Chapter 461
Chapter 461
Hearing Leandro’s words, Seraphina fell silent for a moment before she bit her lip uncontrollably. Such words should not have come from the Leandro of today.
After all, with what had happened over the years, he was no longer the same man he once was.
To outsiders, Leandro had become the very definition of aloof and reserved.
Even with Seraphina, his occasional teasing was just a spur-of-the-moment act, mostly just playing along with her. But that thing he said just now, it was so natural, for a moment, Seraphina thought she had stepped back in time and was facing the Leandro of eight years ago.
Back then, Leandro was a notorious playboy.
Seraphina had wondered, if she ever returned to Sunburst City and faced the playboy Leandro, what would things be like between them?
A question without an answer, but at this moment, Seraphina was beginning to draw some conclusions- She couldn’t outplay him.
She knew plenty of tricks to stir the heart, but whenever she tried, they seemed a bit forced.
Not for Leandro-
That seasoned charmer, every gesture, every word, as natural as breathing!
She couldn’t beat him at his own game.
As Seraphina lapsed into silence, Leandro spoke again, “Why so quiet?”
After another brief pause, she let out a little sigh and said, “My grandma always said, the best relationships are about complementing each other. When you were the strong silent type, I’d do the talking. Now you’re Mr. Chatterbox, I guess it’s my turn to listen.”
With that, she mimed zipping her lips shut.
“Have you really done talking?” Leandro asked.
With her lips firmly pressed together, Seraphina nodded slowly.
The next moment, Leandro leaned in and kissed her.
Instinctively dodging, as Seraphina was about to protest, she saw Leandro just watching her quietly, as if waiting for her to break the silence.
Abruptly, she swallowed the words she hadn’t managed to say and leaned in voluntarily, returning Leandro’s kiss with a mischievous smile.
As the kiss landed, she suddenly realized something was amiss.
This way, not only could she not talk much, but she also had to make the first move-it was a losing deal for her, wasn’t it?
This damn schemer! Realizing this, Seraphina quickly tried to pull back, but it was too late-
Leandro was holding the back of her head, giving her no chance to retreat.
In the midst of their intimate kiss, the hospital room door suddenly burst open with a bang!
Startled, Seraphina quickly separated from Leandro and turned to see Valerio standing at the door, with Andrea following him.
“Mom, Dad!” Valerio seemed oblivious to the situation, walking straight into the room.
Andrea, holding Valerio’s jacket and slightly out of breath from the chase, her cheeks tinged with red, looked at Seraphina and Leandro and said, “Looks like we’ve come back at an awkward time.”
Leandro settled back against his pillows, remained silent.
Seraphina shot him a glare before standing up to speak to Andrea, “Perfect timing, actually, or who knows how much more I’d have been bullied.”
As she spoke, she took out two wet wipes, one to clean Valerio up and the other handed to Andrea.
Taking the wet wipe, Andrea glanced between her and Leandro before murmuring, “My dad came here too.”
“Where is he?” Seraphina asked after a shared glance with Andrea.
09:14
“He’s waiting for his assistant to bring some fruit up. Valerio couldn’t wait, so we came ahead…”
Shortly after, Simon indeed appeared in the doorway.
Seraphina had met Simon a few times but hadn’t really conversed with him much.
Leandro and Simon had crossed paths on several occasions, each meeting ending less than amicably.
Simon’s presence in Leandro’s hospital room was nothing short of awkward, yet, given his connection to Andrea, it seemed fitting. For Andrea’s sake, Seraphina greeted him with a smile, “Mr. Martin, long time no see.”
Simon gestured for his assistant to set down the fruit basket before responding with a light smile, “I heard about Leandro’s accident and wanted to visit, but just couldn’t find the time. It’s a bit of a coincidence to run into Andrea and your son today.”
“My injury is not that serious,” Leandro replied, “but thank you for your concern, Mr. Martin.”
Simon said, “You seem to be in good spirits, which means you must be recovering well. It’s good to see you unharmed.”
“Yes,” Leandro agreed, “it seems the heavens aren’t quite ready to have me yet.”
At that, Simon chuckled, “You’ve still got a lot of time ahead of you.”
“That’s for sure,” Seraphina chimed in. “Troublemakers live forever, you know.”
At her words, Leandro shot her a look, and Simon glanced her way before both men broke into laughter.
Feeling uncomfortable with the awkwardness, Andrea decided to take Valerio to the adjoining lounge. Belongs © to NôvelDrama.Org.
Once Andrea left, Seraphina visibly relaxed, and her conversation seemed less guarded, without the need to tiptoe around sensitivities.
“First time seeing your kid,” Simon remarked. “He’s got the best of both his parents-handsome and sweet-natured.”
“Well, nature and nurture are both important,” Seraphina said, “Growing up in a wholesome household is pivotal for a sound character. Otherwise, when your folks are at each other’s throats the better half of your life, it’s no wonder the son turned out so cold and aloof.”
Leandro gave her a sidelong glance, his expression unreadable, and let her ramble on.
“I’m different, though,” Seraphina continued, a sparkle in her eyes. “My parents were like that couple from the old love songs, sweethearts through thick and thin, which is why I’m as tender-hearted and charming as I am.”
Leandro turned his face away, clearly uninterested.
However, Simon held his gaze on Seraphina a moment longer before he let out a low chuckle, “It shows.”
“It’s a shame, really,” Seraphina shrugged casually, “Kids who had it as good as I did are few and far between.” She flashed Simon a smile that was both knowing and playful.
Simon was well aware of the underlying message in her words but kept his friendly facade intact, smoothly changing the subject, “Leandro’s injury must’ve been quite the worry for you.”
“You bet,” Seraphina shot back. “With a personality like his, courtesy of his dysfil upbringing, it’s no surprise he’s made
more enemies than friends. Who knows how many grudges he’s racked up over the year. When you’re dealing with folks who play for keeps, you’re always at a disadvantage. I’ve been worried sick, and there’s no easy fix. I just hope some people will start thinking about their children, ease up on the conscienceless acts… A
After all, what goes around comes around, right Mr. Martin?”