Chapter Four

(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 bothered by this morning?” I worrily question while removing my suit jacket and approach the bed. Violet gives me the most mesmerizing gaze as she takes a few steps closer till there is almost no room between us.

“This morning? I don't know what you're talking about, Leo,” she taunts. Before I can react, Violet grabs my arm and throws me on the bed. I land on my back with her still standing above me. Her lovely brown eyes search my face like a lioness and I find myself unable to move.

“Are you referring to when your subordinate messed with me?” Her face is now inches away from mine. “Or are you talking about when you became a walking hurricane of fury because I got hurt?” Violet maintains her stance for a few moments longer before bursting into laughter and stepping back. 

“Ah, really Mr. Whitlock? You of all people shouldn't act all innocently caring. Have you forgotten your shameless lies the day we met?” she proudly states, a playful smile tugging at her mouth. Shifting to a normal sitting position, I rub the back of my neck in embarrassment at my behavior. 

“Stranger or future beloved, I don't see the problem in caring about their well being,” I confidently reply, standing to full height. 

“How very chivalrous of you, but I don't need your protection,” Violet states before walking out the room.

I ran my fingers through my hair, completely baffled and impressed by what she just did. “Maybe this will work out after all,” I pleasantly think to myself. 

The next couple days, whenever Violet and I ran into each other, she would avoid my gaze. I found myself looking forward to our encounters, purposely changing my schedule to catch her off guard. 

One morning, I was waiting to greet Violet and see her cute face, when she never showed. I waited an hour longer, but she was still not around. Alarmed, I headed to her door and knocked a few times. “Ms. Bennet? Are you in there?” No response. “Vee?” Still no answer.

Not one to stand by and do nothing, I slowly opened the door. Surveying the large room, I noticed her small form curled up on the bed. “Vee?” I ask from the doorway. A pained sound radiates from the sheets and I instinctively rush to her side. Scrunched up on the bed, Violet was sweating rapidly and jerking in her sleep.

“Hey, Vee!” I call while gently shaking her to wake up. Wondering if I should call the doctor, tear stains are spotted on the pillow. “Vee,” I whisper, my heart breaking at the sight.

“I really don't know you, do I?” I say aloud, gently lifting her into my arms. As her shaking body becomes still and the pained cries fade away, I lay her back down.

Violet remained in bed until the next morning, her face the definition of exhaustion. I considered mentioning the situation, but upon seeing her tired eyes decided now wasn't the right time. 

 “Are you free this weekend?” I cheerfully inquire over toast. She shoots me a squinted look before responding.

 “Yeah. Why do you ask? Got another bad idea to rope me into?” she pokes at me, earning an embarrassed look in response.

 I reach into my pocket and pull out an invitation before sliding it over the table. Violet lifts up the thick paper, carefully reading the fancy print on either side. “Are you asking me to come with you?”

“Do you not like parties? I thought it might be a good chance for you to get out of the house,” I began rambling, my nerves on edge. I nod a few times before noticing her slanted expression. 

“Yeah, you said that last time too,” she comments before tossing the invite back. My mind panics as an earlier conversation with my father resurfaces. As I try to scrape up a more convincing reason, Violet sighs loudly.

“I don't need to stay the whole time, right?” Violet inquired, bringing me back to the present. I shake my head, reassuring her that wouldn't be a problem. I don’t know why she suddenly changed her mind, but I'll take it.

Three Hours Earlier

“I don't think that would be a good idea, father,” I try to persuade him with little success. 

“After the wedding was canceled, rumors about your loyalty have been circulating around the market. This isn't a suggestion, Leo. You get her to go with you to that party or there'll be hell to pay,” he threatens.

“Alright. I'll think of something,” I concede, too tired to fight this losing battle any longer.  “Let's just hope she never finds out.”