The mansion stood in front of her like something from a fairy tale, its lit windows reflecting the starry sky. Amara's heels tapped softly on the marble steps as Leonardo led her onward. She felt tiny next to him, as if she was entering a realm that wasn't hers.
Once inside, the scent of roses and sandalwood filled the air. A large chandelier hung in the entrance, its crystals scattering light across the shiny floor. Everything there radiated wealth, power, and a life free from hardship.
Amara took a deep breath, holding onto her clutch more tightly. This isn't my world, she thought. I don't fit in here.
Leonardo must have noticed her discomfort because he paused and faced her. His hand lightly touched hers, reassuring yet strong.
"Don't let this place scare you. It's just bricks, glass, and marble. Without people, it means nothing."
She stared at him, taken aback. "Nothing? This is worth more than everything I've ever owned."
A slight smile appeared on his face, yet his gaze remained serious. "But it's been empty for years. Tonight is the first time it actually feels alive."
Her breath hitched, and warmth flooded her cheeks. He wasn't just being nice-he truly meant it. For a brief moment, she didn't see the billionaire or the powerful man who could have anything. She saw someone who was alone, someone who desired more than just riches.
They walked into a sitting room where a fire crackled in the fireplace. The light created a gentle glow in the space, making it feel more like a home than a museum. Leonardo gestured for her to take a seat as he poured wine into two glasses.
"Red or white?" he inquired.
"Red," she replied softly, her voice barely controlled.
He passed her the glass and settled across from her. Silence settled between them, but it wasn't awkward. It was... curious, almost charged.
Amara found herself observing him-the way the firelight flickered in his dark eyes, how he leaned back while still keeping his focus on her, as if memorizing every little movement.
At last, he broke the silence. "Do you regret it?"
Her grip tightened around the glass. "Leaving him?"
Leonardo nodded once.
Amara sighed, her shoulders shaking. "I don't regret leaving the deception. But I regret the years I squandered. I regret how small I allowed myself to be." Her voice wavered, tears welling up. "I regret... not knowing who I am without him."
Leonardo's jaw clenched, but it wasn't out of anger. It was something deeper, almost protective. He leaned in closer, speaking softly and steadily. "You're not small, Amara. He made you think that way because that's how weak guys maintain control. But I see you. I've noticed your strength since that first night."
Her mouth fell open, taken aback by his certainty. "Strength? You don't even know me."
"I know enough." His gaze remained firm. "I know you chose to walk away from the easy path-the safe cage. That takes more strength than most people ever discover."
Her heart ached. His words broke through the barriers she had built, reaching the part of her that had desperately wanted to be recognized.
For years, Daniel's voice had silenced her. Now, for the first time, someone else was filling that space with a voice that was new-risky, yes, but also gentle.
She placed her glass down carefully, worried her trembling hands would spill it. "Why me, Leonardo? Why not someone from your world?
Someone who belongs here?"
He was silent for a long moment. Then he leaned in closer, his eyes locking onto hers with an intensity that quickened her heartbeat.
"Because they all see the billionaire. You don't.
"Because they all see the billionaire. You don't. You see the man. And I haven't felt like a man-not really-for a long time."
His words wrapped around her heart, leaving her breathless.
The fire popped softly, and in the quiet that followed, Amara recognized something frightening-she wanted to trust him. She yearned to believe in the passion in his gaze and the kindness in his voice. She wished to release her fear and just feel.
Yet, doubt remained. She murmured, "What if I trust you, and you turn out to be like him?"
Leonardo extended his hand across the small gap between them, stopping just a few inches from hers. He didn't touch her or push her. His voice felt like a promise. "Then I'll spend every day showing you I'm not."
The impact of his words weighed heavily on her heart. For a brief moment, she stared at his hand, shaking with the decision ahead of her.
Slowly and with uncertainty, she rested her hand in his.
A wave of warmth flowed through her, her heart racing.
Leonardo's fingers wrapped around hers, firm yet gentle, anchoring her. His thumb traced slow, comforting circles on her skin, and for the first time in what seemed like ages, Amara felt safe. Not due to the mansion or his riches, but because, in that instant, she was acknowledged.
She was visible.
And it frightened her just how much she craved to hold on to that feeling.