Leon's POV
It looked like Ella finally had her confrontation with Kayla, and from the way she carried herself afterward, it was clear she came out on top. When she returned from excusing herself to the bathroom, there was a renewed confidence in her stride, like a fire had been lit inside her that couldn't be ignored.
Without a word, I reached out and ruffled her hair. My fingers tangled through her soft locks, feeling a gentle warmth spread from my hand. Ella's cheeks flushed a deep red, her eyes widening for a moment before she quickly averted them, biting her lip to suppress a smile.
But while Ella's challenge was over, mine was just beginning. Too many loose ends still hung around me like chains, weighing me down.
