Chapter 33
The realization hit me then—Leopold had been brought here by Donovan.
"Grandpa, what are you doing here? Did the doctor clear you for discharge?"
Donovan waved dismissively. "I'm fine. They're all making a fuss over nothing, acting like I'm about to keel over."
He shot Leopold an irritated glare. "If this brat hadn't kept me locked up yesterday, I would've been there to watch you dance in person."
Leopold's expression remained impassive. "The venue was crowded and chaotic. With your heart condition, it wasn't safe. Besides, I gave you a video call so you could watch."
I froze. He went to the venue not for Sophia, but to video call Donovan?
Donovan snorted. "You're my grandson. Making me happy is your job—nothing to brag about."
Leopold rubbed his temples. "Grandpa, I'm not bragging."
Donovan huffed impatiently. "Fine, fine. Now stop standing there like a statue! Can't you see Cindy's too hungry to speak?"
I quickly waved my hands. "Grandpa, I'm not hungry—"
"Cindy, this boy's as dense as a brick wall. Unless you spell things out for him, he could think until smoke comes out of his ears and still miss the point. I'm leaving him in your hands to train properly from now on."
Donovan's words carried a deeper meaning. I instantly understood his good intentions.
Our hollow marriage had fooled no one, really.
Fanny and Donovan were each trying, in their own way, to guide Leopold and me toward reconciliation.
A wave of sadness washed over me.
I was about to disappoint them both.
"Your mother mentioned you haven't eaten. Start with some congee."
Leopold set down the tray and handed me the bowl.
I lowered my head, blinking back the sting in my eyes as I swallowed the bitterness rising in my throat.
I'd barely reached for it when Donovan barked in exasperation, "Boy, did you forget you have hands? Cindy's injured, and you're making her feed herself?"
I nearly jumped at his words, quickly reaching for the bowl. "Grandpa, that's not necessary—"
But the moment my fingertips touched the bowl, Leopold pulled it back.
His dark eyes locked onto mine, his lips curving into an almost-smile. "Grandpa's right. I should feed you."
He rarely smiled.
When he did, like now, it sent an electric tingle racing from the base of my spine to the back of my neck.
Annoyed at being affected, I quickly looked away.
"Really, I can do it myself—"
Leopold shifted out of reach, his tone casual. "You want to upset Grandpa?"
Donovan immediately chimed in, "Exactly! The Percy family code is 'those who cherish their wives prosper.' If you dare violate it, you'll have me to answer to!"
I fell silent.
What kind of family code was that?
I'd never heard of it before.
But seeing the hopeful look on Donovan's face, I couldn't refuse. I had no choice but to accept.
Leopold sat on my left, Donovan stationed on my right.
Sandwiched between them, I sat stiffly.
After forcing down several bites, my patience wore thin.
"Boy, stay here and take good care of Cindy. I'm heading downstairs to finalize wedding details with Cindy's parents. Can't let propriety slip."
Donovan rose with satisfaction and headed out.
The moment the door clicked shut, I pressed my hand against Leopold's to stop him.
"Stop. I can't eat anymore."
Leopold's gaze lingered on my hand for a beat before his brow furrowed. "You've barely eaten anything."
Noticing his subtle reaction, I quickly withdrew my hand and leaned back against the headboard.
"I've had enough. My stomach feels uncomfortable."
His frown deepened as he set down the bowl. "I'll call the family doctor."
"No need." I stopped him again. "I just need to rest."
"No. Last time your stomach hurt, you nearly passed out. The doctor needs to check you."
His concern came out of nowhere, striking something deep inside me.
Even Leopold seemed startled by his own words.
He looked away, clutching his phone, and cleared his throat. "Fine. Forget it if you don't want to."
My chest felt tight. I exhaled softly, but the pressure remained.
"Leopold, let's end our arrangement."
Leopold's expression froze. The air around him grew oppressive.
"Lucinda, do you think that because Grandpa values you, you've got me backed into a corner?"
"Don't worry. I'm not that delusional. I just don't want to keep lying to your grandfather."
Leopold grabbed my shoulder and pulled me toward him.
His presence was overwhelming.
"You have no right to refuse this arrangement, and you certainly can't terminate it early."
I looked at him, my eyes stinging.
"Do you really think your grandfather is so easily fooled that he hasn't noticed something's wrong with us?"
Leopold's grip loosened slightly. His Adam's apple bobbed.
I shook my head gently. "You've noticed it too, haven't you? So why keep deceiving him?"
Leopold's eyes hardened. He released me and stood by the bed, looking down at me.
"Aren't you good at lying? So why stop now? Maybe I—"
He paused, then raised an eyebrow. "Maybe Grandpa's enjoying the show."
For a split second, I thought he'd say he was enjoying it.
I pressed a hand to my aching heart.
"How could anyone willingly be deceived? Leopold, let's handle our problems ourselves, but let's not hurt people who care about us with lies."
"No matter how well-intentioned, a lie is still a lie."
Leopold's pupils contracted sharply.
He gripped my chin, his gaze like an unsheathed blade slicing across my face inch by inch.
"Lucinda, tell me. Why are you so desperate to cut ties with me? Who is it for?"
"That imposter who replaced me?"
"Or Ethan, who still has designs on you?"
I didn't struggle. I closed my eyes, steadied my breathing, then opened them to meet his gaze.
"Leopold, there's no one between us except Sophia."
"You're lying!"
Leopold tightened his grip, as if he wanted to crush my jaw.
"Lucinda, do you think I haven't noticed? How many times have you contacted Ethan behind my back these past few years? How much have you done for him? Do you want me to list it all out for you?"
Hearing that he was still hung up on my relationship with Ethan truly hurt me.
Ten years of companionship and devotion, yet not an ounce of trust in return.
"Leopold, what gives you the right to say that to me?"
"We were about to get married, yet you couldn't let go of Sophia. You even canceled our engagement for her. So what does that make me?"
"A catalyst for your relationship? Or a sacrificial lamb for your perfect love story?"
Leopold's breathing grew labored. Fury spread through his eyes.
I expected another outburst, but instead he suddenly released me, looking at me with an expression I'd never seen before—something almost tender.
He said, "Lucinda, I'm tired too."
My heart sank inexplicably. An indescribable panic surged through me.
As he turned to leave, that panic peaked.
"Leopold." I couldn't help calling out. "What exactly is your relationship with Sophia?"
If he was willing to explain, I could pretend none of this ever happened.
Leopold pulled open the door and paused.
His voice was dark and cold.
"You're only asking now? It's too late."
"Lucinda, I never changed. You're the one who did."