Chapter 5

Leon

I was in the office when my assistant, Marco, suddenly walked in. I didn’t bother to look at him and just kept reading through the other documents. He cleared his throat for a moment, and that’s when I finally looked up. As I stared at him, I could see the unease quickly spread across his face.

Just how important could what he has to say be to interrupt me like this?

“Ah, Sir Leon, the CEO asked me to let you know that you have somewhere important to go right now. He is already on his way down to the parking area and asked if you could hurry, please.” I didn’t say anything and just motioned for Marco to leave the room.

What’s this important trip even for? And Dad had to ask my assistant to call me himself? Besides, why me? Isn’t it always Lance he brings along? To him, I’m nothing more than an eyesore anyway.

I didn’t bother thinking about it anymore and just put on my coat. I walked out of my office and headed straight to the elevator. I was about to press the button when a hand beat me to it. Great, what else did I expect? I turned to look at him, and of course, the first thing I saw was that annoying grin on his face.

“Oh? Leon, where are you going? You’re coming along too? Well, I guess it’s about time you get to see what it feels like to be included by Dad.”

I ignored him and stepped into the elevator. Lance loves it when I react to him, so I keep my mouth shut. He got in, too, and as if that wasn’t enough, he deliberately elbowed me on his way in. As long as Lance and I are in the same place, there’s no way he won’t find a way to start something.

When the elevator doors opened, I stepped out right away. I walked over to the reserved parking space for Dad. After a few more steps, I noticed him leaning against the car. Lance had already walked over, too, and we each got into our own cars. I received a text from Dad about where we were heading. I tapped it into my car’s GPS and waited for them to leave first before I followed.

While I was driving, I couldn’t help but get lost in my thoughts. I can’t even remember the last time Dad ever praised me. It’s always Lance who’s the smart one, Lance who’s the talented one… Even when I do well in academics and competitions, all Dad ever says is, “Is that really the best you can do? Your brother always comes first in everything.”

Well…I guess it makes sense. That’s how he sees me, because deep down, he still blames me for why Mom’s gone.

We finally arrived in front of a tall gate. Above it, there was that said Allard, and it looked like it was made of gold.

Allard? You mean Aaron Allard? The famous business tycoon who owns those world-renowned resorts and hotels? What could Dad possibly want here?

And if we’re here at Aaron Allard’s place right now, that means we’re also going to see-

“I’m glad you made it here safely, Mr. Lucas. It’s truly a pleasure to meet you. Welcome to my humble home. I’m Aaron Allard.”

My train of thought was suddenly cut off when an older man approached us. The great Aaron Allard, the famous tycoon who has been known around the world for decades. I’d only seen him a few times on the news because he’s quiet a private person. Dad quickly shook his hand and told us to follow him. A moment later, Mr. Allard gave an order to one of his men and whispered something to him.

We arrived at a large room surrounded by books and papers. We sat down, and after a few moments, there was a knock at the door. My chest tightened… this would be the first time I’d seen her again face to face after so many years. I wonder if she still remembers me. Did she still even know who I was?

Alina…

The person I’d been expecting finally walked in. She held her head high as she made her way over to where we were sitting, without even glancing at me. Maybe she really had forgotten. How many years has it been? Seven? Eight? No… It’s already been ten years since we last met.

Lance introduced himself first, and then it was my turn. I couldn’t speak right away when I saw her lower her head, almost like she didn’t want to look at me.

Alina took a seat at the far end of the room, and I couldn’t help but watch her as Mr. Allard firmly said she needed to speak with my brother. I stayed there, sitting next to my father, and it felt like everything else Mr. Allard said after that just faded into noise.

“It’s settled then…Lance and Alina will get married.”

“Leon, we brought you here to have fun, not to sulk there talking to your glass. You’ve been drinking nonstop, and so many girls have come up to you, but you keep turning them down. Dylan and I already had a few, but look at you still sitting there. Don’t tell me you’re actually into us?! What, are you gay?!”

I shot Vince a glare. Fuck this, I don’t have time for the useless shit this idiot is saying. Then I looked at Dylan, too. “Try backing him up, and I swear I’ll deck both of you right here.”

These two idiots dragged me out to a bar because I’ve been out of it for days. And why wouldn’t I be? The girl I’ve wanted to see for years, the one I haven’t been able to get out of my head since back then… was going to marry my brother.

“So, what’s really your problem, Leon? Other than your dad only caring about your brother, you don’t usually end up like this.” I was about to answer Vince when I suddenly noticed a familiar figure not too far from where we were sitting. Vince followed my gaze and let out a whistle. I swear, I felt like grabbing his mouth for whistling at the girl that both of us were staring at.

It was Alina. She was dancing while talking to what appeared to be her friend. I looked at the guys around her, and fuck, it was obvious from the way they were staring that they were practically undressing her with their eyes. She was wearing a black dress with a slit. I stood up quickly and headed toward where Alina was.

I got to where she was standing and, without a word, pulled her out of the crowd of people who were all staring at her. I felt her struggling against my grip, so I turned to face her.

"Don't even try to snatch your hand away from me, Alina."

Yeah, maybe I was drunk. I don’t even know where I found the nerve to pull her away like that. I couldn’t bear the thought of her ending up with my brother.

I kept my feelings for her hidden for years. I was always just watching her from a distance.

I’d do anything to stop that from happening. Because I’m the only one who truly saw her worth. I was the first to see who Alina Allard is behind those high walls around her.

And I’m also the only man she should love.