Ervin had been unusually quiet the entire morning. He wanted to ask Leigh about her recent conversation with Grandpa—what they talked about, what was said—but he just couldn't bring himself to do it. It was as if something about it frightened him, though he couldn't explain why. Maybe it was the possibility that Grandpa saw something in Leigh that he himself didn't. Or maybe he just didn't want to admit that Leigh's presence in his life was starting to affect him more than he allowed.
But Leigh, too, remained silent. She never brought it up, never gave even a hint of what was discussed between her and the old man. She continued moving through the house like a shadow—quiet, gentle, almost invisible.
As usual, Ervin stayed cold and distant. He kept his words short, his glances even shorter, and never lingered long in the same room as her. Leigh had grown used to it by now, but that didn't make it hurt any less.
That afternoon, the heavy silence in the house was broken when Gabriel arrived.
"Cousin," Gabriel greeted warmly as he stepped into the study where Ervin sat behind his desk. "Hope I'm not interrupting."
"You're always welcome," Ervin said with a rare hint of a smile. "Sit."
Gabriel placed a thick brown envelope on the table between them. "Renovation updates," he said. "We're finally moving forward."
Ervin opened the folder and began scanning the documents. Inside were blueprints, contractor proposals, and structural reports for several company properties.
"We're starting with the oldest facilities," Gabriel explained. "Upgrading the structure, modernizing the systems... but keeping the classic look intact."
Ervin nodded slightly. "Good. It's time."
"Exactly," Gabriel agreed. "But here's the issue—we need additional funding to finish on time. And you know who still has control over that."
Ervin sighed, his fingers tightening slightly over the edge of the blueprints. "Grandpa."
Gabriel gave a sympathetic shrug. "You're the CEO in name, but he still pulls the strings."
Ervin didn't respond. He hated how true that was.
"And there's the 50th anniversary coming up," Gabriel added, shifting the topic. "The board wants something big. Public. Loud. Flashy."
Ervin leaned back. "I'll handle it."
"You'll have to charm the press, impress investors, smile like you mean it…" Gabriel teased with a grin, then added more seriously, "Are you going to introduce your wife at the event?"
Ervin looked away. "No."
Gabriel didn't push. He had always known Ervin to be guarded, stubborn, and emotionally walled-off. But still, he felt a flicker of sadness for Leigh. She was kind, soft-spoken, and never demanded attention. And yet, she was being hidden.
"I understand," Gabriel said quietly, not wanting to argue.
Later, as he was leaving, Gabriel passed through the garden and saw Leigh kneeling beside a flowerbed, gently gathering fresh blooms. Her hands were careful, almost reverent, as if the flowers were fragile pieces of her soul.
He walked over, his steps light. "Picking flowers?" he asked gently.
Leigh turned and smiled faintly. "Just for the vases inside. It helps brighten the rooms."
"They're beautiful," Gabriel said sincerely. "You have a calm presence… It's nice."
She gave a small nod and continued her task. Surprisingly, she didn't seem uncomfortable around him.
"I hope we can talk more next time," Gabriel said kindly. "You're easy to be around."
Leigh glanced up at him, her expression unreadable, but there was a trace of warmth in her eyes. "Thank you."
Gabriel smiled and stepped away, leaving her in the garden, wondering why someone like her seemed so lonely in such a grand house.
When Leigh finally returned inside, the flowers in her hands, she nearly bumped into Ervin in the hallway. Their eyes met briefly, both unsure of what to say.
She stepped aside silently, planning to go straight to the kitchen. But just as she passed him, Ervin spoke.
"There's an event coming up," he said without emotion. "The company anniversary. You'll attend... but stay out of the spotlight. Be invisible."
Leigh stood still.
She didn't turn around. She didn't ask why. She already knew.
He didn't want to acknowledge her in front of others. Not as his wife. Not as someone he chose. Maybe because she didn't finish school. Maybe because she came from nowhere. Maybe because she wasn't what the world expected of a Montemayor wife.
Slowly, she turned to face him—not with defiance, but with pain in her eyes.
"Is that all I am to you?" she asked softly, voice trembling. "Something to hide?"
Ervin didn't answer.
A tear slipped down her cheek.
Then another.
And another.
Right there in front of him.
Her chest tightened as she fought the sob rising in her throat. But she didn't look away. Not this time.
"I'm tired of pretending I don't care," she whispered. "But I do."
For a moment, Ervin's expression flickered—something unreadable passing through his eyes.
But instead of reaching for her, instead of saying anything...
He turned.
And walked away.
Leigh stood frozen, tears falling freely now, alone in the hallway with only fading footsteps to accompany the sound of her breaking heart.