Chapter 62 Do you like her?
CHAPTER 62
Do you like her?
As the night gradually came to an end, the energy of the house began to settle into a more quiet rhythm. The music had been turned down, conversations softened, and one by one, guests started preparing to leave. What had earlier been filled with movement and laughter now felt calmer, more reflective, as though the evening was gently closing itself.
The living room carried traces of the celebration. On the large couch, neatly arranged but still abundant, were the gifts Leo had received. Each one represented a gesture, some from business partners, others from friends and family. The variety reflected the different roles Leo played in the lives of those around him, from a respected figure in business to a valued friend in more personal circles.
Richard stood near the center of the room, his presence still composed and steady. Before the final group of guests departed, he spoke briefly. His words were not long, but they carried a quiet weight.
He acknowledged the evening, thanking everyone for attending, but more importantly, he spoke about Leo. There was a sense of pride in his tone, as though he was not one to express too much openly.
“He’s grown,” Richard said simply. “More than most of you realize.”
The statement aired in the room.
It wasn’t overly emotional, but it was enough to be noticed especially by Leo, who stood a short distance away. He didn’t respond outwardly, but there was a subtle shift in his expression, a quiet acknowledgment of the words.
Trent, standing nearby, watched the exchange with interest. When the moment passed, he stepped forward casually, greeting Leo with a measured politeness.
“Happy birthday big brother,” Trent said, extending his hand.
Leo accepted it, his grip firm but neutral. “Thanks boy”
There was a brief pause, the kind that carried unspoken undertones. Trent’s expression held a slight smile, one that suggested more than it revealed.
“Impressive night,” he added.
Leo gave a small nod. “It turned out well.”
Neither of them said more than necessary, but the interaction was enough to leave a subtle tension behind. It was polite on the surface, yet layered underneath.
Soon after, the remaining guests began to leave. Goodbyes were exchanged, final conversations wrapped up, and the house slowly emptied. Jane approached Ruby, her tone lighter as she prepared to go.
“I’ll see you tomorrow,” she said with a smile.
Ruby nodded gently. “Yeah… tomorrow.”
Jane gave her a brief look, as if wanting to say more, but chose not to. Instead, she turned and they made their way out, joining the others.
Outside, Ruby was already there, ensuring everything moved smoothly. She escorted Jane toward the entrance, maintaining his usual calm professionalism.
As they reached the door, she spoke quietly, “We’ll meet tomorrow.”
Ruby gave a small nod. “Alright.”
“Bye”
Once outside, the night air felt cooler, quiet compared to the warmth inside. Ruby paused briefly before turning back toward the house, her thoughts still unsettled. Then, without lingering too long, she stepped back inside.
The difference was immediate. The house, once filled with voices, was now mostly silent.
As she walked in, she noticed Leo and Blake still in the living room. They were seated comfortably, their conversation relaxed, accompanied by occasional laughter. It was a different side of Leo less guarded, more at ease.
Ruby paused for a moment. Watching them. There was something strangely distant about it, as though she was observing from the outside rather than being part of it.
Blake said something that made Leo laugh again, a genuine sound that didn’t come as often in larger gatherings. It highlighted a kind of ease Ruby hadn’t seen much of that evening.
For a brief second, she considered joining them.
But she didn’t. Instead, she stepped forward just enough to make her presence known.
“I’m going upstairs,” she said softly.
Leo turned immediately, his attention shifting to her. “So early?” he asked.
“I’m tired,” she replied simply.
He studied her for a moment, as if wanting to say something more, but he nodded instead. “Alright.”
Blake glanced between them, his expression thoughtful, though he remained silent.
Ruby gave a small nod and turned, making her way toward the stairs. Her steps were steady, but her mind was far from it. As she disappeared from view, the quiet returned to the space she left behind.
For a moment, neither Leo nor Blake spoke.
Then Blake leaned back slightly, his gaze settling on Leo.
“She’s different tonight,” he said.
Leo didn’t respond immediately. “I know,” he replied after a pause.
Blake watched him carefully. “What happened?”
Leo exhaled slowly, running a hand through his hair as if trying to organize his thoughts.
“I don’t know,” he admitted. “Something’s off.”
Blake tilted his head slightly. “And you’re just going to leave it like that?”
Leo gave a small, almost frustrated laugh. “I tried. She says she’s fine.”
“And you believe her?”
Leo didn’t answer right away.
Instead, he leaned back, his expression shifting into something more thoughtful, less controlled.
“No,” he said finally.
Blake nodded slightly, as if expecting that answer.
There was a brief silence before Leo spoke again, this time more quietly. “She’s been on my mind all day.”
Blake raised a brow, his interest sharpening.
“Is that so?”
Leo didn’t look at him. His gaze remained unfocused, as though he was replaying something in his head.
“I keep noticing things,” he continued. “The way she looks at me… the way she doesn’t sometimes.”
Blake smirked faintly. “That sounds like you’re paying a lot of attention.”
Leo ignored the comment, his tone more serious now.
“It wasn’t supposed to be like this.”
Blake leaned forward slightly. “Like what?”
Leo hesitated.
Then, with a quiet honesty that didn’t come easily to him, he said, “Complicated.”
The word lingered.
Blake studied him for a moment before asking, “Do you like her?”
Leo didn’t answer immediately.
But the silence itself was telling. After a moment, he exhaled again, his voice lowered this time. “I think I do.”
Blake nodded slowly, not surprised.
“And that’s the problem?”
Leo shook his head slightly.
“No,” he said. “The problem is… I don’t know what to do about it.”
The room fell quiet again.
Leo sat lost in thoughts, even if Blake was seated in front of him, all he could think of was Ruby.