Chapter 31

"Come on down and get the answer in there." Leonard invited her while intertwining his fingers between her lover's tiny fingers.

--

Leonard's big family welcomed their arrival warmly. He introduced Calista as his co-worker to all his family members. Of course, that left a question in Calista's mind.

"Let's go there, baby. I want to congratulate my cousin."

"Leo, wait!"

"What's wrong, hmm?"

Realising Calista was just silent with an uncomfortable look, Leonard's finger reached out to gently caress her cheek but was quickly brushed away.

"What is this? Why are you suddenly angry? Tell me!" Leonard snapped.

"What do you mean by telling all your family members that our relationship is only as co-workers? So, so far, our relationship is nothing more than that?" Calista's tone sharpened. The look in her eyes was able to pierce Leonard's heart.

Leonard's chest instantly tightened to find those grey eyes silhouette now bearing deep pain. He wanted to hug her in his arms, but that was impossible to do here as hundreds of people were present.

"Answer!" Calista hissed.

"Okay, your place has explained everything."

Calista couldn't take it anymore. She wanted to leave this place immediately, but a grip on her wrist forced her to stay.

Leonard seemed to close his eyes for a moment before speaking.

"Listen to me, baby. I said that on purpose because I didn't want to be immediately pressured into marrying you." Leonard explained.

"You don't know my family members. If they find out that you are my special woman, I will be forced to marry you. I don't want to suffer the same fate as my cousin Damian." Leonard added.

Calista's lips curled into a sinister smile.

"I don't want to marry you either!"

"What did you say, baby?" Leonard growled. Now he clenched his jaw with a sharp gaze.

"I don't like repeating the same line, Leonard."

"Listen to me. Don't ever say that disgusting sentence in front of me!" Leonard snapped.

"Why not? I can do whatever I like, and you can't force me to…."

"Enough, Calista!" Leonard cut her sentence.

Not wanting any sharp words to come out of these luscious lips he adored, he immediately dragged Calista's body to a place that was impossible for anyone to reach.

"Ouch, it hurts. Let me go, Leo! You hurt me!" Calista rebelled.

Leonard Immediately pushed Calista's slender body against the wall, locking her on each side. He knew that she was angry at this time, but he was also furious with her words that she didn't want to marry him.

"What do you want to do?"

Leonard started to bring his face closer.

"Take those disgusting words out of your mouth or..."

"Or what?"

His lips curled into a sharp grin.

"You'll receive your punishment in this place, right now!"

"If you have the heart to do it, then go ahead. Isn't our relationship nothing more than co-workers? So… I wouldn't be surprised if you wanted to do that."

"You!"

Calista took a deep breath.

"I'm just repeating what you said. You shouldn't have to overreact like this. After all, we have nothing more to do than co-workers."

Calista seemed to be holding back anger. Her chest was beaten up and down, holding back emotions that were ready to explode. Her grey eyes silhouette flashed so sharply that they could stab Leonard's eyes.

Being stared at like that made Leonard feel stabbed by a thousand needles. He chose to remain silent, knowing that his woman was controlled by anger. He didn't want to drag this relationship further into the abyss.

Meanwhile, Calista couldn't stand being stared at with hurt eyes. She then directly pushed Leonard's broad chest.

She stared into the depths of the black eyes for a long time before deciding to leave. But, a voice stopped her footsteps.

"I love you, Calista."

Calista's body froze, and she suddenly felt a strong hand wrapped around her stomach. It could make her heart warm again. Still, the reality she had just discovered had hurt her ego and locked her in a cage.

Leonard's hand moved to her shoulder then turned it slowly so that now their gazes met. He wiped away the tears that had fallen down her smooth cheeks.

"I love you, Calista. I love you so much more than I love myself. I'm sorry for my mistake. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings. I'm sorry."

"You know, no matter how long our relationship lasts, it's clear that I'm serious. I'm into this relationship. I'm just not ready for marriage yet." Leonard added.

'Because I still don't deserve to be with you, Calista. There are many things that I have to prepare to be with Kafeel's daughter.' Leonard continued in his heart.

Not wanting Calista to further misunderstand and dissolve into sadness, Leonard immediately guided her tiny fingers to the place where his parents were.

"Why did you bring me here?"

"You'll soon know the answer, baby. Come on!"

"Wait!"

"What's now, hum? Are you not ready? I wanted to introduce you to my family, not as a co-worker but as a future daughter-in-law."

"Please don't do that."

"Why, baby? Don't tell me that you don't want to..."

Calista could feel his black eyes flashed the fear of losing. She wanted to tease his lover, but she held back her intention, especially when she felt her finger being squeezed so tightly. It made her groan in pain.

"Of course I want to," said Calista while rubbing Leonard's jaw. It made him close his eyes.

"I want you to introduce me to your mom when you're ready. Not because you want to please me but because of your sincere desire."

Calista's fingers stomped on Leonard's chest. His sturdy hands blocked her fingers.

"Do you believe me?"

Calista nodded.

Leonard was touched, and then he kissed Calista's forehead profoundly and long.

"Thank you, baby."

Many pairs of eyes stared enviously at Calista. She couldn't help but feel uncomfortable being stared at like that.

Realising that, Leonard immediately led his woman to meet the happiest couple tonight.

"Hmm, you got a new toy so fast," Damian whispered with piercing eyes on Calista.

"Watch your words if you don't want me to break your neck, Damian! Watch your eyes if you don't want me to pry out!"

After that, Leonard immediately asked Calista to leave before even getting to know his cousin.

"Are you happy tonight, baby?" Leonard whispered as he leaned her slender back against his broad chest.

"Of course," Calista replied.

"Shall we go over there? It's too crowded here."

Calista nodded.

🍁🍁🍁

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