Claiming His Heart (English Version)

Chapter 42

Drake and Leandro had left the lively birthday celebration behind, the echoes of laughter, music, and cheerful chatter fading into the distance. The drive to Emerald Tower was tense but quiet, each man lost in his own thoughts. For Leandro, the day was monumental. He was about to take the leap he had been dreaming of for months. Today wasn’t just another birthday celebration for Kelseay; today marked the culmination of his patience and devotion. He had meticulously planned every detail of a proposal that he hoped would sweep her off her feet.

Drake observed his friend in the rearview mirror, a mixture of amusement and admiration tugging at him. Leandro’s usual composed demeanor had given way to nervous excitement, his eyes sparkling and his hands fidgeting slightly. It was rare to see the man so open with his emotions, and Drake found himself smiling despite himself. He really deserves this happiness, Drake thought. I’ve never seen him like this... so vulnerable, so alive. It’s… good for him.

Upon arrival, they ascended the tower’s sleek elevators to the upper floors, each level bringing them closer to the carefully orchestrated scene of romance. From the panoramic windows, the city stretched below in a dazzling sea of lights, a glittering stage for the evening’s pivotal moment. Leandro moved through the rooms, inspecting the candles, the scattered rose petals, and the soft, ambient lighting. Everything had to be perfect; he refused to leave even a single detail to chance.

Drake watched with mild amusement, shaking his head slightly. “So, what do you think, buddy? Isn’t this perfect? Kelseay’s going to love it,” he said, patting Leandro on the shoulder.

Leandro’s grin widened, eyes sparkling with hope and excitement. “Thanks for your help, buddy. I can’t wait for the proposal. I hope she says yes.”

“Don’t worry about that. Of course she will. But congratulations anyway,” Drake said, forcing a reassuring smile.

“I still get nervous,” Leandro admitted, a hint of panic in his voice.

Drake lightly punched his arm. “Now? Nervous? Relax. Think positive. You know her. She can’t resist you.”

They were about to leave when a figure appeared at the entrance. Maureen.

“That girl is trouble,” Drake muttered under his breath, tension coiling in his shoulders instantly.

“What are you doing here, Mau?” Leandro asked, frowning in suspicion.

Maureen’s mischievous smile did nothing to ease the tension. “Relax, Andro. I’m not here to cause trouble. I just want you to see something.” She held out a brown envelope, deliberately prolonging the moment.

Leandro’s brows knitted together. “I’m not interested. Just leave.”

Maureen laughed softly, clearly enjoying the drama she had created. “Come on, Andro. Just open it. You’re going to be shocked.”

Drake stepped forward, hand firmly on Leandro’s shoulder. “Don’t, man. We’re wasting our time on her.”

“Oh, come on! Don’t be so harsh, Drake. Just look,” Maureen teased, her voice dripping with satisfaction.

Leandro hesitated, curiosity gnawing at him despite his better judgment. Slowly, he opened the envelope. Photos tumbled out, each one more damning than the last. Kelseay, captured in intimate moments with another man.

“f**k! What the hell is this?” he shouted, his voice cracking as anger and disbelief surged through him.

Drake groaned, rubbing his temples. “Chill, buddy. Don’t jump to conclusions. Confront her first. There might be an explanation.”

“Confront her? Drake! Look at this! My suspicions were right! I’ll kill him! I can’t forgive them!” Leandro roared, crumpling the photos in his fists. His fury was tangible, a storm ready to break.

Drake quickly grabbed the torn pictures, destroying the evidence before his friend could escalate further. But he had seen enoug. Enough to know that Leandro’s night, and perhaps more, was about to be ruined.

“Where the hell is this guy?” Leandro demanded, his voice tight with rage. Maureen, still grinning, handed over a location. In a blink, Leandro stormed off, leaving Drake to fume.

“Happy now, Mau? You’ve ruined everything. Selfish! Obsessed! One day karma’s gonna hit you,” Drake muttered, shaking his head.

“Watch your words, Drake. Karma’s my best friend. And yes, I’m happy. Super happy. Gotta go—bye!” Maureen called over her shoulder, her figure disappearing down the corridor with an almost predatory grace.

Drake exhaled heavily, frustration pressing down on him. If she weren’t a woman, I’d have decked her by now, he thought, jaw tight. He needed to act quickly. Leandro’s temper was unpredictable; the man would do something rash if left unchecked. Traffic delayed him, forcing Drake to redirect his urgency.

The drive back to the mansion was tense. Drake’s mind raced, considering every scenario, preparing for the worst. Upon arrival, he stormed inside to find Kelseay and Lucy in the middle of preparations for the next part of the celebration. Both women froze at the sight of him.

“D-Drake! Why are you here? Where’s Leandro? And… what’s wrong?” Kelseay asked, panic etched across her face.

Drake handed her the envelope without a word. “Open it.”

Kelseay’s hands shook as she unfolded the papers, her eyes widening in shock and horror.

“W-who sent this? Did Leandro see it?” she stammered, voice trembling.

“Yes. He’s at the location now with that guy,” Drake said curtly, his tone clipped but controlled.

“I didn’t cheat on Leandro! I didn’t! He’s lying!” Kelseay’s voice cracked, desperation seeping through every word.

“Then why didn’t you tell him? He loves you, Kelseay. Why put him through this?” Drake demanded, his tone sharp but edged with concern.

Lucy stepped forward protectively. “Hey! Watch how you talk about my cousin! You’re judging too much!”

Drake shook his head, exhaling slowly, frustration etched in every line of his face. “I’m just stating facts. He was about to propose, and now this has happened. It’s… unbelievable.”

Kelseay broke down completely, tears streaking her cheeks. Lucy placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, exchanging a brief glance with Drake. In that silent communication, they understood the weight of the situation, women could convey so much without a single word.

Drake’s thoughts raced, calculating, planning. Life had a way of punishing mistakes, and he could feel it tightening around them all like a noose. Someone was going to be hurt. Someone would feel betrayal. And Drake? He could only watch, knowing that the consequences would be brutal.

Tsk. Tsk. Tsk, he muttered under his breath, eyes narrowing as he ran a hand through his hair.

The mansion felt smaller now, each room heavy with tension. The party, the celebration. It all seemed distant, meaningless in the shadow of what had just been uncovered. Drake exhaled, knowing one thing with certainty: tonight, lives would change, and nothing would ever be the same.