Chapter 44 Can't See Through Me
After hanging up the phone, Caroline caught sight of her flushed face in the mirror and rushed to splash cold water on her cheeks, desperate to calm her racing thoughts.
Truth be told, Leopold wasn't exactly what she'd pictured in a potential husband. For starters, his job lacked stability—he could be transferred to different hotels at any moment. More importantly, he belonged to a completely different social circle than she was used to. Her past relationships had all been with men working in government positions, while Leopold was firmly in the private sector—an entirely different world.
Her hesitation to accept his advances stemmed from this concern: could two people from such different backgrounds avoid fundamental disagreements? Because relationships that stand the test of time aren't sustained by passion, but by character.
As time passed, feelings inevitably fade, but a person's true nature remained constant.
She couldn't blame herself for being cautious. Past heartbreaks had taught her to slow down when it came to matters of the heart. Taking things slower meant seeing clearly whether they were truly compatible.
Sunday.
Finally able to sleep in, Caroline opened her eyes feeling completely refreshed. She removed her sleep mask and pulled back the curtains, letting golden sunlight flood the room with delicious warmth.
She planned to meet Erica at the spa, where they could indulge in treatments and snacks for the entire day.
One major reason Caroline never wanted to leave Seaside City was its world-class spas. The city was nationally renowned for having the best wellness centers in the country.
Before she could call Erica, she noticed a message from Leopold that had arrived ten minutes earlier.
North: [Awake yet?]
Caroline: [Just got up.]
His next message left her staring at the screen in disbelief.
North: [Open your door.]
Caroline read the words out loud, utterly confused.
"Open what door?"
Right on cue, her doorbell rang. She started toward it, then remembered she was still in her pajamas. "Wait a sec!"
She darted back to her bedroom to change into something comfortable before answering.
Leopold entered carrying an insulated cooler. Caroline frowned. "Didn't I tell you not to bring anything?"
"Money's already spent, no refunds," he said, carrying the cooler to her kitchen. "If I didn't bring it here, the kitchen would've made it anyway." He took off his jacket and added, "Go about your business. I'll handle the cooking."
"It's too early for me to eat much," Caroline protested.
"You're giving me too much credit," Leopold laughed. "It won't be ready that quickly. We're looking at lunchtime."
Caroline awkwardly scratched the back of her neck. "I should go freshen up."
Only then did she realize she hadn't even washed her face. She covered it with both hands. "I must look like a total disaster right now."
Leopold scanned her face, his gaze eventually landing on her head. He reached up to touch a strand of hair sticking straight up. "First time I've seen someone with built-in WiFi."
Caroline slapped a hand over her head and bolted for the bathroom.
Door closed behind her, and she leaned against it, her heart hammering in her chest.
When she emerged, properly put together, Leopold had already prepared the king crab, arranging portions based on different cooking methods.
On the stove simmered a small pot of soup. Caroline peeked inside to find shrimp, sea cucumber, and king crab meat. This seafood soup was worth its weight in gold.
Besides king crab, Leopold had brought other seafood, clearly having planned the menu well in advance.
He sliced cucumbers into thin rounds, seasoning them with vinegar, olive oil, salt, and herbs.
As he placed the cucumber salad on the table, the aroma wafted irresistibly toward her. Caroline swallowed hard. "You're quite the chef."
"Found another thing to like about me?" Leopold teased.
Caroline scoffed. "You're so full of yourself."
Leopold returned to the kitchen for two eggs, heating oil in a pan to make fried eggs.
"Let me help," Caroline offered.
"Don't move. You're not lifting a finger today." His hands on her shoulders, he steered her toward the dining area. "Just sit here and wait."
Once Leopold was back in the kitchen, she leaned over to inhale the scent of the cucumber salad, which gave off a uniquely appetizing aroma. Watching him cook, she noticed how methodically he prepared the eggs while occasionally stirring the soup.
He handled the complex tasks with such ease, radiating a sense of domestic tranquility. Wasn't this exactly what she'd been looking for?
He brought the fried eggs to the table, followed by the seafood soup. Together with the cucumber salad and another fresh salad, breakfast was served.
When Caroline saw the shape of the fried eggs, she laughed. "It's just breakfast. No need to get so fancy, right?"
Leopold's almond-shaped eyes crinkled at the corners, his smile breathtaking. "Isn't it natural to put in effort for someone you care about? Besides, you're worth the trouble."
Caroline raised her utensils. "Stop right there. Any more sweet talk and I won't be able to eat."
Leopold simply smiled and gestured for her to try the food.
The seafood soup had no fishy taste—only a rich, savory flavor.
"Well?" Leopold asked.
Caroline nodded, then tried the cucumber salad.
The surprise on her face told him everything he needed to know about her opinion of his cooking.
"Eat some yourself," Caroline urged.
Only then did Leopold pick up his own utensils.
Noticing how he smiled even while eating, Caroline remembered what he'd said yesterday, "Just seeing you makes me smile."
Sunlight streamed across the floor while the TV played quietly. They ate and chatted, everything feeling perfectly natural.
Caroline said, "You're not working today?"
Leopold replied, "Nothing important today."
Caroline, always good at reading between the lines, "So you're skipping work to be at my place?"
Leopold corrected her, "I'm the manager. I can set my own schedule."
Caroline teased, "Must be nice being the boss."
Leopold's eyes danced with amusement. "If that's how you want to see it."
Caroline shot him a look. "You're not even trying to deny it."
Finishing his meal, Leopold wiped his mouth with a napkin and leaned back in his chair. "What are your plans for today?"
Caroline said, "I was thinking of meeting Erica at Elysian Spa."
Elysian Spa offered numerous services, ranking among the top three mega-spas in Seaside City.
"What time is your appointment?" Leopold glanced at his watch.
Caroline replied, "I was thinking around ten, but—"
Leopold looked up. "But what?"
Caroline averted her eyes. "You know perfectly well."
Leopold said, "I don't mind. You do your thing. I'll drive you there."
Caroline looked up. "Are you leaving after that?"
The amusement in Leopold's eyes deepened. "Can't bear to see me go? Just say so, and I'll stay."
Caroline lowered her head and continued eating. "Who says I can't bear it? You've got some nerve."
"Yep, thick-skinned as they come. That's twice you've called me that now." Leopold rested his chin on his palm, watching her eat. "Caroline."
Caroline replied, "What is it?"
Leopold said, "Sometimes I'm afraid you can't see through me. Other times, I'm terrified you will."