Chapter 72
I didn't know when Sophia left.
When I finally snapped out of my daze, a server reminded me they were about to close.
Only then did I get up to leave.
Walking out of the coffee shop into the vast night, I suddenly felt lost.
I wanted to find Leopold and demand the truth, but I knew he didn't trust me. He'd never agree to see me.
I wanted to find Leo, but he wasn't at the bar, and I had no idea where else to look.
As for anyone else, I didn't dare reach out.
My parents disapproved of Leopold. They'd definitely just tell me to let him go.
Donovan didn't know Leopold, and I had already ended things. He'd definitely still try to push us together, only deepening the misunderstandings between us.
Where else could I go?
Where could I possibly go?
I truly didn't know anymore.
Just as I stood there, adrift and directionless, a familiar Mercedes G-Class came rolling toward me.
Soon, Leo stepped out of the driver's seat in casual clothes.
His stride was direct, unhesitating as he walked toward me.
"Cindy, I came to take you home."
Those three words—'take you home'—were like a sudden surge of warmth, softening the defenses I'd built around my heart bit by bit.
I looked at Leo extending his hand toward me, and an unprecedented emotion rushed through me all at once.
That emotion drove me forward a step. I took the initiative and wrapped my arms around him.
This was the first time I'd consciously sought him out like this.
In this moment, I didn't care about his secrets.
I just wanted to hold onto this Leo who, when I was desperate and alone, said he'd take me home.
Leo's back stiffened slightly, then his arms came around me in return.
Those hands carried a reassuring warmth, smoothing out my anxious emotions one stroke at a time.
"You suddenly went off the grid. I should be the one upset, so how come you're the one acting wronged?"
I shook my head gently and held him a little tighter.
"Leo, thank you."
Thank you for finding me every time.
Thank you for being patient with me every time.
Thank you for not leaving me alone.
Back at Bayview Villas, I was doing my skincare routine after my shower when Leo suddenly knocked and came in.
"Didn't want you to sleep poorly, so I heated up some milk for you."
I froze. This was something Leopold used to do all the time.
"Thank you."
After setting down the glass, Leo didn't leave. He just stood there quietly waiting.
I looked at him questioningly. "Was there something else?"
Leo leaned against the wall. "Shouldn't I be asking you that?"
My hand paused mid-motion as I applied moisturizer.
After a moment, I understood what he meant. I continued working the cream into my skin, eyes on the mirror.
"I don't have anything I want to ask. Everyone has their own secrets. If you don't want to tell me, I won't force you."
"I want to tell you."
I stopped again, eyeing him suspiciously. "You don't have to force yourself—"
"I'm not forcing myself." Leo's tone turned slightly urgent.
I frowned, confused. Why was he getting worked up?
"Then go ahead."
Leo walked over to the mirror and leaned forward, bracing himself against my vanity.
"I did hide my identity. The truth is, I'm not some boy toy at the bar—I own it."
"But because Leo is what my friends call me, the staff don't know that name, which is why today's misunderstanding happened."
I nodded. "Okay. Got it."
Maybe my reaction was too calm, because Leo looked somewhat dissatisfied.
"Aren't you going to ask my real name?"
I shook my head. "If your friends call you Leo, then I'll keep calling you that too."
Leo clicked his tongue lightly. "Why not ask? Aren't you afraid my name might also be Leopold Percy?"
I put away my skincare products. "That joke's a bit weak."
"Really? You don't suspect I might be Leopold Percy?"
I lifted my head and met his gaze.
"I suspected it before. Then decided it was impossible."
"You and him only share a similar aura. Everything else about you is completely different."
"Like tonight—he'd never come looking for me. Much less bring me warm milk."
Something strange flickered in Leo's eyes. "Why would you think that?"
"It's not that I want to think that way. It's just how he's always been."
I got up and walked over to sit on the bed, gently issuing a dismissal.
"It's getting late. You should rest too."
But Leo didn't leave. Instead, he came to stand in front of me, leaning down.
"Nothing else you want to tell me?"
I instinctively leaned back, hands bracing against the mattress, creating distance between us.
"I'm tired."
Leo didn't move any closer. His tone turned casual. "You're going to look for a new dance company tomorrow, aren't you?"
My eyes went wide. "How did you know?"
Had word spread that fast?
He curved his lips slightly. "I'm here to be your knight in shining armor."
That genuinely shocked me. Knight in shining armor?
Could he possibly know people in the dance world?
Leo seemed to read my mind and continued, "Yes. I happen to have a client who runs a private studio in Silverlight City. She's got some connections there. Should be able to help you."
I still found it hard to believe. "What a coincidence."
Seeing my skepticism, Leo deliberately leaned closer again. "Not a coincidence. The result of me digging around for information. Believe me?"
Some truths are spoken in a joking tone.
I smiled faintly. "I believe you. Send me the studio's name and address. I'll check it out tomorrow."
Only then did Leo slowly pull back, sending me the information.
"I set up a meeting for ten tomorrow morning. But I have other things to handle, so I can't go with you."
"That's fine. I can go myself. You do what you need to do."
While I was reading the message, Leo suddenly asked another question.
"Cindy, did you have dinner with another man today? You smell like another man."
"Is your nose that sensitive?" I unconsciously pulled my robe tighter around myself and explained offhandedly, "Though I did have dinner with my senior today."
Leo's tone turned suspicious. "Just dinner?"
"Why would I lie? But speaking of coincidences—turns out my senior is actually the deputy director of the Royal Ballet."
The moment I finished speaking, Leo pulled me into his arms. "You seem pretty happy talking about him."
I was pressed against his chest. Uncomfortable, I tilted my head back. "I'm not happy about him. I'm happy because he helped me deal with someone I don't like."
"Oh?" Leo's grip loosened slightly. "Who'd he help you deal with?"
I pushed him away. "Even if I told you, you wouldn't know her. Next time I see her, I'll take a picture and show you."
Leo's eyes narrowed slightly. "Really? You're not lying?"
His earnest need for confirmation made me laugh. "Right. I won't lie to you."
Only then did Leo let it go.
The next day, I followed the address Leo provided and found the studio called Crescent Ballet Company.
It wasn't what I'd expected.
Though Crescent Ballet Company was technically a private studio, its scale was anything but small.
The entire five-story building belonged to them.
I walked into the first-floor reception area and stated my purpose.
"Hello, my name is Lucinda Wipere. I'm here to see your director."
The staff immediately checked the visitor log. After confirming my name was listed, they escorted me to the fifth floor.
We arrived at a private office.
"Our director will be here shortly. Please wait a moment."
"Okay, thank you."
I'd barely sat down when a sharp, efficient figure strode in.
Our eyes met. Both of us froze.
She rushed over excitedly and gripped my hands tightly. "Cindy, I can't believe it's really you!"