Chapter AFTER I AMAZED 154
Chapter 154
I hesitated for a moment before turning to Leo.
"I think you've got everything handled here," I said, my tone light but distant. "I'm not needed anymore. Get some rest and recover."
With that, I followed Orlando out of the room, feeling the tension drain from my body as we made our way down the hospital's sterile corridors.
But just as we reached the entrance, I heard hurried footsteps behind me.
I turned to see Leo chasing after me, his eyes wide with desperation.
grabbed my arm, his voice trembling slightly.
"Dont go," he pleaded. "I'll give you everything I have-my entire fortune if that's what it takes. Just please, don't leave because of Andrew. I can't bear the thought of you marrying someone else for money."
I looked straight at him and asked, "Do you think I'm someone who marries for money?"
Leo's expression darkened, but he managed a weak smile.
"No," he muttered, his voice hoarse, "I wish you were that kind of person. Maybe then you wouldn't have wasted a second glance on me." His tone was drenched in self-loathing.
I pulled myself from his grip, my words flat, almost emotionless. "I'm not marrying anyone."
His eyes lit up with a spark of hope, and I knew I had to crush it before it grew.
"But that has nothing to do with you, Leo," I added quickly. "I chose this life for myself. I'm thriving now, with a career I'm proud of. I don't lack people who admire me, people who pursue me. It's much better than when I was Luna in Silver Moon." Leo's face paled. His jaw clenched, his hurt unmistakable, but I ignored it, turning away without a second thought.
Orlando's car pulled up, and I got in without a glance back.
As we pulled away, Orlando shot a glance at Leo standing there, looking lost.
"One more thing," Orlando warned in a low voice, "keep your father under control. Next time, it won't be as simple as losing two billion dollars."
Leo's eyes didn't leave me, but he nodded solemnly.
"I know. No matter what, I'm always on her side."
Orlando nodded in approval and shifted the car into gear.
As we drove off, I caught a glimpse of Leo in the side mirror, his fists slowly tightening as he watched us disappear into the distance.
The following day went by without much fuss.
My work was routine, almost mechanical.
Orlando sat in the audience, observing as I recorded the show.
I played the piano, my fingers gliding over the keys effortlessly.
When I finished, stepping down from the stage, Orlando's eyes gleamed with appreciation.
"You played beautifully," he said, admiration thick in his voice.
"Better than I ever did back in my day. In fact, I've never met anyone with more raw talent than my daughter... until now."
I smiled modestly, though his praise made me uneasy. "You flatter me."
11:01
After I Amazed the World, the Cold Alpha Regretted
Chapter 154
Orlando's expression shifted to something sadder, more reflective.
"Rolin would have loved it," he said, almost to himself. "This piece, it was composed by someone he truly admired. But Rolin is off travelling the globe again. Who knows where he is now?" The mention of Rolin brought back a wave of memories.
Shakira and Rolin had both hinted that my mother might still be alive.
I hesitated, debating whether to tell my father what I knew.
But in the end, I decided to wait.
Without concrete proof, I didn't want to burden him with the rollercoaster of emotions that would surely follow.
It was better to be certain first.
Before I knew it, night had fallen.
Orlando and I dined together at his villa, where the dinner spread was lavish, almost excessive.
The servants seemed confused, clearly not used to seeing Orlando so... engaged.
He was usually so distant, cold even.
But now, with me, he was a different person altogether.
I noticed a few servants exchange glances, wondering if their boss had taken a strange turn.
The next morning, Orlando left early for work.
He had only come here because he thought I had been injured, but once he saw I was fine, he had other responsibilities to tend to.
I, on the other hand, had nothing pressing.
So, I decided to stay in the city a bit longer, maybe take the opportunity to travel around and explore.
The weather was perfect-bright and sunny without being too hot.
I wandered to the beach, the warm sand slipping between my toes as I strolled along the shore.
The salty breeze, carrying the faint scent of the ocean, played with my hair, and the sound of waves crashing against the shore mixed with the laughter of tourists.
There was something liberating about it, something that made my heart feel lighter.
As I walked, lost in the moment, I didn't notice the dip in the sand ahead of me.
My foot sank, and I stumbled, nearly falling. But before I hit the ground, a firm hand caught me by the arm, steadying me.
""Careful," a deep voice murmured close to my ear.