The directive caused Leo's heart to raced.
"You can't simply threaten me in that manner!
This is my life, not just a business trade!"
With a chilly response, the chairman said,
"Life is a business deal, my son."
"Every choice we make affects our legacy. You believe that your sentiments are important?
They don't. You will either preserve the family name or suffer the repercussions.
Leo replied, balling his fists, "I won't be a pawn in your game."
"I'm not going to be forced to wed someone I don't love. This isn't how it operates.
With a harsh and quiet voice, the chairman leaned in.
Think I'm enjoying this, too? Do you believe I wish for you to be unhappy?
However, I won't allow your obstinacy to destroy what we've accomplished.
This is about our future, not just about you.
Feeling the pressure of his father's expectations bearing down on him,
Leo turned away. You're requesting that I give up my happiness in favor of an ideal.
That's not what I want, and it's not love."
"Love isn't always simple to find,"
the chairman corrected.
However, it is cultivable. You are going to try and you are going to meet her.
If not, I will be forced to reevaluate where you fit into this family and this business.
Leo felt an icy sensation go down his spine at his father's finality.
It was the most uncompromising version of his father he had ever seen,
and it made him realize how serious things were. He said it again, "One month,"
sounding solid yet a little shaky. "I lose everything if I fail."
Leo erupted in annoyance.
"You believe that this is how you can manage my life?
Perhaps this is the reason Mother left us,
you're arrogant and obsessed with power over family!"
The accusations hung alarmingly in the air.
The chairman's face shifted, a hint of rage showing beneath the surface,
but he soon collected himself. Would you dare include her in this?"
Yes, as she was able to see through your obsession on being in authority!
Leo responded, his voice shaking.
"I refuse to fall prey to your unrealistic expectations again."
Leo gave a last fierce stare and walked out of the office,
slamming the door behind him. There was still tension, a tangible echo of their argument.
As I placed the tray down, I filled a cup and handed it to him.
"You know, sir, there are instances when being stubborn might be advantageous.
He probably just wants to get his own way."
The chairman sighed deeply and looked tired as he wiped his face.
But I find it annoying! He refuses to consider the bigger picture.
"Pfffftttt!I laughed so hard that I had to cover my mouth when
I realized how stupid I must have sounded.
The chairman raised an eyebrow, his demeanor showing a trace of surprise.
"Did you just laugh?" he asked,
his serious demeanor momentarily cracked.
"Just a little," I said, smiling wide.
"But really, sir, he's just like you. Stubborn and determined!"
With a quiet laugh, he released the tension in his shoulders.
Alright, I guess it does run in the family. But occasionally,
I question whether I'm being overly strict.
I leaned in slightly, lowering my voice conspiratorially.
"You know, a while ago, I dealt with Mr. Leo Cyprus,
he gave me a stern lecture about the company's expansions,
and I felt like I was being scolded by a parent! I mean, who knew he could be so icy?"
The chairman let out a booming laugh that even startled him.
"It's only that I can imagine! Doesn't he have a way of coming across truly authoritative?"
"Yes! I almost expected him to hand me a chore list right there.
'Make sure you file those papers correctly, Melody!'"
I mimicked his tone dramatically, waving my hands for emphasis.
The chairman leaned back in his chair, laughter bubbling up again.
"Oh, that's rich! I can see him doing exactly that."
"Right? And then there's me, standing there,
trying not to giggle, thinking, 'Is this really happening?'"
I continued, enjoying the moment.
"You should have seen my face when he told me I needed to be more proactive.
I thought I was in trouble!"
The chairman chuckled, shaking his head.
"I think you've found a way to disarm him, Melody.
He could use a little of your humor in his life."
"Well, maybe if you show him how to laugh more often,
he'll lighten up! After all, he can't be serious all the time."
I grinned, feeling a sense of camaraderie building.
"Perhaps I should take some notes from you, Melody.
A little humor might just be the key to reaching my son,"
he mused, a thoughtful expression crossing his face.
"Exactly! Just think of it this way:
'Chairman's Guide to Humor—How to Deal with Stubborn Sons and Icy Bosses!'"
I suggested, laughing at the absurdity.
He roared with laughter, the sound echoing through the office.
"You know what? I might actually consider that! You've brightened my day,
Melody. Thank you."
I beamed at him, feeling a warmth spread in the room.
"Anytime, Chairman! Just remember, laughter is the best medicine, even in a boardroom."
As the clock ticked closer to 7 PM, the office was bathed in the warm glow of the desk lamps,
but the once-bustling workspace was now empty.
The soft hum of the overhead lights was the only sound,
and the rhythmic ticking of the clock echoed in the silence.
Most employees had long gone home,
leaving behind the scattered papers and the lingering scent of coffee.
I had leaned back in my chair,
fatigue washing over me as I succumbed to the soothing stillness of the room.
The talking and laughter with the chairman lingered in my mind,
but the long day had finally caught up with me, and before I knew it,
I had dozed off at my desk.
A soft rustling of papers pulled me from my dreams.
I blinked sleepily, my eyes focusing on the tall figure of
Leo Cyprus standing before me.
"Melody?"
he said, his voice low but firm.
"Wake up."
I stirred, rubbing my eyes and trying to shake off the remnants of sleep.
"Mr. Cyprus? I—"
"You fell asleep waiting for me,"
he noted, a hint of amusement in his tone.
"It's already 7 PM. You should head home."
I glanced around, realizing the office was nearly deserted,
the lights dimming to indicate the end of the workday.
"I didn't mean to keep waiting. I just… wanted to make sure you were okay,"
I admitted, a bit embarrassed.
Leo softened, his stern appearance momentarily slipping.
"Thank you for that. I appreciate your dedication.
But you shouldn't push yourself so hard."
I smiled, appreciating the concern behind his words.
"I'll be fine. Just a long day, I guess."
He hesitated for a moment, then gestured toward the exit.
"If you're not in a hurry, would you like to join me for dinner?
I could use some company after today's… discussions."
Surprised but pleased, I nodded.
"I'd love to. But are you sure? I don't want to impose."
"It's no imposition. I'd rather not eat alone,"
he replied, his voice steady,
but I could sense the underlying tension still present from earlier.
As we walked through the quiet office,
the atmosphere felt strangely intimate,
the echoes of our footsteps mingling with the last remnants of the day's activities.
I couldn't help but feel a flutter of excitement.
Dinner with Leo Cyprus was an unexpected turn in my day,
and despite his usual icy demeanor, there was something intriguing about him.
Maybe tonight would allow me to see another side of him—one not burdened by family
expectations and business pressures.
As we stepped outside into the cool evening air,
the city lights twinkled in the distance. "So, where are we going?"
I asked, curious about his choice of restaurant.
He glanced over his shoulder,
an enigmatic smile playing at the corners of his lips.
"Somewhere we can talk—without interruptions."
He glanced over his shoulder, an enigmatic smile playing at the corners of his lips.
"Somewhere we can talk—without interruptions."
I suddenly hugged myself, my mind racing with all sorts of thoughts.
I couldn't help but imagine what a "talk" without interruptions might entail,
and it sent my cheeks flushing. Just then, I heard a burst of laughter from Leo, startling me.
"Wow, Melody! I didn't know you had such a lewd mind!"
he teased, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
I rushed to defend myself, waving my hands in front of me.
"No! That's not what I meant! I was just… um… thinking about
how nice it would be to eat somewhere quiet!"
He raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying my explanation.
"Sure, sure. 'Quiet' is code for something else now?"
"No, really! I swear!" I insisted,
my cheeks burning even hotter. "I'm just… a little tired.
Maybe I need food to clear my head!"
Leo chuckled, shaking his head.
"I think you need a new strategy. Maybe start with a little less hugging yourself
and a little more focus on the menu?"
"Okay, okay, point taken!"
I laughed, trying to regain my composure.
"But if I were to think about something, it wouldn't be… that!"
He smirked, crossing his arms as we walked side by side.
"What would it be then? Just curious."
"Probably the dessert menu!"
I blurted out, desperate to steer the conversation
away from my embarrassing thoughts.
"I hear they have the best chocolate cake in town. Can you blame me?"