Chapter 15 – The Threat

Jeslyn tried to ignore the man and started the car. But before she could shift gears, the man walked closer, making Jeslyn even more anxious.

“What does he want now?” she muttered.

She couldn’t reverse the car because he kept approaching. “W-what do I do now?”

“I can’t possibly hit him, right?” she murmured, gripping the steering wheel tightly.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

Jeslyn flinched at the sound of knocking on the window. It was Leonel.

She looked at him with a mix of shock and relief, her eyes sharp.

“Open up,” Leonel’s voice came through.

Jeslyn didn’t unlock the door. She only rolled down the window slightly, glancing in the side mirror. The man had already walked away and was now out of sight. For a moment, she felt relieved—Leonel’s presence seemed to have driven the man off.

“Give me a ride,” Leonel said, snapping her out of her daze.

“What?”

“I didn’t bring my car. So, give me a ride,” he said casually.

“No. I’m busy!” Jeslyn replied firmly.

“Come on, I’m stranded here. My assistant already left,” he said, trying to look pitiful—but failing to look even remotely sympathetic.

“Dear Mr. Director, you can call your assistant or your driver. Or better yet, call a taxi. A director like you can surely afford one, right?” Jeslyn sneered.

“I don’t have any cash,” he replied nonchalantly.

Jeslyn rolled her eyes. “We have digital payments now. The system’s advanced, you know?”

“Oh, so you’re that heartless toward your brother-in-law and your boss?” Leonel accused, pretending to be hurt.

Jeslyn sighed. “Honestly, I’m the one who deserves pity more than you.”

Leonel stared at her for a moment, then suddenly opened the door and climbed into the car. Jeslyn gasped.

“Hey! Who said you could get in?!”

“You didn’t lock the door. Your mistake,” Leonel said as he buckled his seatbelt, settling in comfortably.

Jeslyn growled in frustration. “Get out before I regret not running you over earlier.”

“Just drive. You don’t want to stay here any longer, do you? What if that guy is still watching?” he said, glancing at the side mirror.

Jeslyn swallowed hard. For some reason, Leonel’s words gave her chills. She glanced in the rearview mirror—the street was empty.

“You—” she began, but stopped.

“I noticed him too. Even when you left the office, he was following you,” Leonel said.

Jeslyn said nothing and pressed the gas pedal.

A few minutes passed in silence before Leonel spoke again.

“Do you know that man?”

Jeslyn shook her head slowly. “No. But his stare was strange… like he was watching me. Gave me goosebumps.”

“I don’t recognize his face, but my gut tells me he’s not just anyone. Are you sure you’re not being followed?”

Jeslyn glanced at him briefly. The change in Leonel’s tone made her uneasy.

“I don’t know... but lately I’ve felt like someone’s watching me.”

Leonel clicked his tongue. “Do you want me to help catch and deal with him?”

“No need. He was just watching from a distance,” Jeslyn replied.

“Are you sure?” Leonel asked.

“Yes,” she said.

Leonel looked ahead and smiled faintly. “I just don’t want anything bad to happen to you. That’s all.”

“I’m fine. You don’t need to care about me,” Jeslyn said firmly.

“Alright then. Take me to my apartment,” Leonel said.

Jeslyn didn’t respond. Her hands gripped the wheel tightly, eyes fixed on the road—but her mind was a storm. That mysterious man’s eyes... and now Leonel, suddenly too concerned. Too aware.

The car moved in silence. Only the sounds of passing vehicles and the night wind kept them company.

“Jeslyn,” Leonel said softly.

Jeslyn let out a quiet sigh. “What now?”

“You can deny it, but I know you’re hiding something.”

Jeslyn glanced at him sharply. “What are you implying?”

“I may be annoying, but I’m not stupid. You’re restless, nervous—you’ve looked ready to run since earlier. I don’t need your answer now. I just want you to know… if you need help, I’m here.”

Jeslyn focused back on the road, heart pounding. Leonel’s words had touched a fragile part of her. But she couldn’t let herself waver. Not in front of him.

“I don’t need anyone,” she whispered, almost inaudibly. “I can handle myself.”

Leonel gave her a small smile. “Alright… if you say so.”

A few minutes later, they arrived at Leonel’s apartment. Jeslyn stopped the car without looking at him.

“Get out. I have things to do,” she said coldly.

Leonel opened the door, but before stepping out, he looked at her again—his gaze serious, almost like a warning.

“Thanks for the ride,” he said.

“You’re welcome.”

Leonel stepped out and closed the door gently.

As the car drove off again, a lingering discomfort weighed on Jeslyn’s chest.

Leonel made a phone call.

“Keep protecting Jeslyn. Don’t let anything happen to her. If another suspicious man shows up, call me immediately,” he instructed the person on the other end.

“Yes, Sir...”

Leonel then calmly walked into the apartment lobby.

***

“Jefran…” Jeslyn called as she approached him.

At the same time, Leonel had just arrived on the same floor as his office—which also happened to be where Jefran’s office was.

Seeing Jeslyn approach Jefran, Leonel stopped and observed.

“Oh, Jes,” Jefran greeted her. “How’s the move to your apartment? Any trouble?”

“No. Everything went well,” Jeslyn replied. “How was your meeting with the client?” she asked, making Jefran pause. He seemed to be searching for the right words.

“It went smoothly,” he finally said.

“That’s good. Have you had breakfast?”

“Yes, I had breakfast earlier.”

Seeing Jeslyn care for Jefran made Leonel seethe. He hated seeing her pay attention to another man.

“Well, I’ll get back to work,” Jeslyn said with a bright smile.

“Me too. I’ll call you later,” said Jefran. Jeslyn nodded and walked away.

But before she reached the elevator, someone grabbed her arm. Jeslyn was startled.

“Leonel?”

Jeslyn looked at him, clearly surprised.

“Already had breakfast? How thoughtful,” Leonel sneered.

“What are you talking about…” Jeslyn pulled her arm free.

“I don’t like it,” Leonel said firmly.

“Not your business. Jefran is my fiancé,” Jeslyn replied calmly.

Leonel’s eyes narrowed, his jaw tightening. “You still remember I’m your sister’s fiancé, right? So stop acting like someone with the right to control things!” Jeslyn shot back coldly.

Leonel let out a bitter laugh. “Funny. You say I’m no one, but you’re forgetting one thing, Jeslyn.”

Jeslyn frowned. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Leonel stepped closer, his voice low but intense. “Then why do you always seem anxious every time I’m near? And why… have you never truly rejected me?”

Jeslyn fell silent. Her face flushed—not from embarrassment, but from anger.

“Because you keep forcing yourself into my life, Leonel! You barge in like you own it!” she hissed.

“I came in because you pulled me in,” Leonel shot back. His gaze dissected her, searching for a way to stay in her life.

“Enough!” Jeslyn snapped, trying to keep her voice steady. “What happened between us was a mistake.”

Leonel clenched his jaw at her words.

“Mistake you say?” repeated Leonel. “I'll show you what a mistake is!”

Jeslyn was surprised when Leonel pulled her hand away and went into the nearby equipment room.

“Let go of me, what are you doing?” asked Jeslyn, very upset.

Wordlessly, Leonel kissed Jeslyn forcefully on the lips. Although Jeslyn tried to struggle, Leonel didn't let her go. She held Jeslyn's hands above her head with one hand. Her legs held Jeslyn's legs ready to kick. Leonel was jealous, and he didn't let Jeslyn put up a fight.

The kisses continue down to Jeslyn's neck area, and Leonel's free hand holds Jeslyn's sensitive area and makes Jeslyn let out a long moan.

This time, Leonel's hot and thrilling touch feels very real, unlike the other night, due to the influence of alcohol, Jeslyn feels all like a dream.

Feeling no reaction from Jeslyn, Leonel stops his depraved actions. He was too angry and jealous.

He moved back and released his hold on Jeslyn.

“Satisfied?” asked Jeslyn with a hurt look in her eyes and tears in her eyes.

“Are you satisfied now?” he asked sharply.

“I'm too jealous,” Leonel replied.

Plak!

Trembling, Jeslyn slapped Leonel's cheek.

“I'm not your bitch!” she said emphatically and walked away with tears streaming down her cheeks.

“Damn it!” lamented Leonel cursing himself for not being able to restrain himself. But, there was no denying that she really wanted her future sister-in-law.

***

Jeslyn's steps staggered as she walked away. Her breathing was ragged, her chest tight with a flood of emotions, anger, disappointment, and hurt. Her tears fell unbidden, while her heart rumbled violently.

How could... she be so stupid to let him touch her again?

Behind her trembling body, there was a deep disappointment, not only to Leonel, but also to herself because she had consciously enjoyed it, even her heart was beating hard. Her blood was on fire and, crazier still, her bottom was throbbing as if it wanted more.

“Crazy, Jeslyn! You're out of your mind!” muttered Jeslyn cursing herself.

Meanwhile, Leonel was still standing in place, his face slapped red. Her hands were clenched tightly into fists, her jaw hardened in anger... at herself.

“Damn it...” she hissed once more, then ruffled her hair in frustration.

He hadn't just crossed the line. He'd destroyed the last bit of trust that might have remained between them. Jeslyn wasn't his, he knew that. But the possessiveness and blind desire that grew every time he saw her with another man... made him lose control.

Leonel turned around and kicked the wall beside him. A loud crash echoed down the deserted hallway.

“Am I crazy?” she muttered. “Or... was she a curse to me from the start?”

But the image of Jeslyn's gaze, those scarred eyes continued to haunt him.

And deep down, Leonel never liked seeing Jeslyn cry or get hurt.

***