Chapter Nineteen

Leonel's POV

As I mingled with the guests at my mum's birthday party, I was pleasantly surprised to see some familiar faces I had lost touch with over the years including Elma, a classmate from high school whose mother was a close friend of my mother's. She had moved to the UK after graduation, and we had lost touch.

"Leonel!" Elma waved at me with a warm smile.

"Am I dreaming? Elma in the flesh?"

She laughed at my reaction and we hugged each other tightly. She looked so different, her ash blonde hair cascading in soft waves. It was such a joy to see her again after all these years.

"It's so good to see you again. We should catch up sometime," she added, giving me a flirtatious wink and placing a hand on my chest.

I hesitated for a moment, caught off guard by her sudden flirtation. "Uh, sure," I stuttered.

"So, are you still a single as-hell eligible bachelor, or is there a little missy I need to know about?" Elma asked with a sly grin.

I chuckled awkwardly. "Well, there is a