Chapter 40: The Truth Behind Their Engagement

Three days had passed since I spent that day with Leandro in his mansion, and somehow, the days that followed had been… peaceful. At least for the most part.

I hadn’t seen a single trace of Luciana or Madam Celestine at the company these past few days, and honestly, that alone felt like such a relief. It was as if someone had lifted a heavy weight off my chest, even if just for a little while. Without their presence hovering around like storm clouds ready to rain on me, I could finally breathe. Maybe not freely, but enough to make it through the day without constantly glancing over my shoulder.

But just because they weren’t around didn’t mean I was completely safe. Not even close.

I couldn’t escape the stares.

No one had said anything to my face. Not directly, at least, but I didn’t need to hear their whispers to know what they were thinking. That scene, the one where Leandro carried me out of the company lobby, had already done enough damage. I could still feel it burning at the