Melisa's hands curled slightly at her sides, her head lowered as she gathered her thoughts. After a brief pause, she lifted her gaze, searching Leonard's face for a reaction. But he only watched her in silence, his expression unreadable, as if trying to decipher her thoughts.
Shifting her attention to Mr. Soveir, she took a steady breath and spoke with quiet resolve. "Uncle, this marriage wasn't a choice for either me or Leo, but dissolving it now would only create a scandal and impact both families' company stocks. It's best if we wait a year or two before proceeding with a divorce."
As soon as the words left her lips, she felt an intense gaze settle on her. Turning her head slightly, she met Leonard's piercing eyes. A scoff escaped him, his lips curling into something that wasn't quite a smile before he looked away, dismissing the conversation entirely.
Mr. Soveir looked at them helplessly, a trace of sympathy flickering in his eyes as he glanced at his son.
"Okay, Melisa," he said with a sigh. "But remember, two years is a long time, and many things can change."
Melisa wanted to insist that she was resolute in her decision, that she wouldn't waver, but before she could speak, Uncle George had already risen from his seat, signaling the end of the discussion.
Leonard was the first to leave, not sparing anyone a glance as he strode out of the room, his posture rigid. His father followed, his expression thoughtful.
Left alone, Melisa stood still for a moment. She knew about Leo's childhood crush on her, but that had been years ago. Did he still feel the same way? Did it even matter?
She no longer wanted her happiness to depend on another person.
Taking a deep breath to steady herself, she pushed aside the lingering thoughts and left the study.
Entering their shared room, Melisa found it empty. Letting out a small breath, she took a quick shower and slipped into bed, the plush mattress embracing her tired body.
She made a mental note to ask the maids to prepare the guest room tomorrow. But for now, exhaustion weighed her down. As her eyelids grew heavy, she surrendered to sleep.
Unaware of the silent presence in the room, she remained undisturbed even as a tall shadow loomed over her.
Leonard stood by the bedside, his gaze locked onto her sleeping form. His dark eyes flickered with unreadable emotions, tracing the gentle rise and fall of her breath.
Even in deep sleep, she seemed so distant.
After a long moment, he turned away and settled onto the sofa. Yet, despite closing his eyes, his thoughts remained fixated on the woman lying just a few feet away.
The sun hadn't even risen fully at six since it was winter, but Melisa woke up early. Blinking drowsily, she glanced around the room, finding it empty.
For a moment, she thought Leonard hadn't returned last night. But her gaze landed on the sofa, where a neatly folded gray blanket rested—a silent proof of his presence.
So, he had come back.
Melisa sighed softly and pushed the covers off.
Melisa sighed softly and pushed the covers off.
By the time she reached the dining table, breakfast had already been served. It was no surprise—both father and son were early risers.
Uncle George sat at the head of the table, reading the morning newspaper.
"Good morning, Uncle George," she greeted politely.
"Morning, Melisa," he responded, glancing up briefly before returning to his paper.
Melisa sat down as the maids served her breakfast. Across from her, Leonard remained silent, not acknowledging her presence, but she felt his gaze flicker toward her for a brief moment before he looked away.
She quietly picked up her utensils, reminding herself—this was just temporary. Thinking about it, she remembered the guest room, but since Uncle George was present, she decided to inform the maid later.
Just as she finished breakfast, Aunt Eleanor arrived, her warm presence immediately softening the atmosphere.
Uncle George also stood up, straightening his suit. It almost seemed as if he had been waiting for her before leaving.
"I'll be off now," he said, nodding toward his wife before turning to Leonard. "Make sure to handle today's meeting properly."
Leonard gave a short nod, his face expressionless as usual .
Aunt Eleanor followed her husband to the door to see him off, a gentle smile on her face as she adjusted his tie.
Watching their interaction, Melisa felt a strange yet sweet feeling bloom in her heart. It was a interaction she rarely witnessed in big families.
"Melisa, dear, you woke up so early. You can sleep longer," Aunt Eleanor said as she returned, her tone filled with genuine concern.
Melisa shook her head lightly. "I'm already used to waking up early."
Aunt Eleanor sighed but didn't press further. Instead, she took Melisa's hand with a soft smile. "Well then, since you're up, why don't you accompany me for a bit? I was thinking of visiting the garden."
In the garden, where carefully cultivated flowers bloomed in vibrant colors, the air carried a faint floral fragrance. But despite the serene surroundings, Melisa couldn't feel calm. She sat across from Aunt Eleanor, her fingers lightly holding her bangles.
"Melisa, dear, you wanted to talk to me yesterday, didn't you? I was too tired last night and couldn't come to your room. Is everything alright?"
Melisa hesitated for a moment, gathering her thoughts. She don't even felt nervous in front of Leo and Uncle George ,but in front of aunt Eleanor,she found herself strangely nervous.