Leonardo boarded the plane, ready to return home after wrapping up a successful business deal in Rome. It was the holiday season, and as expected, the airport was packed. As he settled into his seat, he couldn't help but feel relieved that the deal had gone exceptionally well. This trip had been critical for his company, and now he could finally return to his routine.
His thoughts were interrupted by the voice of the woman sitting next to him—Clara. She leaned in and said with a pout, "We didn't even get to enjoy this trip at all."
Leonardo glanced at her, his jaw tightening. He hadn't wanted her to come on this trip, but she'd insisted and somehow ended up on the same flight. "This wasn't a vacation, Clara," he replied, his tone clipped. "It was a business trip. I told you that from the beginning."
Clara shrugged, clearly unimpressed. "Still, we could've had some fun in between. It's not like we're strangers."
Leonardo sighed, already regretting her presence. Initially, he'd found her company enjoyable, but things had changed. His mind was now set on committing to Hannah, and that meant cutting ties with Clara and anyone else.
Clara suddenly brightened. "Wait, isn't tomorrow your birthday? We should celebrate! I'll throw you a party."
"I already have plans," Leonardo said flatly.
Her smile faded as she raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Plans with your wife?"
Leonardo smirked coldly. "Not a chance. I have no connection with her."
Clara tilted her head, giving him a skeptical look. "That's strange. You two look like the perfect couple."
He scoffed. "It's all an act. I pay her well to play the part." His voice dripped with disdain, making it clear how little he thought of his wife.
Clara frowned, but she persisted. "Still, we didn't even enjoy our time together. We should—"
Leonardo cut her off sharply. "Clara, I'm saying this now, so it's clear. You and I—we're done. There's no future for us."
Her eyes widened in shock as his words sank in. "You're joking," she said, her voice trembling.
"I'm not," Leonardo said firmly. "I've made my decision."
Tears welled up in Clara's eyes, and she began crying softly beside him. Leonardo sighed and leaned his head back, closing his eyes. "I've said what I needed to say. That's it." He tried to shut out her sobs and get some sleep, but it was impossible with her sniffling beside him for the rest of the flight.
By the time the plane landed, Leonardo felt drained. As he grabbed his luggage and made his way out, he muttered to himself, "I should've waited until the end of the flight to tell her. Now I've spent hours regretting it."
Exhausted and irritated, he headed straight to his house, ready to put the entire ordeal behind him.
Ariana was excited about the gifts she and her friend Darin had bought for her friend's brother, Liam. She had been the one to suggest the idea and had taken it upon herself to wrap the gifts after their shopping trip. As she prepared them in the study, she felt proud of the effort she'd put in. However, as she worked, she realized she'd run out of wrapping paper.
Leaving the gifts on the desk, she went to another room to fetch more paper. When she returned, she was surprised to see the study light was on. Curious, she stepped inside and froze when she saw Leonardo standing there, staring at the gifts on the desk.
"You're back early," she said, her tone neutral but surprised.
"I had something urgent to take care of, so I had to return sooner," he replied, his gaze lingering on the gifts. After a moment, he looked at her and said, "You can leave these as they are."
"Leave them? They're not finished. I still need to wrap them," Ariana replied, confused by his comment.
Leonardo smirked slightly and said, "Wrap them? What for? I've already seen them. There's no need."
Her brow furrowed. "What are you talking about?"
"Tomorrow is my birthday," he said casually, nodding toward the gifts. "These are for me, aren't they?"
Ariana's lips parted in surprise, then she quickly recovered. "Tomorrow's your birthday? I had no idea… But no, these aren't for you. They're for someone important to me."
Leonardo's expression shifted, his confidence faltering slightly. "You're not planning on throwing a party tomorrow, are you?" she asked, her tone tinged with mockery.
"No, I'm not," he replied, his voice sharp.
"Good," she said, turning on her heel. "I have plans tomorrow, so I wouldn't have attended anyway."
With that, she left the study, leaving him standing there, stunned. Leonardo clenched his jaw, pulled out a cigarette, and lit it aggressively, trying to process her words.
Meanwhile, as Ariana walked away, a small smile crept onto her face. She thought to herself, Of course, I know it's his birthday tomorrow. But why should I let him think I care? Watching the look on his face was more satisfying.