"Ahem." I cleared my throat, trying to shake off the heavy awkwardness in the air. Alicia… I'm not someone who says sorry easily, but I hope you're okay. I mean, Mom was pretty harsh with you, so…"
"It's fine. Really, I'm okay. No damage done." Her voice was calm, but distant. "You look good." A small smirk tugged at her lips.
Are you flirting with me?" she asked, raising a perfectly arched brow.
And there she went again with that sharp tongue of hers. Unbelievable. "I care less," I muttered, looking away. But then something in me snapped. I walked straight up to her, closing the space between us. My arms moved on instinct, wrapping around her body, caging her in.
"What the—Leo! Let me go!" she struggled, her voice rising in protest. "I hate it when you ignore me… or walk out on me like I don't exist," I growled. "Show me some damn respect, woman." "Don't you dare kiss me," she snapped, eyes blazing.
But I didn't listen. I rolled my eyes and leaned in anyway, diving my tongue into her mouth without warning. "Mmm… Leo—hmm…" she gasped, trying to resist, but I held her tighter.
My hand reached up, grabbing a handful of her hair. I tilted her head back slightly and deepened the kiss, taking full control. It was slow… intense… sensual. The kind of kiss that left no room for doubt.
When we finally pulled apart, breathless, Alicia clutched my shirt like it was the only thing keeping her grounded. She caught her breath, then glared at me like a thunderstorm ready to strike. "What in the world is wrong with you?! What do you take me for? Do you honestly think I'm one of your street whores?!"
"What?!" I barked. "You called yourself that, not me. And for your information you're my wife. I can do whatever I damn well please with you." "Are you drunk, Leo? Did you forget the terms of our deal?" I didn't forget anything. But let's face the truth, Alicia you and I both know you'd never want to return to that old, miserable life of yours."
"Of course I wouldn't," she snapped. "But that doesn't mean I want to spend the rest of my life with you. "Sure. Keep telling yourself that." I shrugged. She narrowed her eyes. "Well, I'm leaving for Spain tonight."
That got her attention. "Spain?" I repeated, my voice low. He nodded, arms crossed. "Yes. Why? Is there a problem?"
I tilted my head slightly. "No… it's just—there's something about that country. I don't know what it is, but…" She shook her head. "Ah well." "So… you're here to pack, right?"
"No need," I replied coolly. "I've got clothes in every mansion I own around the world."
"Wow. That's… superb," she muttered sarcastically. I pulled a white credit card from my wallet and handed it to her. "Here. Use this while I'm away. There's a brand-new iPhone in your section of the closet in the wooden locker. It's yours. My contact is already saved on it."
"Thanks, Leo," she said, her voice softer now.
I gave a slight nod. "Don't burn the house down."
It was time.
My least favorite moment of any trip: the dramatic family farewell. But if I left without a proper goodbye, my mother would rain hellfire. So here I was in the living room surrounded by teary-eyed faces.
"Oww, brother… I'm going to miss you!" Alice pouted, throwing herself into my arms.
"I'm going to miss you too," I murmured as I hugged her tightly. "I'll be watching over you from afar. Always stay close to your bodyguards, and more importantly take your studies seriously."
"I will, Leo…" she sniffled, stepping back and wiping her tears. "Why are you crying?" I teased, trying to lighten the mood. "I thought the princess of this family didn't cry." "Yeah, yeah, I know." She rolled her eyes. "I forgot. But look—" she dramatically wiped her face. "See? No tears. Happy?"
"Much better." I smiled, brushing her cheek lightly. Then I turned to my mother. She stood quietly, her face unreadable, but I saw the sadness in her eyes. "Mother," I said gently, "Please… spare me one of your beautiful smiles." Leo…" she sighed. "I'm still mad at you. But it doesn't mean I hate you. It's just that—"
"I know," I interrupted. "I disappointed you. I didn't bring home the ideal daughter-in-law. I didn't give you the chance to choose the perfect woman for your son like you always dreamed." I stepped closer. "But please, just this once… accept things as they are. For my sake." She looked at me for a long moment… then finally nodded. "I will try. Just for you."
I smiled and pulled her into a hug.
"I'll miss you, Mom."