T59

It was already past midnight. The air felt colder, with a gentle breeze blowing from the direction of the garden.

Leon sat on a rattan chair on the back terrace, near the swimming pool. A cigarette rested between his fingers, thin smoke drifting into the air. His gaze was empty, fixed only on the calm surface of the water.

He took a deep breath, exhaling the smoke with a troubled face.

“Damn,” he muttered softly. “Why can’t I stop thinking about her?”

His hand clenched on the small table. It wasn’t Qiara who occupied his mind, but that annoying little girl—Giselle.

Leon rubbed his face harshly. I can’t possibly...