Chapter 69 Love Comes Suddenly
Love that remained out of reach always inspired longing and anxiety, while those who were loved often felt confident and secured in what they possess.
While Caroline was still exploring the joys that romance brought into her life, Leopold couldn't wait to gain her acceptance.
The old saying that love turned people into fools hadn't proven true with Caroline. Instead, it had made her more independent and clear-headed—precisely why Leopold admired and cherished her.
At this point, psychological games no longer suited their relationship. Only sincerity would work, which was why Leopold, unable to read her thoughts, couldn't help but ask outright.
With Caroline, Leopold held nothing back emotionally, even risking coming across as clingy, hoping only that she would claim him as hers sooner rather than later.
Love never accumulated gradually—it arrived suddenly.
Faced with this sudden rush of feelings, Leopold knew only to hold on tight, unsure how else to handle it.
How many times in life did we encounter that absolute certainty about someone? Not many—some people never experienced it at all. Leopold had been captivated by Caroline from the moment he first saw her, unable to shake her from his thoughts.
When Caroline continued to delay her response, Leopold realized he was being too impatient. "You need to get up for work tomorrow. Better get some sleep."
"You too. You've been driving all day—you must be exhausted," she replied.
"When I think about seeing you, I don't feel tired at all," Leopold said.
Caroline laughed softly. "Goodnight."
Hearing the dial tone, Leopold stared at his darkened screen, lost in thought. Did he have any place in her heart at all?
Before dawn broke, Leopold was already on his way to Solstice Mountain. By the time Caroline saw his message, he had likely reached his destination.
The morning meeting was originally scheduled for both Xander and herself to attend, but Xander had something come up unexpectedly, leaving Caroline to attend alone.
The main focus of this city meeting was anti-corruption measures, announcing a three-month internal reorganization with self-inspection protocols. The power company headquarters had issued formal documents announcing Paxton's dismissal from all positions, with his case now handed over to legal authorities. Paxton's vacant position, temporarily managed by Deputy Manager Theo Green, would now officially be filled by Theo.
After the meeting, Caroline received a call from Elysia on her way back.
"Caroline, your dad's birthday is this Friday," Elysia said. "He doesn't want to go out, so we're just cooking at home. Why don't you bring Leopold along?"
Caroline didn't immediately agree, unsure of Leopold's availability. "Mom, let me check with him first and get back to you."
"That's fine," Elysia replied, clearly testing Leopold. "If he's busy, don't bother him with work."
Having grown up with her parents and worked in bureaucracy for years, Caroline could detect Elysia's displeasure despite her casual tone.
"Mom, I just finished a meeting. I'll call you back when I get to the office."
"Alright, go handle your business."
After hanging up, Caroline opened Leopold's chat and typed: [Are you free Friday night?]
Leopold had just finished work and was about to contact Caroline when her message arrived.
Checking his calendar, he saw he'd planned to visit Preston on Friday.
Leopold: [You have something planned?]
Caroline: [It's my dad's birthday on Friday. Mom's cooking dinner at home and invites you to join.]
Leopold immediately thought about what he needed to discuss with her. He needed to find an opportunity to have an honest conversation with Caroline soon.
Leopold: [No problem. What time? Do they have any preferences I should know about? Give me some direction.]
Feeling it wouldn't be appropriate to show up empty-handed on his first visit, Caroline considered before responding.
[My dad loves fishing, though work doesn't allow him time for it anymore. Coffee is about his only hobby these days. As for my mom, before retiring she mainly did administrative work, preparing nearly all written materials herself. She could give impromptu speeches for hours at different organizations. I really admired her when I was little. Since retirement, she spends her days taking care of dad and tending to her balcony plants. She likes listening to audiobooks while watering them. If you asked what she specifically likes, it seems since dad got busy, she hasn't really had things just for herself—her focus has been on caring for dad and me.]
Leopold could feel her regretful: [Got it. Thank you for the insider information, Ms. Tudor. I'll prepare something thoughtful.]
Caroline remembered to add one more thing: [Don't buy anything expensive. My dad won't accept it.]
"Understood." Leopold checked the time. "I need to work a bit longer, so dinner might be later than usual. If you're hungry—"
Before Leopold could finish, Caroline cut in: [Let's not go out tonight. I'll buy groceries, and you can come straight to my place for dinner when you're back.]
A knock sounded at Leopold's office door. "Come in," he called.
Lily entered with purchase receipts requiring Leopold's signature.
He spoke into the phone: "Sure, I'll do as you say."
Leopold had firmly decided to discuss his situation with Caroline tonight.
After he ended the call, Lily gave him a meaningful smile. "Talking to your girlfriend?"
Unable to hide his smile, Leopold reviewed and signed the documents. "Yes."
Lily pursed her lips. "Seems to be going well. Congratulations."
"Thanks." Being both colleagues and longtime friends, Leopold didn't hide anything from Lily. "I'm having dinner with her parents on Friday."
Lily's eyes lit up. "Really? That's serious progress. Heading toward marriage, are we?"
Marriage talk seemed premature, but Leopold was approaching this relationship seriously and hoped for a positive outcome. Whether they could take that final step depended on tonight's conversation and whether Caroline and her family could accept his situation.
After work, Caroline stopped by the supermarket near her apartment to buy groceries. At home, she washed and prepped the ingredients, texting Leopold midway to ask when he'd be back. He replied around 7:30.
When she received his message that he'd exited the highway, Caroline started cooking. By the time Leopold walked in, the dishes were ready to be served.
"Smells amazing," Leopold said, washing his hands before heading to the kitchen to help. Rolling up his sleeves, he added, "Two dishes would have been plenty for just us. This is too much—we won't finish it all."
As Caroline reached for the tableware, Leopold took them from her. "Let me handle this."
She opened the refrigerator. "What would you like to drink?"
Leopold asked, "Can I have some wine?"
Caroline pulled out freshly squeezed juice from the fridge. "None available."
Leopold laughed. "Then why even ask me?"
Caroline set out two glasses and filled them. Leopold emerged from the kitchen carrying two steaks, placing one in front of her.
They sat facing each other at the table laden with delicious food, looking for all the world like a newly married couple.
The atmosphere suddenly grew quiet as they both realized this. Leopold cleared his throat and picked up his knife and fork. "You made so many dishes—that was a lot of work. Next time, let me cook, or we can eat out."
Caroline took a sip of juice and murmured, "It's fine. Not that much trouble."
They made casual conversation throughout the meal. When they finished, Leopold took complete charge of washing dishes and cleaning up.
After everything was in order, Leopold brought a mug of hot cocoa to the living room. "Caroline, there's something I need to talk to you about."