Veronica's POV
I knew Obsidian Base Fortress's terrifying reputation all too well. That wasn't somewhere Leonardo could handle on his own.
Anxiety clawed at me. The idea of him venturing there alone was unbearable.
"Leonardo, I'm going with you!" I declared, worry etched across my face.
My reaction seemed to touch something deep in him. I could see he felt my concern, my care for him.
"You can't, Veronica. The children need you here. Stay and look after them."
Before I could protest, he pulled me into a fierce kiss—demanding, possessive, yet all too brief. Breaking away, he gazed into my eyes and murmured, "Wait for me."
I opened my mouth to speak, but he'd already turned and walked away.
I hurried to the hallway, watching him descend the stairs and stride out of Nelson Manor.
His silhouette remained steady, determined.
Something inside me felt torn away. Panic hit me like a wave.
Leonardo... you have to return to me.
——
