The next morning, Leo woke up with a pounding headache. As soon as he opened his eyes, he realized he was in an unfamiliar place. For a moment, he couldn't understand how he had ended up there at all. He looked around in confusion, trying to recall the events of the previous night.
Had that girl slipped something into his drink?
Was that why he had passed out and ended up here?
No matter how hard he tried, his memories remained blurred.
Just then, he heard footsteps approaching. When he looked toward the door, he saw Aurelia walking in. She was wearing a soft pink gown, her hair tied neatly into a braid. She placed a glass of water on the table and asked calmly,
"You've been here before. Do you remember?"
"So this is your house?" Leo exhaled in relief. "I'm sorry I caused you trouble."
With that, Leo stood up, ready to leave.
"At least drink some water," Aurelia said, then walked into the other room.
That room held a grand piano. Aurelia sat down in front of it and began playing an unfamiliar melody—soft, delicate, almost haunting. *(piano music plays)* It felt like a tune from her upcoming album.
Leo finished the water and prepared to leave, when Aurelia spoke without turning around,
"If you step out right now, the media will spot you downstairs. By tomorrow morning, our marriage will be splashed across the newspapers."
Leo quietly sat back down on the sofa.
At the same time, Aurelia's assistant Lucy took a seat beside him.
"Can I light a cigarette here?" Leo asked.
Aurelia didn't answer. She continued playing the piano, the same soft melody flowing through the room. Leo lit a cigarette. Between the music and the smoke curling through the air, his headache slowly faded away.
After finishing the tune, Aurelia stood and asked,
"Have you been discharged from the army?"
"In a way… yes," Leo replied. "I'll be working here now. But don't worry—I won't trouble you at all. We'll live just like we always have… like strangers."
"There's no need to say that," Aurelia replied. "I know you won't go back on your word. So what will you do here now?"
"My senior officer arranged something for me. I'll start with small police assignments, but I will return to the army someday."
Aurelia nodded and returned to reading the script of her upcoming film.
Leo knew she didn't even want to look at his face. Neither of them had wanted this marriage. Because of it, Aurelia had been forced to leave her dreams behind and move here—to become Leo's wife.
"I tried explaining things to your father many times, but he wouldn't listen," Leo said quietly.
"I'm truly sorry you had to marry me. But don't worry—I'll never interfere in your life. Even if you choose to marry someone else in the future, I won't stand in your way. If news of our marriage ever gets out, your career could be ruined. Give me some time—I'll talk to your father about a divorce."
Aurelia didn't respond. Her eyes remained fixed on the script.
Lucy, sitting nearby, couldn't understand how someone like Aurelia could be married to a man like Leo. She had always imagined Aurelia with a powerful billionaire—not a police officer.
Suspicion settled in Lucy's mind. Leo felt like a risk to Aurelia's career.
She placed a copy of an agreement on the table in front of Leo.
"What's this?" Leo asked.
Lucy glanced at Aurelia.
"Mam, your lawyer sent this."
Aurelia's expression instantly hardened.
"Sir, I know you wouldn't do anything wrong," Lucy said carefully, "but we can't take any risks with Mam's career. This agreement states that you cannot reveal your relationship with Aurelia Mam to anyone. It also ensures that you won't interfere in her personal or professional life."
"Lucy!" Aurelia shouted angrily.
"Mam, I have no other choice," Lucy insisted.
"You are the company's number-one star right now. If news of your marriage leaks, your career could be over. This age, this time—it won't come back. You can't afford any risks."
Leo laughed softly.
"There's no need for you to interfere between us," he said calmly.
"This is between Aurelia and me. I care about her career too. I've never told anyone I'm her husband—and I never will. You and your company have nothing to worry about."
With that, Leo walked out of Aurelia's house.
Lucy was far from satisfied.
"Mam, we can't just trust his words. If he doesn't sign this agreement, he could blackmail you in the future."
Aurelia didn't seem to care. She sat back down at the piano and began playing again.
"Mam, I don't understand one thing," Lucy said nervously.
"Why didn't you tell the company about your marriage? If he doesn't sign, how will the company invest in your projects?"
Aurelia continued playing another calm melody, completely absorbed in her music.
When she finished, she turned to Lucy and asked quietly,
"Lucy… do you think I'm beautiful?"
"Mam, that's not even a question," Lucy replied immediately.
"I've never seen anyone more beautiful than you. The richest men in the world want to meet you. People are ready to spend millions just to go on one date with you. And yet, you don't let anyone come close. That alone proves your worth."
"Didn't you hear what he said?" Aurelia asked softly.
"He's been my husband for three years—and yet he never told anyone. He never stopped me from doing anything. Do you think any other man could stay away from me like that? No. But he did—for three years. And he will continue to."
Lucy fell silent.
Aurelia's words made sense.
"But Mam…" Lucy hesitated.
"What if he comes back once you become even more successful?"
Aurelia froze.
Would Leo really return to her life someday?