Chapter Fifty-Seven: Let's Talk

EVELYN'S POV

I couldn't help but catch Leonard's glances every now and then. He could barely take his eyes off me, and I felt my cheeks warm with shyness as a blush crept over my face.

"Why are you staring like that?" I asked, still shy.

Leonard looked at me with a deep sigh. "Right now, I feel like I'm getting a tan, 'cause girl, you're damn scorching."

"Oh, right, but stop giving me those eyes," I chuckled at my last words. "I mean, you don't want to ruin my period do you?”

"Wait, what eyes?" Leonard asked, leaning closer so I could see his eyes more clearly.

I gasped. It felt like there was magic in his gaze. Leonard was a ten out of ten, and the more I looked at him, the more my heart fluttered. I was falling for him deeply. I looked away immediately, not wanting to be caught staring—or worse, drooling.

"I see. She gets a little shy," he teased, a smirk playing on his lips. "You can't really handle me, huh?"

My whole face turned red, and I couldn’t meet his gaze anymore.

He reached out, took my hands, and pulled me closer, letting me lean against his chest. I rested against him, enjoying the city view as the car rolled along, our hands entwined.

When we pulled up to a grand, castle-like building, the car door was opened for me. I stepped out, Leonard following close behind.

The view was breathtaking, and I could already tell this date was going to be special just like I had fancied. Leonard took my hand as we walked side by side. Though we had gone out in public before, today felt different. The place was crowded, filled with people from the highest social circles. Journalists were scattered around, cameras flashing. I couldn’t help but wonder what was going on.

Then it hit me. This wasn’t unusual—this venue always hosted the elite of the state. Many were here for business, others hoping for a lucky connection with the rich and powerful, and, of course, the journalists were here for gossip. The celebrity’s gossip chat needs to be updated.

As we approached the entrance, we had to step into the spotlight. I glanced at Leonard, but his demeanor was calm, unfazed by the attention. I sighed and continued walking.

Goosebumps ran over my body—I wasn’t used to crowds like this. But we had to walk in, and the crowd, recognizing Leonard, parted to make way for us. Some were screaming his name.

The journalists pushed forward, trying to get Leonard to speak. He ignored them at first, but they didn’t relent.

"We have Leonard Henderson, the hottest billionaire in the state," one journalist exclaimed. "It breaks our hearts to ask—who is the lucky lady? Please, Mr. Henderson, if we could just know who she is!"

Leonard paused, clearing his throat. He glanced at me and smiled, his fingers still entwined with mine.

"She’s the one," he said simply.

The crowd erupted in cheers, though I caught the disappointed expressions of some women in the mix. We walked past them and into the building, my nerves still buzzing.

Leonard seemed to sense my anxiety and kissed my forehead, then my cheek. It calmed me just a bit.

The interior of the building was even more beautiful than I imagined. Soon, we were seated at our table, and a waiter promptly arrived to take our order.

We started with bruschetta for appetizers, and Leonard made sure the dishes he ordered were period-friendly, so they wouldn’t trigger cramps or indigestion. He had a whole list of reasons why I needed to be mindful of what I ate during my period, and honestly, I couldn’t stop falling for him. His level of care was unmatched. I only wondered where he had been all my life.

As we ate the appetizers, we talked and laughed lightly. Soon, our main courses arrived, and the food was as delicious as the setting was grand.

Midway through our meal, a lady approached us. She looked super hot, she seemed to be in her late 20s. Her expression was gross, and I had no idea who she was.

"We need to talk, Leonard," she said bluntly, breaking the peaceful moment.

Leonard looked surprised but not confused—he clearly knew her.

"What the hell are you doing here, Samantha?" he asked, his tone sharp.

"And what made you think you could barge in on me and ruin my time?"

"I just wanted to talk," Samantha said, ignoring his frustration.

"Alright, then talk," Leonard urged her.

She glanced at me, her expression dripping with disdain, before saying, "In private, please."

"I’m sorry, but you have to leave. As you can see, I was having a beautiful moment before you interrupted," Leonard replied, snapping his fingers. Two security guards appeared instantly.

"Take her out," he instructed firmly.

Samantha's eyes widened in shock. "You can’t do this to me, Leonard. You know I love you! You’re just going to dump me for some bitch? Or are you going to pretend we had nothing because of her?" she screamed as the guards escorted her out.

Leonard clenched his fists as she hurled the insult. He turned to me, his expression apologetic.

"Leonard, what’s going on?" I asked, tears filling my eyes.

"What does she mean she loves you? What is she talking about? What the hell have you been hiding from me?" My voice trembled with hurt.

Doubts began to cloud my mind. Maybe I was just his favorite bitch.

Ignoring his apologies, I shook my head. "I need to leave. Now," I said firmly.

I was confused, hurt, and angry. The night I had thought would be magical was now ruined by Leonard’s affairs.

"Evelyn, please," Leonard pleaded.

"I don’t want to hear anything, Leonard. Just take me home," I interrupted, my voice cold. Not a bit interested in what he had to say.

Leonard nodded, his face a mix of regret and sorrow. Quietly, we left the restaurant.