Episode3
1257 Words
The night had been long, heavy, and restless. Anthonia’s eyes stung from crying, and her back ached from sleeping awkwardly beside her father’s bed. She didn’t remember drifting off—she only remembered promising to stay awake. Promising to fight. Promising that she wouldn’t lose him.
But exhaustion won.
Morning sunlight crept into the room, soft and golden. Anthonia slept with her fingers curled tightly around her father’s hand, as if letting go would make him disappear.
David stood in the doorway, breathing out a slow sigh. He hadn’t expected to find her like this. Peaceful… but broken. For the first time, he wondered if maybe his boss had judged her too quickly.
He stepped forward gently.
“Miss Anthonia,” he whispered, tapping her shoulder.
She jerked awake, startled. “David? What—what are you doing here? How did you know where I was?”
“There’s no time to explain,” he said quickly. “Sir is looking for you. Immediately.”
Her heart dropped. “Now? After everything?”
“I’m sorry,” David replied. “But we need to go.”
Anthonia washed up in minutes and followed him outside, still half-asleep, still half-panicked.
---
Leonard was furious when they arrived.
The moment he saw her, he stood from his office chair, pacing angrily. “You took my money and disappeared? Do you understand today’s schedule? Do you know how many calls I made?”
Anthonia blinked at him, drained. “Are you okay? Because I could ask the same—did you tell me about this schedule?”
His jaw tightened; they both knew the answer.
They were seconds away from another argument when David stepped between them. “Sir. We don’t have time. Press conference in two hours.”
Leonard exhaled sharply, rubbing his temples. “Fine. She needs a dress. Makeup. Fix everything.”
Anthonia crossed her arms. “Good morning to you too.”
He ignored her.
---
At the mall, a team of stylists worked on her. Soft curls, glowing makeup, elegant earrings, and a fitted dress that hugged her curves beautifully.
She stepped out from behind the curtain and twirled.
“How do I look, Mr. Man? Stunning?”
Leonard didn’t look up, busy on his phone. “David, settle the bill.”
She rolled her eyes. “Wow. Such enthusiasm.”
But when they were walking out, Leonard finally glanced up—and froze.
For a heartbeat too long, he just stared at her.
Stunned.
The dress was a soft champagne gold that shimmered under the lights. Her figure was delicate yet graceful. She looked expensive… effortless… breathtaking.
He swallowed hard before looking away.
But then, the door caught her dress, tugging her backward. She squeaked and lost balance. Leonard reacted instantly—dropping everything and running toward her. His arms wrapped around her waist before she hit the ground.
Her breath caught. His did too.
They stared at each other, close enough to feel each other breathe.
Stylists clapped. “Aww! Such a sweet couple!”
Leonard snapped out of it immediately, gently releasing her. “Watch your step.”
Anthonia scoffed. “p*****t. Why help if you’ll still embarrass me?”
He walked away before she could see the slight redness in his ears.
---
In the car, David briefed her on the family. Names, rules, expectations. Etiquette. She listened carefully, repeating greetings under her breath.
When they arrived at the mansion, the air tensed.
Leonard’s grandmother instantly adored her—warm, welcoming, calling her “sweet girl.”
His father gave a respectful nod, polite but watchful.
His mother… stared straight through her. Not a single greeting returned.
Leonard’s sister crossed her arms and sneered. “So this is the girl? Obviously here for our family money.”
Anthonia froze, words trapped in her throat.
Leonard stepped forward smoothly, voice low and sharp.
“My fiancée is beautiful inside and out. Speak to her disrespectfully again, and you disrespect me.”
His mother slammed her hand on the table. “Because of this… thing, you’re talking to us like that?”
He didn’t flinch. “My girl isn’t a thing. She’s my wife-to-be.”
Anthonia blinked—a soft warmth blooming in her chest.
Even if it was fake… it still meant something.
---
After dinner, they rushed to the press conference.
Flashlights burst like fireworks. Paparazzi shouted questions. Cameras pointed in every direction.
Leonard held her hand tightly. “Stay close. Don’t let go.”
Her heart jumped at his tone—protective, firm, unlike the cold man she thought he was.
They announced the engagement. Questions flew everywhere.
“When did it happen?”
“Why didn’t you inform the public?”
“Is she pregnant?”
“Is this a publicity stunt?”
Anthonia stiffened.
Leonard noticed immediately.
“That’s enough,” he said coldly. “My fiancée is uncomfortable.”
Security moved them out, but things got chaotic. People pushed forward, shouting, snapping photos. The energy crowded her, closed in on her—
Her breathing hitched. The world tilted. Her chest tightened painfully.
Then everything went black.
She collapsed into Leonard’s arms.
“STOP!” Leonard roared, voice shaking with fury. “Don’t you dare touch her!”
Security froze. Cameras went silent. His face was thunder—red, trembling, deadly.
He carried her out of the chaos and into the car, ignoring every question thrown his way.
Straight to the hospital.
He couldn’t sit still. His hands shook. His heart hammered. He didn’t recognize himself—this anxious, terrified version of Leonard Mason.
David arrived minutes later. “Sir, what now?”
“List every media house that was there. Every photographer. Every outlet. I want them shut down.”
“Sir, that’s—”
“Do it!”
David stared at him, stunned. In all his years, he had never seen his boss lose control over anyone.
Especially not a woman.
---
Finally, the doctor approached. “She’s fine. Just an anxiety attack. She needs rest.”
Leonard pushed into the room immediately.
Anthonia opened her eyes slowly. “Do you… care about me that much now?”
He froze, then let out a small laugh. “You scared me.”
She smiled weakly. “Sorry.”
He helped her sit up gently, talking softer than she’d ever heard him. “Rest. I’ll handle everything.”
A phone call interrupted them.
Security reported: “Sir, the crowd found her address. Cameras everywhere. Reporters are camped outside.”
Leonard’s expression darkened. “She stays with me. Immediately.”
Anthonia looked alarmed. “What? No—”
“Your home isn’t safe,” he said firmly. “End of discussion.”
She sighed. “Fine. But I need some things from home.”
“Write a list,” he said. “You aren’t stepping out there.”
She hesitated. “I… don’t want bodyguards all around me. I’ll feel like a prisoner.”
He nodded. “Fine. I’ll keep them discreet.”
Her eyes flicked up in surprise. “You… you listen?”
“Only when you’re being reasonable.”
She couldn’t help but smile.
---
When they finally left the hospital, three security cars moved ahead and behind them. Anthonia stared out the window, overwhelmed by everything.
Leonard glanced at her reflection through
the glass.
She looked fragile. Tired. Brave. Lost.
He didn’t know why it bothered him so much.
But he tightened his grip on the steering wheel.
Because suddenly…
Her safety meant everything to him.
- Writer
