed on three years. Now that you’re in good health, there’s no need to force it any longer.”
“Who says he doesn’t love you? Don’t listen to gossip. I know Curtis.”
Leanne interjected, “He told me himself.”
“What?” Mary nearly ran out of breath in shock
Leanne helped her back to bed, urging her to lie down.
After sitting beside the bed for a moment, Leanne spoke softly, “Grandma, these past. three years have been really tough, not a shred of happiness. Please, don’t force me to stay in this.”
Mary’s eyes reddened with sorrow as she looked at Leanne’s calm demeanor, “How did it
come to this.”
Leanne offered a reassuring smile and tried to lighten the mood, “Even though I’m divorced and technically not a Richardson anymore, you’re still family to me. I’ll swing by often, and if you ever miss me, just give me a call. Our bond won’t change because of them.”
After tucking the blankets around Mary, Leanne picked up her bag and stood up.
Mary insisted on seeing her out, so Leanne helped her into a warm coat.
Jake was already waiting in the yard, the car warmed up and cozy.
Mary walked Leanne to the car, reminding Jake to ensure she got home safely before returning.
Chapter 118
Holding onto Leanne’s hand, Mary rambled on with
say, finally letting go reluctantly.
“Call me when you get home, just to let me know you’re sole
With a forced smile, Leanne replied, “I will, Grandma.
nothing left to
As the car left the yard and Mary’s expectant figure disappeared from the rearview mirror, Leanne could no longer hold back her tears.
She bent over, covering her eyes as tears brimmed and spilled through her fingers.
Her muffled sobs eventually caught Jake’s attention, and he glanced back several times.
As a driver, he wasn’t supposed to comment on his employer’s private matters, but Leanne was barely older than his own daughter. Seeing her cry in silence moved him deeply.
“Actually, Mr. Curtis does care about you,” Jake said gently.
Leanne pressed her sleeve to her eyes, calming her emotions, “Jake, you’re the only one in the whole world who would say that.”
Jake sighed silently.
He couldn’t fathom how things between them had gone so wrong. They seemed so in love at the beginning, clearly caring for each other.
He remembered the last time Leanne got drunk at a bar and how Curtis carried her home, cradling her in his lap the whole way.
Leanne, unconscious from the alcohol, was helpless as Curtis played with her nose, rubbed her cheeks, and spoke to her as she lay in his arms,
“Sleeping like the dead. I should just sell you off.”
“Leanne, if I sold you, could you find your way back home?”
Then, changing his mind, he kissed her and said, “Never mind, I won’t sell you. You’re too
clueless, and I’m afraid you won’t be able to find your way back.”
Chapter 11
As Curtis descended the staircase, Mary sat firmly trenched in the living room armchair, cane in hand, her presence as formidable as a judge awaiting the start of a trial.
The moment she caught sight of him, she barked, “You rascal, get over here.”
Curtis, looking like he’d barely slept, with bags under his eyes, took a gulp of his black coffee and replied, “What now, Your Majesty?”
Mary’s face was a picture of fury as she interrogated him, “Tell me, is it Anne or that Suzan you’re truly smitten with?”
“Still gossiping at your age,” Curtis muttered, his attention elsewhere.
Her temper flared, “Don’t you get smart with me. What promises did you make to me, huh? And what have you done instead? Look at the state you’ve left our Anne in.”
“I’m not having it. You better clean break it with Suzan and go apologize to Anne.”
“Isn’t the house chaotic enough for you?” Curtis downed the remaining half-cup of coffee as if it were poison he’d grown immune to, shrugged on his suit jacket, and headed for the door. “Mind your own business from now on.”
Incensed, Mary threw the teacup from the coffee table at him.
Curtis didn’t bother to dodge. Unfortunately for her, her aim was off, and the cup sailed passed him, leaving only a few droplets to stain his crisp new suit.
Curtis clicked his tongue in annoyance.
Always one for impeccable presentation, today he couldn’t be bothered to change into a fresh suit. Grabbing a towel offered by the maid, he wiped at the spot carelessly before tossing it aside.
“Trying to be a sharpshooter with those old eyes? Maybe I should stand closer to make it easier for you.”
That only fueled Mary’s rage, and she shot up, brandishing her cane, “I’ll knock some sense into you, you little brat.”
“You can curse me all you want, just don’t insult yourself,” Curtis caught the cane effortlessly, guiding her back down onto the sofa, “Worry less, eat well, sleep tight, and aim for 120 years old, that’s all you need. As for everything else, just let it roll off.”
He bent down and planted a kiss on her white hair, “Be good.”
Mary was left fuming and speechless, her anger lodged in her throat, unable to erupt.
The Bentley had been parked across from the city hall for nearly half an hour when Jake glanced in the rearview mirror at Curtis in the back seat. Curtis sat with his legs crossed,
Chapter 119
looking through the glass at the opposite side, moti
Leanne stood at the entrance of the city hall, clad in tousled by the wind.
The pea coat, her long hair
She checked her watch repeatedly, her frown deepening with each glance.
Jake tentatively broke the silence, “Mr. Curtis, aren’t we going over? Mrs. Richardson seems quite anxious.”
As if not hearing him, Curtis remained still until he saw Leanne blowing warmth onto her hands.
Finally, he moved, opening the door and stepping out.
It was five minutes past the agreed-upon time of 9,00 AM.
It seemed that even for divorce, he couldn’t manage to be on time.
Leanne dialed Curtis’ number. After two rings, he picked up. “Can’t you ever be on time?” she asked.
Background traffic noise filled the air as Curtis voice came through nonchalantly, “What’s the rush? What’s a couple of minutes delay going to cost you?”
Worried he might pull some stunt, Leanne frowned, “I lose two minutes.”
“Dr. Castillo’s time is indeed precious,” Curtis chuckled, “So what should we do? Maybe I’ll stand at the entrance and wait for two minutes, even it out for you, how’s that?”
Typical Curtis logic.
By that time, Leanne had sensed his presence and turned to look down the sidewalk.
Bare trees lined the path, and Curtis approached, his tall figure swathed in a black coat, a stark contrast to the bleak winter backdrop.
He ended the call and crossed the street toward her.
As he drew near, Leanne pocketed her phone and turned, “Let’s go inside.”
Inside the city hall, Leanne scanned the agreement, signing her name at the bottom
without a moment’s hesitation.
Curtis watched her the whole time and spoke only after she
was done.
“Aren’t you going to read it over? Aren’t you worried I might’ve set a trap for you?”
“You’ve been quite generous, haven’t you? Giving me the Crystal Cove Villas, and the settlement is double what we agreed upon.”
Leanne slid the agreement across the table.
Curtis watched her for a moment, then without further ado, he signed his name.
Chapter 119
They had three copies of the agreement, and one was filed with the city hall.
The clerk asked them several procedural questions, most of which Leanne answered. Curtis didn’t say much but cooperated when needed.
After submitting their paperwork, the clerk informed them, “There’s a 30-day cooling-off period. After that, you have 30 days to apply for the divorce certificate. If you don’t come within that period, it’s automatically considered a withdrawal of the divorce application.”
Stepping out of the city hall, Curtis offered, “I’ll drive you.”
“No need,” Leanne replied, “I’ve already called a cab.”
She began to walk away, but Curtis called out her name from behind. “Leanne.”
She turned back to face him.
Chapter 120
Standing on the steps, Curtis’ gaze lingered on her with a distant intensity.
After a few seconds, Leanne spoke up, “If you’ve got nothing to say, I’m outta here.
Tve gotta head out of the country for a few days, Curtis said, “When you get some free time, have Caleb assist you with transferring the title.”
“Got it.”
As Leanne walked toward the curb, Curtis called out to her again.
“What now?” Leanne asked, barely hiding her irritation.
In his unhurried way, he said, “Don’t forget to pick up the divorce papers when it’s time. Don’t go playing hooky on me.”
“Don’t worry,” she shot back, “You can bet your bottom dollar on that.”
The Uber arrived right on cue. Leanne pulled open the door and was about to get
Leanne.” he called out again.
in
She turned her head, her patience wearing thin, “Can’t you just spit it all out at on…”
Curtis closed the distance between them silently and unexpectedly. She was completely unprepared, her head just turning back to face him when his palm cupped her cheek.
The tail end of her words was cut off by his kiss, sudden and silencing.
Leanne’s eyes went wide.
She could see his raven-black lashes and tightly shut eyes from this intimate distance.
The cool warmth of his lips, the heat of his breath.
The kiss began without warning and ended just as abruptly, a fleeting bloom that lingered for a mere moment on her lips, too swift to catch.
Maybe a second, at most.
Before she could even think to push him away, Curtis had already let her go.
Without a word, without an explanation, without giving her the chance to lash out, he turned and strode away.
Leanne stood there, stunned, watching his retreating figure grow smaller and smaller.
It was like being nipped by a dog that bolted out of nowhere, leaving her confused and oddly empty.
By the time she got to her office, there was a massive bouquet of roses on her desk, their
Chapter 120
deep red petals exuding an intoxicating fragrance.
Her colleagues cooed and teased, “Dr. Castillo, who’s got the hots for you?”
“Just divorced and you’ve already got admirers? Dr. Castillo, you’re certainly in hot demand.”
“By the way, how’d the paperwork go this morning? The new policy is such a pain for us ladies, with that mandatory cooling-off period. Did you hear about that case where some guy changed his mind during it and stabbed his ex? She ended up in critical condition…”
Before the details got too morbid, another colleague cut in, “Hey, could you not jinx things?”
“It’s all good,” Leanne said with a smile, “Went pretty smoothly.”
She picked up the bouquet, looking for a card.
Truth be told, suitors weren’t exactly lining up at her door.
She wasn’t into socializing much, and the guys who did come around never seemed to think she was anything special.
It wasn’t until senior year of high school that a classmate, who often competed with her in English contests, confessed his feelings.
They were kept back by the teacher one day to talk about the competition. It got late, and he walked her home.
Approaching the Richardson family’s alley, he suddenly grabbed her hand.
Leanne was startled to find his palm sweaty with nerves.
He babbled on, but she hardly heard a word, maybe because it was getting dark and his touch was uninvited. She felt uneasy.
Then she spotted Curtis in the distance, wrapped in Suzan’s arms under a streetlamp.
Fearing Curtis would tattle about her supposed early romance and earn her another. scolding, she pulled away and hurried off.
After that, maybe out of embarrassment from being rejected, the classmate never spoke to her again.
Jeremy was the only new guy she’d been in contact with lately, so by process of elimination, Leanne assumed the flowers were from him. It was a bit awkward, and she wasn’t interested in heading down that road.
After some thought, she texted Jeremy over lunch.
“I got the flowers, thanks. But maybe don’t send any more.”
Jeremy’s response came quickly. “I didn’t send flowers.”
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Chapte: 120
Taken aback, Leanne quickly apologized, but before she could finish typing, Jerern what seemed like an internal struggle, sent another message, “But I can.”
Cringing inside, Leanne replied, “Didn’t mean it that way. I messed up, must have mixed it up with someone else. My bad, just ignore me.
Jeremy, probably as bewildered as she was, simply sent back a “Sure”.
Leanne could’ve kicked herself. She lifted the bouquet from where she’d stashed it under her desk, searching for a hidden card.
“How odd!” she muttered, finding nothing. Who would send flowers and not leave a name? It wasn’t like she could post a query on Twitter, asking who sent them. That’d be
embarrassing.
Just then, Donna walked in, “Hey, who sent you those gorgeous flowers? Why doesn’t anyone send me any?”
Leanne was still figuring out what to do with the flowerless vase, contemplating the waste. of tossing them out.
“Do you want them?” she offered.
“Really? You’d give them to me?” Donna was overjoyed, taking the bouquet and deeply inhaling its scent, “I just love flowers.”