جميع فصول : الفصل -الفصل 40

Leon stood in the middle of the Wyatt guest room with his arms stretched out while the stylists fussed over him—straightening his sleeves, tugging at his collar, debating over a tie like it mattered. Their voices barely registered. His mind was buzzing too loudly, tight with the pressure squeezing at his chest.Another stylist brushed powder along his jaw.“Chin up, sir.”He lifted it, though his teeth pressed together.The suit—charcoal, sharp, perfect—felt like a cage. Too fitted. Too neat. Too much. In the inner pocket, tucked where no one would look, was a tiny silver flask. He’d already taken two careful sips, just enough to stop his hands from shaking.The door swung open.“Leon.” “Finish up. You have only a few minutes.” “Alright, you need to be ready in a few minutes.”Mrs. Wyatt’s voice carried easily through the room as she walked in, heels clicking in that familiar, controlled rhythm. A cluster of assistants followed close behind her.“The cameramen are already set up,” sh

Leon thought they were going home.That was what his mother had said in the car—just a quick stop, nothing serious. He’d been quiet the entire ride, still half inside the echo of fireworks and flashing lights, Charity leaning into him with a happiness so bright it almost hurt to stand beside.The car slowed instead of pulling into their street.Leon frowned. “Where are we—”The doors swung open before he could finish.Cameras.Flashing lights.A wall of sound crashed into him—cheers, music, voices calling their names. A towering entrance glittered ahead of them, draped in gold fabrics and crystal lights. Valets rushed forward. Guests in designer gowns and tailored suits turned all at once.“To your engagement after party!” Charity’s mother announced brightly, already smiling for the cameras.Charity gasped in delight. “Mum! You planned all this?”Leon felt the air leave his chest.Engagement after party.Charity squeezed his arm in excitement, already stepping out of the car as the cr

Leon’s awareness came back in fragments.The unfamiliar curtains. The strange lamp. The framed photos watching him from the wall. And beneath it all — a soft, unmistakably feminine scent.Realization struck cold and fast.“Where the hell am I…?”The door creaked open.He turned to see a girl step in, tying her robe, hair loose around her shoulders like she’d just woken.Florence.His stomach dropped.She paused when she saw he was awake, then smiled faintly. “You finally decided to come back to life.”Leon pushed himself upright too fast. The room tilted. He gripped the edge of the couch, steadying himself. “Florence… what—what am I doing here?”She leaned against the doorframe, arms folding slowly. “You don’t remember?”His jaw tightened. “Bits and pieces. Not enough.”Her eyes softened—just slightly. “I saw you outside the venue last night. You and your stepmother. You could barely stand. She asked if I knew you well enough to get you somewhere safe.”Leon squeezed his eyes shut. A

Leon didn’t move for a long time.The apartment had gone quiet after Charity stormed upstairs. The television screen had dimmed into its idle loop, the game long forgotten. Crushed tacos smeared the floor beneath his shoes, the mess settling into the room like proof of how badly everything had unraveled.He finally sank back onto the couch, elbows on his knees, head bowed.His phone rang.He glanced at the screen.Dad.His chest tightened. He already knew this wouldn’t be a gentle call.Leon answered.“Where are you?” his father’s voice cut through the line, sharp and impatient.“At my apartment,” Leon replied quietly.“You will come home today,” his father said coldly. “Both families are gathering. Charity’s parents are already on their way. The lawyers too. We are finalizing the marriage agreement.”Leon closed his eyes. “Today?”“Yes, today,” his father snapped. “And don’t start with that defeated tone. You’re a man—start acting like it.”Leon swallowed hard.“You embarrassed yours

The sun was already high when Leon arrived at the luxury poolside restaurant. The place was all glass railings, white umbrellas, and people who looked like they spent money just by breathing. Perfect distraction.Mark and Deji were already there, lounging like kings, drinks in hand.Mark raised a brow the moment he saw Leon. “Omo, see who finally left house arrest.”Deji smirked. “Abeg shift jare. Married man approaching.”Leon scoffed and sat, signaling a waiter. “You people are mad.”But the teasing didn’t stop.“You literally vanished,” Mark said. “We thought you were living holy life because of Felicity.”Leon’s jaw tightened at her name, but he forced a shrug. “Life changed. Had to adjust.”“Adjust,” Deji echoed dramatically. “Please. Just last month you were turning girls down left and right. Leon the reformed man.”“Leon the faithful,” Mark added.“Leon the—”He cut them off with a tired laugh. “Abeg, shift. Things happened.”Deji leaned forward. “So, tell us why you canceled y