Leo’s POV

The day dragged like a heavy chain tied across my neck. I heard the clock tick at every passing second as I was being reminded of last night—the moment my lips betrayed me. The moment the words slipped louder and faster than I could comprehend.

I never planned nor calculated it. I had expected my feelings to be revealed slowly and drastically in a way she would accept and not repel them. God knows I had held it long enough, buried in meetings, alliances, and strategies. Yet, when ...