(Violet's POV)
The kitchen floor is cold as I lay there, staring at the black phone screen. The phone call rendered me immobile, the shock of the news hitting me like a semi truck. Cold and alone, I knew that the warmth of the house would never return, just like them.
“Violet!” my mother's voice replies in my mind endlessly. I scream to make it stop, the quiet, my name, everything. As the darkness grows lighter, I gasp when a dull pain throbs in my head. Opening my eyes, I find myself tangled in the sheets and on the floor.
“Another nightmare. How lovely,” I bitterly think to myself. Pushing off the floor, I hobble over to the dresser to get ready.
“He just has to leave at seven, huh?” I grumply think as I lay out a few outfits on the oversized bed. I slept until it was almost time to leave, but that didn’t stop me from wanting to never deal with him again.
After settling on a plain shirt and jeans combo, I stumbled down the stairs towards the kitchen for a much needed cup of coffee. “Good morning,” a deep voice cheerfully greets me the moment I round the corner. Startled by the sudden burst in energy, I jolt back and bump into the wall.
Leo, looking as well put together as ever, clearly suppresses his laughter before extending a to-go cup of steaming coffee.
“Rough night? Did you dream about me?” he jokingly comments or at least I think it's a joke.
“More like a rough morning now that I have to deal with you,” I remark while taking the cup and walking towards the waiting car.
“I thought we agreed to start over, Ms Bennet? Why do you still dislike me?” he questions as we enter the car. The driver pulls away and I turn to see Leo's awaiting expression.
“Just because I agreed, doesn't mean I like you,” I answered coldly. “And it certainly doesn't mean I'm willing to marry you either.”
Something crosses over Leo's face, but is instantly covered up again by his arrogant smirk. “Well, perhaps you might see me in a better light when at work,” he casually states before turning to the window.
After a thirty minute drive, we finally pulled up in front of the tallest office building I have ever seen. The structure towered over the city in a shining glare of silver and white. Leo exits the car and walks around to open my door. Feeling prickly, I step out and quickly avert my eyes to the waves of well dressed employees.
Feeling out of place, I wrap my arms around myself and subconsciously step farther from Leo. Noticing my discomfort, he guides me towards the front doors at a quickened pace.
“It's alright, Ms. Bennet. You don’t have to adhere to the dress code,” Leo reassuringly whispers in my ear. I feel the back of my neck grow warm at the sensation of his breath and force myself to think of something else.
“Don't act like you know everything,” I snapped. Leo chuckles as he confidently strides ahead of me.
Taking the elevator to the top floor, the doors open to reveal a wide open space with various couches and tables scattered about. One of the desks is placed beside a set of doors and Leo confidently walks toward it.
“Where is all the staff?” I question, the echo of our footsteps making the lack of voices eerily noticeable.
“They start work in about an hour. My office is this way,” Leo replies casually, waiting at the door for me to catch up. “Do you like books, Ms. Bennet?”
I arch a brow at the sudden question and soon find out why. The massive room is completely lined with floor to ceiling bookcases.
“Woah, impressive,” I quietly comment while browsing the nearest shelf.
“Words I thought you might never say,” he cockily comments while placing his laptop case on the desk. Not intimidated by the overwhelming pressure of his success, I put all my attention on the rows of books before me.
After some more shuffling sounds radiate from his direction, the room falls completely still and I wonder if he left without me noticing.
“You must be very interested in this category, Vee,” Leo’s deep voice sounds next to my ear. Shocked at the close proximity, I instinctively spin around and press up against the bookcase. The corners of his mouth turn up in an amused smirk as he leans in closer, resting his hands on either side of my head.
“That's Ms. Bennet to you,” I rebutted strongly. Leo chuckles once more as he tilts his head from side to side.
“Oh, pardon me. I thought that my future wife might like to be called by her name in this situation,” he whispers as his head slowly lowers.
“Who the hell are you calling your wife?’ I speak through clenched teeth. The warmth of his breath grazes my face as we lock eyes, neither daring to look away.
“Is there anyone else here?” Leo taunts and at this distance I can see the freckles sprinkled across his face. My gaze drifts from his sharp jaw line to his intense sea blue eyes before I shove his heavy body away.
“I understand. My apologies,” Leo sighs as he puts up his hands, walking towards the lone desk in front of the windows.
“I highly doubt that,” I snarked, peeling myself off the bookcase before half leaving the room. “I've seen enough. See you back home, Whitlock.”
My face is burning red from shame as I walk across the empty floor. “What in the world is that dude's problem? Should I just run away again?” I rapidly question inside my head.
The elevator dings and the door opens to reveal a group of three guys. They continue their chatting, until the blonde of the group spots me by the window.
“Oh, hello,” he greets with mild surprise. The other two take notice and also gain looks of shock.
“Good morning,” I quickly replied while straightening out my wrinkled t-shirt. The three exchange knowing looks as they approach slightly closer.
“Are you Mr. Whitlock's almost wife?” the blonde male inquires happily. I grit my teeth as this seems to be pleasant news to them.
“No. I don't have any plans for marriage,” I quickly correct. Making a move to progress towards the elevator, my path is abruptly cut off by a hazel haired man stepping in the way.
“Oh, well would you rather date a guy like me?” he eagerly inquired, intentions clear as day.
“No. I don't want to date anyone,” I quickly state. I try to go around him, but he firmly grips my wrist, pulling me back.
“Hey, no need to be so stuck up just because you're engaged to a rich boy,” he scummily comments. I try to rip my hand away as the other two guys look alarmed.
“Let go!” I shout, kicking him in the shin. The scumbag falls to the ground and glares my way before suddenly going stiff. I turn to see a fuming looking Leo approaching. A firm yet blank expression resting on his face.
“You're fired!” his voice booms across the entire floor, authority lacing every word. The other two men quickly scurry to their designated desks as Leo grabs the scum by his collar.
“I like to think I'm a forgiving man,” Leo growls in the man’s face. “But sometimes people cross lines that make me want to end them. Congratulations, you are one of those people.” Throwing the man into the arms of two massive security guards, Leo stands firm and squints his eyes in disapproval.
“Also, don't bother looking for a job anywhere in this industry. I'm going to see that you are blacklisted from all companies Whitlock Enterprises works with and warn all others of your misconduct,” Leo adds before turning back to me.
I watch in mild shock as the guards disappear with the man and Leo glances toward me with a worried expression.
“Are you alright? Did he hurt you?” Leo questions while searching for any wounds.
“No, he just grabbed my arm. I'm fine,” I speak, trying to cover up the shake in my voice. I allow Leo to softly hold my shoulders and guide me back to his office.
Once inside, Leo closes the door and takes a deep breath, his face wearing a look of distraught. “Why?” he questions, his voice unstable. “Why do you cause so many difficulties?”
“Is it really my fault you brought me here? Perhaps you should keep a closer eye on who you hire,” I remark, all sugarcoating going out the window. Leo glances at me a moment before he settles behind the desk, a chill hanging in the air.
“I'll have someone drive you home,” he speaks without meeting my eyes. I don't know how to interpret his sudden mood change and just walk out. After reaching the ground floor, the car from before is waiting with an attentive driver.
“Ms. Bennet,” the driver politely addressed. “Mr. Whitlock has asked me to escort you back to the house.” I ball my fists at Leo’s efficient nature before climbing into the car. On the drive back to the house, I ponder what would cause such a change in attitude.
“I bet you don't feel anything,” I grumble in my head. My wrist stings and I look to see the skin growing red. Leo’s furious face flashes in my mind and I smirk. “Well, maybe you feel a little.”
For the first time since this nightmare started, I find myself smiling at the thought of blindsiding Leo by using his tactics against him. “This should be interesting.”(Leo's POV) The day dragged on after Violet left, the residue of the eventful morning lingering throughout my workspace. Shoving the remainder of the paperwork in with the laptop, I get ready for what awaits back home. A small part of me wouldn't be surprised if Violet took off given how poorly I just treated her. After all, our relationship was built on a rocky foundation to begin with. I make my way to the second floor, I spare a glance at Violet's room before entering my own. Flipping the light switch, I nearly have a heart attack when I see Violet seated on the bed. “What the hell are you doing in here?!” I demand, trying to regain my composure. It takes a lot to maintain a cool exterior around basically everybody. “I'm just waiting to confirm something. So, how was work?” she innocently inquired, her gaze seemingly more confident than before. My mind is too rattled by her sudden appearance to properly warn me about the trap that was set for me. “Fine. Are you bothe
(Violet's POV) “I feel strange,” I state at the top of the stairs. The royal blue dress the maids squeezed me into compressing my rib cage until it was hard to move. Leo doesn't say a word, but instead stares with a strange expression. I grip the handrail as I descend the curved structure, stopping a few steps before the floor. “You look beautiful,” he comments while extending a hand. I feel the heat rush to my cheeks as I quickly grab it and clear my throat. “You look nice too,” I replied and it was true. He wore a classic tuxedo with a bow tie and his hair slicked back. If there was ever a time when he looked the part of CEO, it was now. The party was held in the penthouse of a presumably high ranking man in the business world. Leo had told me a bit about it, but I was more nervous about the guests than the host. “No need to be nervous,” Leo comments beside me in the car. I scoff as he smiles with that same false expression. “There's no need to pretend either,” I shoot b
(Leo's POV) I watch in slow motion as Violet's skin drains of all color and her feeble body drops to the ground, incapacitated by some invisible force. As panic overrides my once abundant anger, I find myself rushing to her side. “Violet!” I shout while pulling her loose body into my arms. Adrenaline burns my blood as waves of startled thoughts race through my frantic mind. “Help! Somebody call for help!” I cry, heaving her strangely light form off the ground. Violet doesn't stir as I carry her down the stairs and towards an awaiting car. “What in the world is going on?!” I hear Violet's Aunt question on the way out, but I don't spare her a moment. After gently placing Violet in the backseat, I climb in next to her and the vehicle bolts for the nearest hospital. “Please, wake up,” I mumble between strained breaths. Her fair complexion remains unnaturally white and I brush back the fallen locks from her face. As we pull up to the front doors, the area is quickly filled with
(Violet's POV) “Leo,” I speak in a barely audible whisper. My eyes are still slightly blurry as I stare into his tear stained ones. Overcome with what seems like relief, he swiftly leans over and wraps his arms around my fragile body. “I'm so sorry, Vee. I'm sorry,” he repeats over and over again. As I slowly stroke his disheveled hair and return his warm embrace, Leo's familiar scent washes over me. Our close proximity surrounds me in a bubble of comfort and I instantly relax. “I know. It's alright,” I tried to reassure him. The first thing I saw when I woke up was Leo, slumped over and sobbing. Any resentment or fury that had boiled up inside me, vanished at the sight of his vulnerability. “I guess you know my major flaw now, huh?” I joke in an attempt to ease his obvious distress. A frown forms on his handsome face as he shakes his head. “Vee, I wouldn't call it that,” Leo states, his face drained of all humor. My cheeks grow warm as I find myself looking away. His gentle
(Leo's POV) I quickly close the door to Violet's room and hurriedly make way to mine. After reaching safety and solitude, I run my hands through my hair repeatedly. “Why did she do that? It caught me completely off guard,” my mind screams in confused pleasure. I'm still thinking about her gentle touch when a stern knock comes from the door. Before I have time to respond, it opens to reveal my unamused father. “What were you thinking?! Taking time off work just to be next to that pathetic woman's side! Have you lost all reason, boy?” he criticizes with no remorse. I'm tempted to remind him that my actual age is twenty-four, but know it would only anger him more. “She collapsed, father. It is only right that as her fiance I stay with her until she has recovered,” I attempt to reason with him. His face morphs into a scowl and the look in his eyes scorns me without words. “Get your priorities right, boy. She may be your future bride now, but I can easily arrange for that to be chang
(Violet's POV) The mud splashes up and coats my pants in a thin layer of grime as I watch Leo walk into the distance. My face is burning with anger and it is nearly impossible to turn any thoughts into words. I grip the unwanted umbrella in my hands as I look down at the splashing rain. Deep inside, I had a feeling Leo didn't know what was said. However, if there was even the slightest chance that he did, then I'd be a fool to trust him. “Even if it's true, he didn't have to be so heartless,” I mumbled to myself, recalling the encounter from last night. The Previous Night After Leo bolted out the room, I cleaned myself up and started heading to bed. Before reaching the plush sheets, there was a knock at my door. “Leo?” I asked while tugging open the wooden door. Standing before me was an older gentleman with an almost grim expression. “Ms. Bennet, I believe we need to have a chat,” he plainly states. My gut starts to spiral, alerting me to the outcome of this conversation. “O
(Leo's POV) Violet blinks a few times before shifting to grab a cookie. I nod at the confirmation of my suspicions and patiently wait to see if she will tell me herself. “I know you don't want this marriage either,” Violet quietly begins, her eyes still on the coffee table. “But somehow, being called too sickly to even be near you felt unnecessary.” Her voice sounded so raw and it wasn't long before gentle drops fell from her eyes, leaving small water spots on her pants. I move my hand towards hers, but stop before it could reach. “I never said that, Vee. That was all my father's doing. He sees emotions and trauma as weakness. I know that better than anyone,” I try to comfort her. Violet's red tinted eyes gaze up from beneath her dark hair and I catch a glimpse of an expression I have witnessed countless times. It was the same look I always wore after my mother left, one that shows how completely alone someone feels. Quickly, I lean over and grab the worn leather notebook from
(Violet's POV) The gardens had quickly become a place of refuge for me from the glaring cold of the mansion. Since it was made clear I'm not allowed to leave without prior permission, the beauty of the many colorful flowers eased my anxiety. “Slightly,” I smugly think as Leo's face pops into my head. Thanks to him, I now have my mother's journal, which I keep safely tucked under my mattress to avoid the prying eyes of a certain aunt. “Vee!” I hear her call from behind. Aunt Bella is almost incapable of speaking to me without raising her voice. It's as if the sight of me infuriates her for some reason, not that becoming close is a major concern of mine. Ignoring her screeching voice, I continue to admire the small purple flowers before me. Aunt Bella's heavy steps halt beside me and displace the gravel on the path. “How're things going with Mr. Whitlock?” she inquires, a displeased air glazing her speech. I scoff at her determination to control my non-existent relationship. “My in