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It was already late at night when Giselle stood in front of Leon’s bedroom door. Her heartbeat quickened. She didn’t know what drove her, but after hearing Leon’s statement earlier that afternoon, her chest felt like it was on fire.

Without knocking, she slowly opened the door. The room’s lights were off, only the glow from the balcony faintly lit the spacious space. The night breeze and the subtle scent of tobacco greeted her.

Giselle stepped in quietly toward the balcony. Her steps halted when she saw Leon’s back from a distance.

The man stood with his back to the door, wearing only a thin black t-shirt and dark...