Injury (part2)

"Young master…"

Alex clasped his hands, watching his young master's back as he walked away toward the elevator.

The esteemed Ivanovitch family, with privileges extending throughout the nation, might appear perfect and flawless. Yet, in reality, it was nothing but a shattered family, trapped in numerous tragic loopholes.

Today, as always, when the head of the family discovered his eldest son's unreasonable mistakes, he stormed in and destroyed the CEO's office once again.

Alex wiped his dramatic tears, feeling deeply upset on behalf of his young master.

How could a heartless father treat a saint like his young master with such unacceptable cruelty?

Even though his young master spent vast amounts of money every month or so, it was no excuse for the family head's furious outbursts toward him.

"How can he act this way toward his son?"

Today, the family head, Agafonov Ivanovitch, not only trashed the CEO's office but also hurled the office's nameplate at his son, injuring him in the head.

"I hope the young master will go to the hospital for treatment."

Alex sighed, picking up the glass nameplate engraved with "CEO." Around him, the cleaning staff worked diligently to tidy up and reorganize the scattered papers and files.

On his way out of the building, Kaiser pulled out a handkerchief from his jacket pocket and pressed it against the wound on his head as he made his way to his luxury car.

He opened the driver's door, got in, and slammed it shut.

Kaiser remained silent, wiping the blood off his face with tissues while looking into the mirror.

His jaw tightened as he clenched his teeth, trying to control his irritation. He couldn't tell if it was anger or just suppressed emotions from a painful past.

Placing the handkerchief over the wound hidden beneath his red bangs, Kaiser sighed.

A man like him wouldn't feel pain, and it wouldn't make a difference whether he was physically or emotionally harmed. But...

Kaiser slammed his fist onto the steering wheel.

"Damn it!"

He shouted, hitting the wheel again.

"Does he hate me that much? Fine, we both hate each other."

His mood was terrible, especially after Agafonov's reaction to his reply earlier.

"Do you think you deserve this position?"

The words were cold, spoken while Agafonov sat in the CEO's chair.

The atmosphere in the office had been suffocating moments ago, particularly with Agafonov's sharp glares directed at Kaiser.

"Yes."

Kaiser didn't take a moment to think, letting the word escape his lips immediately.

"At least I'm better than your mistress's son, who never leaves the house."

"How dare you compare yourself to him!"

"You're right; I can't compare myself to someone beneath me."

"You ungrateful son!"

With those words, Agafonov's rage exploded to the maximum, flipping the CEO's desk without considering his eldest son's presence.

Kaiser wouldn't deny that he could've dodged the nameplate his father threw at his head moments ago in the office. But doing so would mean abandoning everything he had stood for until now.

"That old man."

Kaiser clicked his tongue, trying to dispel his dark thoughts. He pulled out his phone and dialed someone.

He needed to take the first step. 

After a while of talking on the phone, Kaiser sighed and hung up

After hanging up, he felt as though his nerves had finally calmed. He stepped out of his car, adjusted his suit, and began walking back toward the company with calm strides.

He should have returned to the company to receive treatment from Alex, because he didn't have the energy to visit the hospital.

The sun continued to shift across the sky, as did the clock's hands. Throughout this period, nearly until sunset, Leonid isolated himself from the outside world, even turning off his phone as he sat beside Charlotte.

During this long period of time, Leonid thought deeply. Why did he feel uncomfortable every time he thought about Charlotte going to the club without informing him? Although it is her personal freedom.

Why was he also worried when Charlotte had a fever in his arms?

"Ah…"

Amidst the silence, a sleepy moan broke through, drawing Leonid's gaze toward the little worm who had just woken up.

Her chestnut lashes fluttered, and her dark eyes scanned her surroundings. Charlotte felt the heaviness of gravity pressing on her body, preventing her from moving anything but her eyes and head.

She couldn't even lie on her side, and she was ready to fall back asleep as soon as she closed her eyes.

Charlotte wouldn't exaggerate if she said it felt like she was in a waking dream, not fully awake but still aware of everything without being able to move.

After a few moments of staring, Leonid whispered to Charlotte.

"Are you awake?"

After asking, he stood up from the chair and walked toward her, rubbing his shoulders.

He had been sitting still for hours, which was unusual for him. His muscles had already begun to stiffen.

Leonid had removed his jacket and rolled up his sleeves long ago, making his physique more defined under the tight fabric of his shirt.

Standing by Charlotte's head, he asked. 

"How do you feel now? Are you feeling better?"

Leonid reached out his right hand, gently caressing Charlotte's soft cheek.

Still drowsy and feeling lethargic, Charlotte simply nodded instead of speaking.

"Really? Are you sure?"

Leonid asked after seeing her nod.

"Hmm…"

This time, instead of nodding, she let out a sound.

Charlotte knew Leonid wouldn't stop asking unless she responded audibly, and she was right.

As soon as he heard her voice, Leonid smiled, his heart feeling reassured even though his emotions were still conflicted.

He remained silent, gazing at Charlotte's tired eyes. His smile faded, and he spoke again, this time in his usual dry tone.

"Even if you're okay now, you should rest…"

Leonid suddenly stopped speaking, leaning over Charlotte slightly and placing his left hand on the hospital bed's mattress beside her head.

"By the way…"

Leonid continued, his gaze reflecting the seriousness of the topic he was about to bring up.

"What were you doing yesterday?"

Leonid raised an eyebrow, as if reprimanding Charlotte for her current state.

"You know, Daniel told me you went to the club and had fun with your friends, but!"

Charlotte's eyes widened as Leonid suddenly raised his voice without warning.

"How could you end up like this?! Charlotte, you're not a child who doesn't know when to stop."

"… Huh?"

Charlotte let out a soft "huh," blushing deeply.

She might have been too exhausted to move, but that didn't stop her from turning red under Leonid's cold gaze, which held a hint of evident concern.

"I'm sorry…"

Charlotte finally managed to part her lips and reply.

"You don't need to apologize to me. In fact, you should apologize to yourself."

Leonid tilted his head, looking away for a moment, then glanced back at Charlotte as if something had just crossed his mind.

"I won't comment on you going to the club for fun. But I do expect you not to repeat such reckless behavior."

Charlotte lowered her chestnut lashes, staring at Leonid's chest as he scolded her in his usual dry tone.

"Why…"

She whispered quietly, pursing her lips.

"Why can't I go to the club again, even though I'm an adult?"

Charlotte's question struck at Leonid's pride.

"The reason is already clear."

He muttered coldly, then raised an eyebrow as he asked.

"Did you really forget why?"

Furrowing his brows momentarily, he moved his right hand and pinched Charlotte's cheek.

"Ouch!"

Charlotte complained, raising her hand from under the blanket to rub her pinched cheek.

"You deserve that."

Leonid pointed his index finger at Charlotte, continuing to pierce her head with his sharp gaze.

"That's your punishment for forgetting my words and acting nonchalantly behind my back."

Charlotte blinked for a moment, surprised by Leonid's sternness and his way of speaking.

Why was he talking to her as if he owned her when he didn't?

"What words are you talking about…"

Charlotte complained softly, meeting Leonid's eyes.

"I don't know what my going to the club has to do with something you told me before!"

She tried to figure it out herself, but her mind wasn't responding at this particular moment.

"Also, what do you mean by acting nonchalantly behind your back?… You're making it sound like I—"

Suddenly, Charlotte stopped complaining and shut her lips. She could now feel her body temperature rising again, not because she was sick, but because she was about to melt under Leonid's gaze.

That sharp look under his silver lashes held a clear sense of worry for her.

"What?"

Leonid raised an eyebrow in response to Charlotte's sudden silence, still pointing his index finger at her.

"Did you just remember my words?"

He noticed Charlotte's reaction hadn't changed, meaning she hadn't recalled yet.

Lowering his finger, Leonid suddenly slammed his left hand on the mattress beside Charlotte's head, fully entrapping her beneath his gaze.

"I think I've had enough of your behavior."

"What?"

"Tell me the truth, Charlotte. Could any woman who's received a gentleman's confession act the way you're acting now?"

Leonid's cold tone carried a mix of emotions he couldn't contain. In truth, he had been waiting for the moment Charlotte woke up so he could confront her.

"Confession…?"

"Are you seriously trying to deny my earlier confession to your face now? Does the phrase 'I'm interested in you' mean nothing to you anymore?!"

Leonid sighed, frustration evident in his tone. He hated playing the role of a caring man, but now he truly cared, and it was driving his nerves into chaos.

"I'm sorry!"

Charlotte's heart sank, unable to hide her regret any longer.

"I thought you were just trying to provoke me."

Charlotte bit her lower lip briefly, clenching her fist as she felt her nails dig into her palm.

"I'm sorry… I'm really sorry…"

Leonid's eyes watched Charlotte's sincere apology under the dim lights and the setting sun's rays.

"It's fine."

He whispered softly, lowering his head until it rested beside Charlotte's on the pillow. Slowly, he sat on the edge of the bed, leaning his body against hers.

This time, there was no distance left between them.

Meanwhile, Charlotte closed her eyes after they widened briefly, tears streaming down her cheeks.

What she felt in that moment was the worst feeling for her. The sensation of disappointing someone who believed in you was truly worse than any negative emotion she'd experienced before.

"My actual goal was to provoke you at first, so don't apologize."

Leonid continued speaking, admitting in a low voice, his head beside Charlotte's.

"But now I think I've realized the weight of my words, and in record time."

He stopped speaking, lifting his head to look at her. Leonid sighed upon seeing Charlotte's tears and her reddened nose.

He blinked for a moment, then asked.

"Are you crying?"

"Hmm."

Charlotte responded to his question with a quick nod.

Leonid studied her remorseful expression, then said.

"Well, you should cry."

Closing his eyes, he rested his head beside Charlotte's again.

He might have been angry and annoyed with her, but he still had a kindness he reserved only for her.

"You hurt my pride, so please keep crying until I heal."

"Hmm..."

Leonid sighed upon hearing Charlotte's supportive response, moving his hand to stroke her head.