Chapter 64 Silhouette
The bonfire crackled against the night sky as partygoers danced around the flames. Caroline strolled along the beach with her arm looped through Leopold's, the ocean breeze cooling her skin and washing away the day's heat.
"I was worried earlier," Leopold admitted, his voice barely audible above the distant music.
Caroline tucked a windblown strand of hair behind her ear. "About what?"
Leopold glanced down, the corner of his mouth quirking into that helpless smile she'd grown to love. His expression said everything, but Caroline enjoyed seeing him squirm just a little.
"Maddox can be brutally honest. I was afraid his comments about my past might scare you off."
"You mean about your ex?" Caroline pulled away, pretending to be offended as she quickened her pace. Leopold caught up in two strides, recapturing her hand and placing it back on his arm.
"You promised you wouldn't be upset," he reminded her, his tone playful yet cautious.
"I'm not actually upset," Caroline said. "Everyone has exes. Why would I leave over a relationship that clearly didn't work out? If anyone should be worried about past baggage, it's probably you, not me."
She was right—everyone had a past, and the healthy approach was facing it with the right mindset.
Leopold looked visibly relieved. "I'm glad you see it that way. It makes me feel more secure about handling any future issues that might come up."
"What's that supposed to mean? Do you have more exes hiding somewhere?" She raised an eyebrow.
Leopold answered honestly, "I've had two serious relationships—one in college and another after I started working, though the second one barely lasted a month."
Caroline nodded thoughtfully. "When problems come up, we both have functioning mouths, right? I'll ask if I'm confused about something, and you do the same. Everything becomes simpler when we actually talk things out."
"Whatever you say."
Leopold slipped his arm around her shoulders as they watched a newly engaged couple celebrating by the fire. The flames cast a golden glow across their faces, and Leopold couldn't help imagining a similar future with Caroline.
At least, he hoped so.
The guy among the engaged couple grabbed a microphone and started serenading his fiancée. Even the waves seemed to quiet down to listen to the melodic love song.
They sat down on the sand, Caroline leaning against Leopold's shoulder as she sighed, "We have to head back tomorrow, and I've got work the day after. I really don't want to go back to the office."
Leopold chuckled. "Want to call in sick for a couple more days? I could stay and play hooky with you."
"No way," Caroline replied. "Management always cracks down after holidays. If they catch me skipping, I'll be the office example of what not to do. Not exactly helpful when I'm up for the manager position."
Leopold nodded in understanding. "Good point. No sense derailing your career over a couple of beach days."
Her rational approach wasn't just about their relationship—she brought that same clarity and determination to her professional life. Leopold admired her focus and resilience.
"Exactly," Caroline said, worrying her lower lip between her teeth. "Do you think I have a shot at the promotion?"
"Absolutely," Leopold answered without hesitation.
Caroline laughed. "You sound more confident than I am."
"Because you're the best candidate, hands down. The most capable person they could choose." Leopold would have continued his praise if Caroline hadn't placed her hand over his mouth.
"Stop," she groaned. "I'm going to die of embarrassment if you keep going."
Leopold took her hand from his mouth but kept it nestled in his. "Might be difficult to find a crack in the sand to disappear into," he teased.
She tried to pull her hand back, but he held firm. "So you're going to bully me on your turf, huh?" She challenged, then dramatically called out to no one in particular, "Mr. Wipere is bullying a guest! Anyone want to report him?"
Leopold laughed. "Shout any louder, and they might actually believe I'm mistreating you, Ms. Tudor."
Suddenly, they were close—too close. Caroline turned her head, and his lips brushed against her forehead. That tiny contact froze them both in place.
Her treacherous heart thundered in her chest. She heard him swallow hard.
The engagement guy was still singing his love song in the background.
The moment was perfect—that intoxicating point where feelings becameundeniable.
Leopold slowly raised his hand, fingers threading through her soft hair. His shoulders dipped down as she tilted her chin up to meet him, her eyes fluttering closed.
Their lips met in a sweet, tender kiss that quickly deepened as Leopold gently coaxed her mouth open. The air between them grew thin, yet he showed no signs of stopping. Lost in their first real kiss, neither noticed anything else until the distinctive click of a camera shutter broke through their bubble.
Caroline's eyes snapped open. She knew that sound all too well—someone taking a photo.
Leopold reacted simultaneously, releasing her but protectively tucking her head against his chest as he called into the darkness, "Maddox!"
Maddox emerged with a mischievous grin. "How'd you know it was me?"
Leopold shot him a death glare, but Maddox only shrugged. "I was preserving the memory for posterity!"
Erica appeared at Caroline's side. "So this is why you two ditched us—for some alone time. My sweet Caroline, you're learning fast."
Caroline's cheeks burned as she smoothed her hair, trying to hide her embarrassment. "We had no idea where you guys went! You disappeared forever."
"What could we possibly be doing?" Erica was far more shameless, bending down with hands on her knees to get a better look at Caroline's flushed face. Seeing her friend's happiness made her smile. "Obviously, giving you lovebirds some privacy."
Caroline's ears grew even hotter. Leopold casually draped his arm around her shoulders before addressing Maddox, "Delete that photo."
"Are you sure you want me to?" Maddox held out his phone. "I only captured your silhouettes. The lighting, pose, mood, background, composition—it's all perfect."
When Leopold examined the image, Caroline had to admit it was beautifully taken.
"Want me to send it to you?" He asked her.
Caroline nodded.
After transferring the photo to Leopold's WhatsApp, he deleted it from Maddox's phone and forwarded it to Caroline.
That night, neither of them slept deeply. Leopold lay in bed staring at the kissing silhouette photo, setting it as his phone background.
Caroline tossed and turned, scrolling through the day's photos—the ones Leopold had taken of her, their selfie under the heart-shaped tree, and finally, the blurred silhouette of their first kiss.
The night breeze rustled the curtains, stirring not just fabric but their hearts as well.
Leopold rested his forearm across his forehead, his thoughts crystal clear in the darkness. Their relationship was progressing nicely, but he still hadn't revealed his long-kept secret. He wasn't sure how she would react. Given Caroline's family background, would she mind?
These concerns pushed him to decide that after they returned to Seaside City, he would find the right moment to have a serious conversation with her.
The next morning, Leopold and Maddox came to help with the luggage. Maddox asked, "What time is your flight?"
"Nine thirty this morning," Erica replied. "What about you guys? When are you flying out?"
"I'm driving back," Maddox said. "Staying a couple more days. Leopold's probably flying out this afternoon."
Leopold was adjusting the strap on Caroline's backpack. "My flight's at two. I'm making a stopover to handle some business before continuing to Silverwood. Should get there by evening."
Caroline did the mental math. "So it'll take what, seven or eight hours to reach Silverwood? Why didn't you book an earlier flight?"
Leopold gave her a knowing smile. "The later flight means I'll arrive at the hotel after dark. You'd be surprised how many issues I can spot at night that go unnoticed during the day."
Caroline felt a twinge of sympathy for his staff. "Having you as a boss must be terrifying."
"Terrifying?" Leopold feigned offense. "Shouldn't you be calling me dedicated?"
Caroline surrendered with a smile. "Fine, you win. You're always right."