"What's your excuse for skipping work? And where are you now?"
Commander Kozlov's voice came through the phone, firm and serious. Leonid sighed, knowing full well that his absence from work like this would undoubtedly anger his father. Yet, he had no regrets.
He glanced at Charlotte, who was shyly nibbling on her pancake.
"I'm with my darling right now~."
Leonid answered only the second question, deliberately ignoring the first. Deep down, he hoped Charlotte wasn't carrying the secrets he had written in his letter to Deputy Commander Vladimir secrets that could threaten her life.
"Your darling?"
On the other end, Kozlov's eyes widened.
"Do you mean Charlotte Smith? So... was your excuse about her being distressed true?"
"Yes, and why would I exaggerate?"
Leonid replied calmly, feeding another piece of pancake to Charlotte.
He expected his father to explode with anger, but no enraged comment came.
"Listen, why are you calling me now? Don't tell me... are you planning to meet your future daughter-in-law~?"
"My daughter-in-law?"
Charlotte almost choked upon hearing Leonid's words. She covered her mouth and coughed violently, prompting Leonid to quickly leave the table, gently pat her back, and fetch her a glass of water.
"Leonid, are you trying to drive me insane?!"
Kozlov's troubled voice caught Vladimir's attention.
Vladimir turned slowly and asked.
"Is something wrong, Commander?"
Kozlov raised his hand, signaling his deputy that everything was fine.
"Who said I want to drive you insane? Maybe I'd enjoy it, but don't forget I need you at my wedding day."
"That brat..."
Kozlov clenched his jaw, feeling his nerves flare once again.
Meanwhile, Leonid smirked lightly behind the phone, handing Charlotte the glass of water.
"Are you okay, my darling~?"
He asked warmly, brushing her cheek gently and wiping away the tears that had escaped during her coughing fit.
"Please... stop touching me,"
She whispered faintly, but she couldn't stop his hand, which continued its soft, lingering touch.
"What are you talking about? No, I mean... is Charlotte Smith okay?!"
Kozlov shouted in confusion.
"Yes, she's fine. But if you want to check on your future daughter-in-law, I could—"
Beep! Beep!
The sudden sound of the line disconnecting cut Leonid off. He stared at the phone, incredulous.
"He hung up on me..."
"He's doing it on purpose! That brat is going to kill me with his nonsense!"
Kozlov roared, slamming his fists on his desk.
"Commander..."
Vladimir called out to Kozlov, noticing the extent of his anger.
"Vladimir, do you think he's just playing games, or is he serious about his relationship with Charlotte Smith?!"
"Well..."
Vladimir hesitated for a moment.
"We're talking about Leonid... He probably enjoys making you angry."
"God help me..."
Kozlov covered his face with his hand, pinching the bridge of his nose as he tried to regain his composure.
On the other side of the table, Charlotte pushed her plate away.
"That's enough. I don't want any more."
She rested her head on the table, exhausted from everything that had happened.
"What's wrong with you now? You should lift your head and finish your plate. Acting like this, you'll make yourself sick."
"I said I don't want any!"
It was clear she didn't want more, and Leonid, with his usual calm demeanor, had no intention of forcing her.
"As you wish,"
He said coolly, picking up the plate.
"But stop complaining. I'm not forcing you to do anything."
Without glancing at her, Leonid headed to the sink. The sound of running water filled the quiet room as Charlotte shyly raised her head to sneak a glance at him.
She saw his broad shoulders and calm movements, but she couldn't ignore what he had said during his call with his father. The idea that Leonid had referred to her as his future wife was enough to unsettle her. Her heart raced annoyingly as she tried to make sense of his intentions.
Time passed slowly, but finally, she mustered the courage to bring up the subject.
"By the way..."
She started hesitantly, her voice low, her fingers fiddling with the corner of the tablecloth.
"Can I ask you something?"
"Yes."
Leonid turned off the faucet and grabbed a small towel to dry his hands. He walked toward her confidently, his gaze never leaving her face, and sat beside her at the dining table.
"What do you want to ask me?"
"Um..."
Her voice was barely audible. Charlotte felt warmth rush to her face despite her cold fingertips. His sudden closeness made the words stick in her throat, and her tightly clasped hands only managed to scratch her skin lightly.
"What now? Are you flustered?"
Leonid asked calmly. He leaned on his arm, his eyes fixed on hers as if trying to read everything she hadn't yet said.
"I don't think so… but…"
Charlotte gently raised her hand and touched the collar of her high blouse, then quickly moved her hand away.
"Do you want to talk about me calling you my future wife?"
Leonid simplified the matter for Charlotte, since she was having difficulty asking him.
"Huh?!"
Charlotte became flustered, barely looking into his eyes, then quickly glanced down.
Her nails pierced her delicate skin, and she felt the tension and embarrassment refusing to leave her.
"So, I'm right."
Leonid smiled for a moment, then added calmly.
"Well, I've told you before, Charlotte, my love for you is not random or just a whim of mine. In my view, I see it as fate. So please, forgive my selfishness that makes me want to make you my wife in the blink of an eye."
Charlotte lifted her eyes and looked at Leonid. Her fair skin reflected the redness of her cheeks clearly while her black eyes shone. When Leonid saw her appearance, he straightened up and raised his hands, saying.
"Take a deep breath, Charlotte. I'm not trying to say words like that to make you cry. Please, hold yourself together."
"I'm trying."
She furrowed her full lips as she looked at him. She felt the bitterness in her throat, but somehow managed to hold back her tears.
After several minutes of him staying silent while Charlotte was holding back her tears, Leonid leaned close to her and slowly raised his hand to gently caress her cheek.
"Are you okay now?"
"Yes."
Charlotte answered and tilted her head slightly on Leonid's hand.
Leonid continued caressing her cheek, then said.
"Well, now that you're okay, how about we go out together and take a little walk?"
"Go out and walk?"
Charlotte's eyes brightened, and she got excited about the idea, but suddenly, she remembered the incident from yesterday.
What if she met that person again? she wondered in her mind, furrowing her brows.
"I really want to take you to a beautiful place that all women enjoy going to."
Leonid had already thought of taking Charlotte to the finest jewelry store to buy her a necklace worthy of her, something she could wear all the time.
"So, what's your decision, Charlotte? Do you want to go out with me, or stay here?"
Leonid's tone was warm and very expressive, and his smile made Charlotte feel reassured and agree to go with him.
"I'm still waiting for your answer."
Leonid urged her and waited patiently. After a moment, she parted her lips and said softly, looking away.
"Well… I don't mind."
Charlotte answered shyly, causing Leonid's heart to flutter for a moment. It was a feeling that slowly crept in, melting his desire and making it more complicated. He gazed at Charlotte, his right hand still gently caressing her cheek, then suddenly he stood up.
"Alright, five minutes..."
Leonid stood, looking away for a moment before adding,
"I'll be ready in five minutes."
He said that, then went to her bedroom to grab his shirt and jacket. Charlotte didn't dare follow him, feeling the heat rise to her face.
"I'll see you in five minutes."
Leonid said that and left her apartment. Charlotte didn't waste any time; she quickly got up. She had to shower, dry her hair, and apply makeup. After thinking for a moment, she realized five minutes wouldn't be enough.
After closing the door to her apartment, Leonid headed to his own. He barely tossed his jacket aside before heading straight to the bathroom, undressing and immersing his body in cold water. Strands of his silver hair clung to his forehead as Charlotte's alluring image still filled his mind.
It took Leonid less than five minutes to get ready, yet he stuck to the five-minute rule, then stepped out. He stood next to Charlotte's apartment door, unable to knock.
After a moment of thinking, what if she's not done yet? Would she feel embarrassed because of him? Leonid wondered with a sigh. He felt frustrated with himself; he should have chosen his words more carefully.
After a few moments, the door to Charlotte's apartment opened. Slowly, Leonid raised his head, and his icy blue eyes landed on the lovely figure that Charlotte had emerged in.
She was wearing a short black dress, simple yet elegant, hugging her body with a high collar that added a touch of classic sophistication. The dress gently highlighted her curves, while black leather boots that reached mid calf added allure to her look. Over the dress, Charlotte wore a classic brown jacket that enhanced her modern touch. She completed the look with a chic handbag draped over her shoulder, creating a balance between simplicity and elegance.
Her light makeup gave her an innocent appearance, reflecting the purity of her face, while the soft waves of her chestnut hair added a touch of sophistication and femininity, making her look perfectly balanced between simplicity and refined taste.