The next morning, Daisy woke up to an empty bed. Leo wasn't beside her.She tried to sit up, but the moment her feet touched the floor, her body swayed and she nearly fell.
Before she could hit the ground, strong arms caught her.
"Daisy," Leo said urgently, steadying her. He had just come out of the bathroom, a towel around his neck. He gently helped her back onto the bed and held her arm to keep her balanced.
She pulled away immediately.
"Don't touch me," she said firmly.
Leo froze. "What's wrong?"
"I want to go to my house," Daisy said.
Leo stared at her, shocked. "What? Why?"
"Because I can't stand your bossy attitude anymore," she replied, her voice shaking but determined. "I can't. I'm going home. I'm sorry."
"I won't do it again," Leo said quickly. "I thought you liked it."
Daisy's eyes filled with tears. "Do you think I'm joking? Every time, down there is sore—like I was hit by a trailer. I don't like it, Leo. I don't."
His face fell.
"Please," he pleaded. "I promise I won't do it again."
"You're not touching me for four months," Daisy said. "I'm traveling tomorrow for two months. When I return, for the next two months, you're not allowed to sleep in my room."
"No," Leo said immediately. "I won't allow that."
"Then I'm going to my house," Daisy replied. "And I'm taking Kulture with me."
Leo's expression hardened. "Why are you doing this? You started it—or do you want to take Kulture away from me again?"
no Leo said Daisy said calmly. "But this time, I'm serious."
Anger flashed across Leo's face, but he said nothing. He turned and went downstairs.
Later, Daisy managed to bathe. It wasn't easy, but the hot water soothed her aching body. When she finally came downstairs, she saw Leo on the floor, playing with Kulture.
"Mama!" Kulture squealed when she saw Daisy, running into her arms.
Daisy smiled weakly and carried her to the dining table. Leo joined them, silent. Kulture insisted on sitting between them, holding both their hands.
As they ate, Daisy spoke. "I'm going home today to arrange my things."
Leo stopped eating and looked at her. "I thought we talked about this."
"I just remembered I still have things to do," Daisy said softly.
"Mama, I'm coming with you," Kulture said excitedly.
"Yes," Daisy smiled. "When you come back from school, your daddy will bring you to my house, okay?"
Kulture clapped happily.
They dropped her off at school together. As Daisy stepped out of the car, Leo said quietly, "Let me drop you off."
She hesitated, then nodded. "Alright."
When they arrived at the house, Daisy reached for the door, ready to leave. But before she could step out, Leo caught her hand.
"What about a kiss?" he asked softly. "Is that still not allowed?"
"Leo, stop," Daisy said quickly. "You remember what I told you—"
Before she could finish her sentence, he leaned in and kissed her.
The kiss was sudden and deep. Daisy froze, her breath caught in her chest. For a moment, she couldn't breathe, couldn't think. When Leo finally pulled away, her face was burning red.
Without saying another word, she quickly stepped out of the car and shut the door behind her.
Leo sat there, stunned, watching her walk away. He knew immediately—he had crossed a line.
Inside the house, Daisy pressed her hand to her lips, her heart racing. Anger, confusion, and a dangerous familiarity swirled inside her. She had warned him. She had been clear.
And now, she was more determined than ever not to give in again.