Chapter 49 ~ Caught by Jefran

“Um…” Jeslyn slowly opened her eyes, startled to find a bare, well-defined chest right in front of her face. A strong arm was wrapped tightly around her waist, possessive and firm.

She pressed her temple, feeling the throbbing pain in her head. “I got drunk again last night,” she muttered inwardly.

Carefully, she moved Leonel’s muscular arm off her waist and sat up on the edge of the bed, taking a deep breath. But before she could stand, a familiar hand wrapped back around her middle.

“Where do you think you’re going, hm?” Leonel murmured, placing a soft kiss on her bare shoulder.

“I’m not running away. I just want to go to the bathroom,” Jeslyn replied.

“Liar. I heard your heavy sigh. What’s wrong?” he whispered against her skin.

“I don’t know… Everything feels more confusing. I’m engaged to Jefran but spending time with you. And now Jefran has someone else too. What do you think I should do?” Jeslyn asked quietly.

Leonel’s embrace tightened briefly, as if unwilling to let her go. His voice was calm but heavy, as though he held back far more than he said.

“You want my opinion?” he whispered near her ear, his warm breath sending shivers down her spine. “Then I’ll be honest…”

Jeslyn waited, heart starting to pound with anticipation.

“End the relationship that only leaves you uncertain,” he finally said. “And stop feeling guilty for choosing someone who lets you be honest with yourself.”

Jeslyn bit her lower lip, holding back a tide of unspoken emotions. Everything felt too overwhelming. She didn’t know what Leonel really wanted—or whether he was truly sincere.

“Are you sure... that person is you?” she whispered, not turning to face him.

Leonel didn’t answer right away. Instead, he gently pulled Jeslyn back into his arms until her back rested against his chest.

“I’ve never been certain about many things in life, Jessy. But one thing I do know…” he said softly, “…if this is wrong, then I don’t want to be right.”

Jeslyn shut her eyes, trying to hold back the tears welling up. Her body trembled—not out of fear, but from the undeniable truth: she could no longer deny her feelings.

She was no longer just Jefran’s fiancée. She was now someone torn between guilt… and a love too strong to ignore.

“I’m scared,” she whispered.

Leonel pressed a kiss to the top of her head. “What are you afraid of? Just do whatever your heart tells you. I’ll be your shield. So don’t ever be afraid—as long as you’re with me,” he murmured.

Jeslyn lowered her head, letting silent tears fall. Leonel’s words were both a comfort and a dangerous temptation. She knew the world they now lived in wasn’t safe. What scared her more was that she still didn’t fully understand who Leonel truly was—or how dangerous he might be.

“I can’t keep doing this,” Jeslyn finally whispered, her voice barely audible.

Leonel’s hold grew tighter, as though he couldn’t let her go. “If you want to leave, I won’t stop you. But I won’t pretend I don’t care.”

Jeslyn shook her head weakly. “I’ve spent too much of my life adjusting for others. For Jefran. For my family. Even for this company. But with you… I feel like myself. And that terrifies me.”

Leonel fell silent. He knew this wasn’t just about emotions—it was about consequences.

He slowly turned Jeslyn around so they were facing each other. Their eyes locked, and he lifted a hand to gently touch her cheek.

“You don’t have to decide now. But one thing is certain, Jessy…” he said with quiet intensity. “I’m not going anywhere. And I won’t give up on having you.”

And without leaving space for any more words, Leonel kissed her gently.

Jeslyn didn’t resist. She returned the kiss with a heart full of doubt—yet somehow, she already knew where her heart truly belonged. And she finally let it stop resisting.

“You always leave me wanting more,” Leonel whispered against her lips, his eyes drawn to the slightly swollen redness he’d caused.

Jeslyn remained silent, until Leonel kissed her again, and she wrapped her arms around his neck.

He slowly pushed her back down onto the bed, his body hovering over hers.

“You’re incredible… and I’m hopelessly addicted to you,” Leonel whispered as he kissed her neck and the curves of her body. Jeslyn could only surrender—no longer fighting the pull between them.

“Why are you still in bed?” Leonel asked as he walked out of the bathroom, water dripping from his damp hair.

“Do you want to go another round?” he teased.

“Stop it, Leonel! I won’t be able to get up until tomorrow if you keep going like this,” Jeslyn grumbled.

Leonel chuckled. “Then get up and take a shower.”

“My legs are sore. And whose fault is that?!” she snapped, scowling at him.

“Oh? Want me to give you a bath then?” he teased, walking toward her.

“Put some clothes on first. Are you going to stay in that towel all day? What if it falls off?”

“So what if it does? I can drop it now if you want,” he said cheekily—and with a single tug, the towel fell.

“You’re insane!” Jeslyn shrieked, throwing a pillow at him. Leonel just laughed.

“Didn’t you like what you saw?” he teased as he picked the towel back up.

“No,” Jeslyn replied, turning her face away in embarrassment.

“Are you sure?” he grinned, walking closer.

“No,” she said again, firmly.

“Alright then. No problem,” he said—and suddenly swept Jeslyn up into his arms.

“Argh! Leonel, put me down!” she yelled. “I’m not even wearing anything!”

“So? I’ve already seen everything. No need to be shy,” he replied smoothly. “Besides, I don’t like lazy women who skip showers.”

“I’m not lazy! I just can’t walk—because of you!” she snapped.

“Well, now I’m carrying you, so you don’t have to walk,” he said—and dropped her into the bathtub.

“Want to bathe yourself, or should I do it for you?” he asked with a mischievous grin.

Jeslyn shoved him lightly, eyes wide, face burning with embarrassment. Water splashed over the edge of the tub.

“Leonel! You’re crazy! Don’t treat me like a child!”

Leonel stood beside the bathtub, raising an eyebrow as if nothing was out of place. “I’m just making sure you don’t skip your duty to shower.”

“Duty?” Jeslyn almost laughed at the absurdity. “You’re not my husband!”

“Not yet,” Leonel replied smoothly, winking—making Jeslyn want to throw the soap at him.

Jeslyn splashed her face with water. “Get out. Now.”

“Fine, fine,” Leonel raised his hands in mock surrender. “But I’m standing right outside, so don’t try to escape before you’ve showered properly.”

“Bossy jerk,” Jeslyn muttered, but now her tone was lighter, almost amused.

Leonel chuckled as he left the bathroom, closing the door softly behind him. On the other side, Jeslyn leaned her head against the edge of the tub and exhaled deeply.

That man could truly drive her mad. And yet—this was what she hated to admit most—he was the only one who could make her forget everything else. Even the pain. Even the chaos.

“And damn it…” Jeslyn muttered, splashing water on her face. “I think I’m starting to fall for him.”

She smiled faintly and dipped her whole head under the water.

Thirty minutes later, Jeslyn felt better and refreshed. She slipped into comfortable loungewear—thankfully, it was her day off.

“Where is that man? He’s nowhere to be seen…” she murmured as she walked out of her room, drawn by the smell of food.

The apartment kitchen was filled with the mouthwatering scent of melted butter, sizzling bacon, and freshly scrambled eggs. Leonel stood at the stove wearing a simple apron around his waist—a surprising sight for someone always so crisp and formal.

Jeslyn appeared from the hallway, her hair still a bit damp and her body wrapped in homey clothes, shorts ending mid-thigh. She leaned against the kitchen doorway, arms crossed, watching as Leonel arranged food on a large white plate.

“Since when do you know how to cook?” she asked, surprised.

Leonel turned slightly, a small smirk on his lips. “Since I started living alone and got sick of catered food,” he replied. “And because I know a woman like you tends to skip breakfast.”

Jeslyn slowly walked closer, eyeing the plate of grilled sausages, scrambled eggs, avocado slices, and crisp toast. The aroma of herbs and meat awakened a hunger she hadn’t even realized was there.

“Open your mouth,” Leonel said, offering her a small piece of sausage on a fork. Before she could refuse, Jeslyn leaned in and accepted the bite.

Her eyes closed briefly as she savored the flavor. “It’s good,” she mumbled. “Do you cook every day?”

Leonel chuckled. “No. I only cook for someone special. And you…” he looked at her deeply, “…are very special.”

Jeslyn froze for a moment, tongue-tied, her eyes locked on his.

But Leonel broke the silence with a light tone, “Sit down. Breakfast’s ready.”

Jeslyn slowly nodded and took a seat at the bar counter. As Leonel placed the plate in front of her, she couldn’t help but smile.

Then—a knock on the door startled them both.

“Who visits this early?” Leonel asked, popping a piece of sausage into his mouth.

“No idea. Maybe the laundry. I’ll check,” Jeslyn said, getting up.

Without checking the peephole, she swung the door open—and her eyes went wide.

Thud.

“Jefran?” she gasped.

“Who’s here, Jessy?” Leonel called out, walking toward the door.

And in that moment, Jefran’s eyes widened in disbelief as he saw Leonel inside Jeslyn’s apartment.

“You two?”

***