The Billionaire's Flower

(Leo's POV) I watch as Violet is dragged away by her domineering aunt. As the events of the day replay in my mind, and the image of her tear stained face lingers, a stern looking man walks toward me. “Father, I can explain,” I start to say before he holds up a hand and squints, his expression blank. Disappointment is evident in his eyes and I brace for the onslaught of criticism he has lined up for me. “You know better than this, Leo,” he begins with a cold edge as he continues with the usual lectures. “The company's image is what makes us move forward. If news got out that your bride tried to flee, we would be a laughing stock. I'm only allowing this union because her father was an executive director and you need their trust. Don't let anything like this happen again.” “Yes, father. I will personally see to it that Ms. Bennet goes through with the wedding,” I respond with a distant monotone. “You better. I didn't raise you to be a failure,” he spouts before wobbling back to t

(Leo's POV) The day dragged on after Violet left, the residue of the eventful morning lingering throughout my workspace. Shoving the remainder of the paperwork in with the laptop, I get ready for what awaits back home. A small part of me wouldn't be surprised if Violet took off given how poorly I just treated her. After all, our relationship was built on a rocky foundation to begin with. I make my way to the second floor, I spare a glance at Violet's room before entering my own. Flipping the light switch, I nearly have a heart attack when I see Violet seated on the bed. “What the hell are you doing in here?!” I demand, trying to regain my composure. It takes a lot to maintain a cool exterior around basically everybody. “I'm just waiting to confirm something. So, how was work?” she innocently inquired, her gaze seemingly more confident than before. My mind is too rattled by her sudden appearance to properly warn me about the trap that was set for me. “Fine. Are you bothe

(Leo's POV) I watch in slow motion as Violet's skin drains of all color and her feeble body drops to the ground, incapacitated by some invisible force. As panic overrides my once abundant anger, I find myself rushing to her side. “Violet!” I shout while pulling her loose body into my arms. Adrenaline burns my blood as waves of startled thoughts race through my frantic mind. “Help! Somebody call for help!” I cry, heaving her strangely light form off the ground. Violet doesn't stir as I carry her down the stairs and towards an awaiting car. “What in the world is going on?!” I hear Violet's Aunt question on the way out, but I don't spare her a moment. After gently placing Violet in the backseat, I climb in next to her and the vehicle bolts for the nearest hospital. “Please, wake up,” I mumble between strained breaths. Her fair complexion remains unnaturally white and I brush back the fallen locks from her face. As we pull up to the front doors, the area is quickly filled with

(Leo's POV) I quickly close the door to Violet's room and hurriedly make way to mine. After reaching safety and solitude, I run my hands through my hair repeatedly. “Why did she do that? It caught me completely off guard,” my mind screams in confused pleasure. I'm still thinking about her gentle touch when a stern knock comes from the door. Before I have time to respond, it opens to reveal my unamused father. “What were you thinking?! Taking time off work just to be next to that pathetic woman's side! Have you lost all reason, boy?” he criticizes with no remorse. I'm tempted to remind him that my actual age is twenty-four, but know it would only anger him more. “She collapsed, father. It is only right that as her fiance I stay with her until she has recovered,” I attempt to reason with him. His face morphs into a scowl and the look in his eyes scorns me without words. “Get your priorities right, boy. She may be your future bride now, but I can easily arrange for that to be chang

(Leo's POV) Violet blinks a few times before shifting to grab a cookie. I nod at the confirmation of my suspicions and patiently wait to see if she will tell me herself. “I know you don't want this marriage either,” Violet quietly begins, her eyes still on the coffee table. “But somehow, being called too sickly to even be near you felt unnecessary.” Her voice sounded so raw and it wasn't long before gentle drops fell from her eyes, leaving small water spots on her pants. I move my hand towards hers, but stop before it could reach. “I never said that, Vee. That was all my father's doing. He sees emotions and trauma as weakness. I know that better than anyone,” I try to comfort her. Violet's red tinted eyes gaze up from beneath her dark hair and I catch a glimpse of an expression I have witnessed countless times. It was the same look I always wore after my mother left, one that shows how completely alone someone feels. Quickly, I lean over and grab the worn leather notebook from