Melisa sat dazedly on the bed, still groggy from sleep, but Leonard's words struck her like lightning, instantly driving away any trace of drowsiness.
"What? Where?" she asked, hoping she had misheard.
"Home. Mom called this morning." Leonard's voice was calm, as if this was just another ordinary day. "I have to leave for work now, but I'll be free in the afternoon. Be ready by then."
A heavy silence settled between them. Melisa stared at him, trying to process his words. Home? No matter how long she avoided it, she knew she'd have to face them someday.
After a long pause, she nodded and walked toward the bathroom. The warm water did little to ease the tension in her chest, but at least it gave her time to think.
When she stepped out, Leonard was seated at the dining table, calmly having breakfast.
Dressed in a deep emerald A-line midi dress that hugged her waist before flowing gracefully to her calves, paired with minimalist jewelry and ivory heels, she looked every bit the noblewoman she was expected to be.
She took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts. Now or never.
"Leo, I think we need to talk."
Leonard didn't pause as he picked up his phone, fingers swiftly typing a message to his personal assistant. His face remained unreadable, his cold expression betraying nothing. Then, with a slight nod, he gestured for her to continue.
Melisa clenched her hands, steadying her voice. "Why did you take Tristan's place as the groom?"
She spoke slowly, carefully, as if testing the waters. Despite her calm tone, there was an undeniable excitement hidden beneath it—an anticipation she couldn't explain.
Leonard's grip on his fork tightened for a fraction of a second before he set it down.
"Tris ran away on the wedding day," he said evenly. "He left a note saying he didn't want to be tied down so early."
Melisa's lips parted slightly in surprise. He ran away?
A mix of relief and suspicion swirled inside her. It made sense, yet... something felt off. Everything had happened exactly as she had dreamt—except for this. Why had the outcome changed?
"Are you disappointed that it was me instead of him?" Leonard's voice was slow, yet cold, his expression unreadable.
Melisa met his gaze without hesitation. "It doesn't matter who the groom is for me," she said evenly. "Shouldn't you be asking why the bride changed instead?"
Leonard's fingers tightened slightly around his coffee cup before he responded. "Mom already told me." His tone gave nothing away.
Melisa's lips pressed into a thin line. So that's why Father and Mother weren't sen at yesterday, she thought, a bitter edge to her realization. Should I be thankful that they explained? It doesn't make this any less awkward.
She nodded absentmindedly, feigning understanding. But deep down, there was still doubts.
"I'm leaving," Leonard said as he stood up, adjusting his cuffs. "There's a card on the table for you. Use it for anything you need."
Melisa picked up the card, her fingers brushing over its surface before she looked up at him. "Wait."
Leonard paused, glancing back just as she extended the card toward him. "I have a job. You don't need to give me this."
For a moment, he didn't move. There was a flicker of hesitation in his eyes before he finally took the card back without a word. Then, without another glance, he turned and walked out the door.
Melisa spent the day in quiet boredom. Having a day off sounded nice in theory, but in reality, it was painfully dull—she should have canceled her leave. Fortunately, she had brought a few books with her, and the hotel staff delivered lunch on time, making the hours pass a little easier.
When Leonard returned, he found her seated by the window, completely engrossed in her book. The golden sunlight filtered through the glass, casting a warm glow around her, making the scene feel almost serene. He stood still for a moment, watching her, until Melisa finally sensed his presence and glanced up.
"It's time to go," he said, his voice breaking the quiet. "Get your bag while I change."
Without another word, they headed downstairs, where a sleek black car awaited them. The drive was silent, but not unpleasant. Melisa gazed out of the window, lost in thought, unaware of the subtle glances cast at her from the front mirror.
As the car slowed, the scenery around them became more desolate, the vibrant cityscape giving way to vast, empty roads.
They had arrived.
The grand mansion stood tall, just as she remembered. Time had left no trace on its pristine walls, which gleamed under the morning sun. It was breathtaking—just like a noble's estate.
The gates swung open, revealing a butler and several maids standing in a neat line, waiting for their arrival.
"Welcome home, Elder Master and Young Mistress Soveir," Butler Theodor greeted them respectfully, offering a slight bow.
Melisa hesitated for the briefest moment before stepping out of the car.
"Uncle Theo, you can still call me Milly, just like you used to," she said softly. "After all, you looked after me when I was a child."
Leonard cast a glance at her before nodding to the butler, who silently asked for his order with his eyes. Without a word, he walked slowly toward the mansion as Melisa lingered, speaking with Uncle Theo for a moment before catching up to him.
Melisa paused at the threshold as Leonard pulled the car smoothly into the driveway. The engine quieted, and after a brief moment, he stepped out, shutting the door behind him. Without looking her way, he adjusted his cuffs and walked toward the mansion.
Leonard crossed the threshold, stepping into the hall before finally looking back. Only then did Melisa step forward, crossing it herself.
The hall was softly lit, the faint clinking of a teacup shattering the fragile courage Melisa had just gathered. Her fingers curled at her sides as she hesitated, her pulse unsteady.
Slowly, she lifted her gaze—only to meet the eyes of Leonard's parents.