Leo's eyes hardened as he listened to his brother recount Molly's words. A surge of determination ignited within him . He couldn't lose her. The thought of Molly with someone else was unbearable.
"I'm going to get her back, Collin," he said, his voice filled with resolve.
Collin looked at his brother, concern etched on his face. "Are you sure, Leo? She seems pretty hurt."
Leo nodded, his jaw set. "I know she is. But I can fix this. I have to."
He spent the rest of the day in the hospital, his mind racing. He needed a plan, a way to win Molly back. He knew he had made a mistake by not telling her about his family sooner, but he had been scared of losing her. Now, he was willing to do anything to make it right.
As the day turned into night, Leo was still awake, his mind consumed by thoughts of Molly. He knew he had to be patient, but he also knew he couldn't afford to waste time. He had to find a way to reach out to her, to show her how much she meant to him.
A plan began to form in his mind. It was risky, but it was the only chance he had. He would have to be honest, vulnerable, and completely transparent. He would have to show Molly the real him, the man she had fallen in love with.
With renewed hope, Leo drifted off to sleep, his mind filled with images of Molly. He knew it would be a long and difficult road, but he was determined to win her back.
The morning sun filtered through the hospital window, casting long shadows on the room. Leo opened his eyes, a sense of purpose filling him. It was time to start making amends.
The rain began as a gentle splatter, a soft percussion against the world. But as the hours wore on, it intensified, transforming into a relentless downpour that seemed intent on drowning the world. Leo didn't care. He was soaked to the bone, shivering uncontrollably, but his vigil continued.He'd been here since dawn, a silent sentinel stationed outside Molly's apartment. Her silence, her abrupt cessation of their conversations, had sent a tremor through him. He couldn't fathom a world without her laughter, her sharp wit, her unwavering support.His phone, a useless brick, lay forgotten in his drenched pocket. Every ring, every vibration, was a phantom hope, a cruel reminder of her absence. He'd called countless times, texted endless pleas, but there was only the echoing silence in return.As the day bled into night, the rain seemed to mirror his despair. The once familiar city was transformed into a shadowy, watery expanse. The world had shrunk to this small patch of wet pavement, where he waited, a solitary figure against the relentless onslaught of nature.Three hours into the downpour, a sliver of light pierced through the rain-streaked window of Molly's apartment. It was a brief, almost hesitant glow, but it ignited a spark of hope within Leo. Then, the door creaked open.Molly stood on the threshold, her figure outlined by the warm, inviting glow of her apartment. She was clad in a bathrobe, her hair damp and clinging to her face. Her expression was a complex interplay of surprise, concern, and something akin to resignation."Leo," she said, her voice a soft whisper against the roar of the rain.He couldn't speak, his throat too tight with emotion. He simply stood there, drenched and shivering, his eyes pleading.With a sigh, Molly stepped aside, gesturing for him to enter. "Come in," she said, her voice barely audible over the storm.The warmth of her apartment enveloped him like a comforting embrace. He was shivering uncontrollably, and his teeth were chattering. Molly ushered him towards the bathroom, handing him a towel. "You need to warm up," she said, her voice gentle but firm.As he stood under the hot shower, the warmth seeped into his bones, gradually replacing the icy chill. When he emerged, wrapped in a large, fluffy towel, Molly had laid out clothes for him. She'd even warmed them up.Later, as they sat at her small dining table, a bowl of steaming soup between them, Leo finally found his voice."I'm so sorry, Molly," he began, his voice trembling. "I should have told you about my brother. I was scared, afraid of how you'd react. I know it's a terrible excuse, but it's the truth."Molly listened, her expression unreadable. When he finished, she simply nodded. "I'm glad you told me now," she said quietly. "But it doesn't change how I feel."Leo's heart sank. He reached out and took her hand. "Please don't leave me, Molly. I can't lose you."Her hand was cold in his, but her grip was firm. "We need to talk," she said, her voice barely a whisper.The storm raged outside, but within the confines of Molly's apartment, a different kind of storm was brewing. A storm of emotions, of secrets, and of a love that was as fierce as the tempest outside.