Kimberly POV
I was in high spirits for the rest of the week. Leonardo and I had started making progress—or at least, I thought so.
Since he sent me that landline, he's been away traveling. But he still sends me texts, and I can't help looking forward to them, even though I pretend otherwise. The thought of it makes me giggle, and I realise just how much I've started to rely on those messages.
I was just settling down when the landline started ringing. For a split second, I hoped it was Leonardo. But it turned out to be Ian—well, not bad.
"Heyy," I greeted.
"Hi, sis," Ian said.
"I've been trying to reach Dad, but his number's not going through. What's up?" he asked.
My heart leapt. I knew this moment would come, but I'd hoped to have a solid excuse ready by then. But as it turns out, my mind went blank.
"Actually..." I stammered.
"Sis?" Ian's voice grew tense. "Is something wrong with Dad? Tell me!"
"No, not at all!" I blurted out, my voice almost too high. "He's… on a field trip. Yeah, that's it. A field trip, and he's not back yet."
"Field trip? Dad?" Ian's doubt was evident.
I realised I had to act fast before I said something I couldn't take back.
"When I get a hold of him, I'll ask him to call you, okay?" I replied, my tone sharper than intended.
"Okay," Ian said slowly. Thankfully, he dropped it.
After the call ended, I made a mental note to bring this up with Leonardo. I deserved some answers, too.
Later that night, I got ready for bed, sinking into my fantasies about a perfect life—the kind in the Harlequin novels I love. Since I have no freedom here, it's practically all I can do.
"Kimberly."
Leonardo's voice cut through the quiet, nearly making me jump out of bed. I turned quickly to see him standing in the doorway, his face as guarded as ever.
"Leonardo!" I exclaimed. "You're back!"
"Yeah, I am. Sorry for not responding to your last message—I've been busy." He took a step closer, his gaze flicking to my Barbie pajamas.
"No worries," I murmured.
Then he paused, as if weighing his next words. "About your question," he started. "Why don't you sit down?"
There was something in his tone I didn't recognize, but I did as he asked, sitting on the edge of my bed as he pulled over a chair.
"Kimberly," he began quietly, "there's more to your father's death than you know… more than what you saw."
"But… I saw it," I murmured, the memory coming back in flashes, enough to make me feel dizzy. Before I realised it, I was tilting forward, but Leonardo caught me, steadying me with his hands.
"Give it time. You'll understand," he whispered, his voice unexpectedly gentle.
I managed a shaky breath. "I want to visit him," I murmured, blinking back tears.
"Soon," he said softly, then closed the door behind him as he left. Once alone, I let the tears come freely.
---
*Three weeks later.*
I laced up my sneakers, pulling on leggings and a sports bra before popping my Oraimo earbuds in. I've been listening to Afropop lately, courtesy of Spotify's recommendations, and I actually enjoy it.
Since Leonardo told me we'd be attending a "business event" (party), I've started using his gym—it's the only thing that keeps me sane around here. I go five times a week now, and it's becoming my escape.
As I made my way to the gym, I nearly bumped into someone, it was Enzo, but he only kept walking. And I wondered if he and I could ever get along for once. Which I doubt, I thought as I snorted at his retreating figure.
I entered the gym, only for me to find Leonardo. I had been using the gym without his permission because I doubt if he would have allowed me to use it if I had asked.
Seeing me dressed all sporty, there's no way to lie.
Didn't come here to party, did you?" Leonardo teased, eyeing my workout gear with a smirk.
"lol, I said."
I felt my face flush. "Ha ha," I said flatly, unable to think of a comeback. Seeing him all workout-ready reminded me of that kiss, which only made my pulse quicken.
I was getting turned on by just the mere sight of a man. Jeez, Kimberly.
"Well, it's not like I come here often. I just felt like it today," I said casually, hoping he would just believe and leave.
"Right." He raised an eyebrow, grabbed a water bottle, and slipped out the door.
This time, I headed straight to the treadmill, wanting to shake off the awkwardness. I usually start with stretches, but I wasn't in the mood. With Afropop blasting in my ears, I hopped on the treadmill and pressed "start."
Big mistake. The machine sped up instantly, way beyond my normal setting. I staggered, trying to regain balance, but it only got faster. Before I could hit "stop," I lurched forward, about to hit my forehead on the monitor when a strong arm yanked me back.
"Damn it, Kimberly," Leonardo growled, holding me steady. "You should have checked the speed."
"You shouldn't have changed it!" I shot back. "How was I supposed to know?"
Leonardo let out an amused sigh. "I didn't think you'd be on it at all, remember?" The look he gave me—half smirk, half challenge—told me he'd caught me red-handed.
"Damn it," I muttered under my breath, cheeks burning.
"It's unladylike to cuss, Kimberly ," he said, raising his shirt from the monitor's bay indicating that it was the only reason he'd come back inside.
I watched his retreating figure as I tried to catch my breath. My face was flushed, and I found the situation a little embarrassing.
I went out too, telling myself I'd avoid the gym from now on. This fiasco was enough phobia to keep me far from that treadmill for a while.
As I walked back toward
the main house, I couldn't help but laugh at myself. Some escape plan this was turning out to be.