Chapter 23

“Judging by your expression, I guess you remember everything now,” Leonel smirked, amused by how flustered Jeslyn looked.

“I-I was drunk, okay?” Jeslyn stammered. “But I’m still wondering… how did I end up sleeping with you?”

The scene continued to flash in her mind.

“Ah, home… sweet home… I love my house!” Jeslyn had yelled as she ran inside.

“Was I supposed to leave you like that?” Leonel muttered, sighing, then fetched a glass of water from the kitchen.

He walked toward Jeslyn, who was sprawled on the sofa.

“Jessy… drink this,” Leonel said, touching her arm.

“Hmmp!” Jeslyn turned her head away.

Leonel tried to persuade her, but Jeslyn acted like a stubborn kindergartener refusing medicine.

He sighed, barely holding back laughter at her childish behavior.

“Jessy, you need to drink. You’ll get dehydrated,” he said gently, leaning in.

Jeslyn peeked with one eye and glanced at him. “If you feed me, I’ll drink.”

Leonel stared at her. “What? Are you serious?”

“I just… don’t want the hassle,” she grinned shyly, still blushing.

Leonel raised the glass to her lips. “Here. No drama.”

Jeslyn sipped the water reluctantly, stealing glances at him. When their eyes met, her breath hitched again.

“You’re handsome,” Jeslyn said innocently, staring at him.

“Oh, really? More handsome than Jefran?” Leonel teased.

“Of course… you’re better looking,” she giggled.

“You like that?”

“I like handsome guys. Easy on the eyes,” Jeslyn leaned closer, seemingly about to kiss him—but instead, she threw up… all over him.

—

“Oh my God!” Jeslyn clutched her mouth, horrified by the memory.

“Remember everything now?” Leonel asked.

“Um… yeah.” Jeslyn’s face was bright red, utterly mortified.

“Turns out you’re much more honest when you’re drunk,” Leonel teased, making her bow her head in embarrassment.

“Both our clothes were dirty, including the sofa, because of your little accident. So I changed your clothes,” Leonel said, eyeing the mark on her neck.

“And about that mark… I couldn’t resist your sexy body. You tortured me last night, Jessy. But I couldn’t do anything to you while you were unconscious. I want to be with you… when you’re aware and want it too,” Leonel added.

Jeslyn froze. His words made her body tingle. She didn’t know whether to feel relieved, touched, or even more ashamed.

Her eyes slowly lifted to Leonel’s, who now gazed at her intensely. There was honesty in his eyes, and something very real—something terrifying.

“You…” Jeslyn swallowed hard. “You’re not disgusted by me? I mean, I puked in front of you, and I—I…”

Leonel smiled faintly. “You were drunk. And still adorable.”

Jeslyn rolled her eyes, but her cheeks stayed red. “You’re insane.”

Leonel chuckled softly, brushing a stray hair behind her ear.

“I’m not insane, Jessy. I’m just… maybe a little too into you.”

Jeslyn blinked, heart pounding harder.

“You’re not joking?”

“If you think I’d joke after holding back all night, then you don’t know me at all,” Leonel whispered, voice deep and teasing.

Jeslyn tried to reply, but her throat went dry. She looked down, unsure how to respond.

“Don’t worry,” Leonel added. “I won’t force you. I guess I’ll just have to be patient… for my sweet future sister-in-law.”

Jeslyn said nothing. Her chest tightened with a swirl of fear, curiosity… and maybe, just maybe, a growing attraction.

But the moment was suddenly shattered.

“Wait… where’s my sofa?” Jeslyn asked, staring at the empty space in the living room.

“You’re answering my questions with something so trivial, Jessy. You’re really clueless,” Leonel said, clearing his throat.

“I threw it out.”

“What?!” Jeslyn stared at him in disbelief.

“I didn’t know how to clean your vomit off the sofa. So I tossed it. Why bother? I’ll get you a better, more expensive one,” Leonel replied casually.

Jeslyn gaped. “You threw out my sofa?! That was my favorite!”

Leonel shrugged, unfazed. “Your favorite sofa soaked in your own puke? Come on, Jessy. That’s not a loss worth mourning.”

Jeslyn stood up, glaring at him with frustration… but deep down, she couldn’t help feeling a little embarrassed and amused. “You’re unbelievable.”

“I saved your dignity. You don’t want that thing sticking around as a reminder of your glorious night,” Leonel said as he sipped his coffee.

“I can buy my own damn sofa. You didn’t have to replace it.”

“Too late. I already ordered a new one. Arriving this afternoon. Sexy red—like you last night.”

Jeslyn’s face burned. “You—!”

“I what?” Leonel cut her off with a sharp gaze and a smirk. “Someone who’s seen a hidden side of Jeslyn not many people know?”

Jeslyn grabbed a pillow and threw it at him. Leonel dodged it, laughing.

Before she could reply, her phone rang. A video call from Jefran.

Jeslyn froze, unsure whether to answer.

“Why not pick up?” Leonel asked.

“You think I can take a video call looking like this?!” she snapped, pointing to her chest.

Leonel casually sipped his coffee. “Just don’t show your chest to the camera.”

Jeslyn groaned and finally accepted the call.

“Hey, Jef,” she said.

“Morning, Jes. You’re awake?” Jefran asked.

Jeslyn glanced at Leonel, who was still watching her silently.

“Yes, Jef. I just woke up,” she replied, looking back at her screen.

“Babe, I’ll pick you up this afternoon,” Jefran suddenly said, surprising Jeslyn—and Leonel’s gaze turned sharp, clearly displeased.

“Oh? Is there an event?” Jeslyn asked.

“Yes. We’re having lunch with the Clovies family. My uncle just returned from Russia—Dmitri Clovies and his family will be there.”

Crash!

Leonel accidentally shattered the coffee glass in his hand, making Jeslyn turn sharply toward him.

“What was that? Who are you with?” Jefran asked, suspicious.

But Jeslyn was focused on Leonel, whose expression had turned cold and tense—his eyes dark and frightening. Blood dripped from his hand.

It was the first time Jeslyn had ever seen him like that.

“Babe… what’s going on? Who are you with at your place?” Jefran asked again.

***