Chapter 461
Hearing Leandro’s words, Seraphina fell silent for a moment before she bit her lip uncontrobly. Such
words should not havee from the Leandro of today.
After all, with what had happened over the years, he was no longer the same man he once was.
To outsiders, Leandro had be the very definition of aloof and reserved.
Even with Seraphina, his asional teasing was just a spur-of-the-moment act, mostly just ying
along with her. But that thing he said just now, it was so natural, for a moment, Seraphina thought she
had stepped back in time and was facing the Leandro of eight years ago.
Back then, Leandro was a notorious yboy.
Seraphina had wondered, if she ever returned to Sunburst City and faced the yboy Leandro, what
would things be like between them?
A question without an answer, but at this moment, Seraphina was beginning to draw some conclusions-
She couldn’t outy him.
She knew plenty of tricks to stir the heart, but whenever she tried, they seemed a bit forced.
Not for Leandro-
That seasoned charmer, every gesture, every word, as natural as breathing!
She couldn’t beat him at his own game.
As Seraphinapsed into silence, Leandro spoke again, “Why so quiet?”
After another brief pause, she let out a little sigh and said, “My grandma always said, the best
rtionships are aboutplementing each other. When you were the strong silent type, I’d do the
talking. Now you’re Mr. Chatterbox, I guess it’s my turn to listen.”
With that, she mimed zipping her lips shut.
“Have you really done talking?” Leandro asked.
With her lips firmly pressed together, Seraphina nodded slowly.
The next moment, Leandro leaned in and kissed her.
Instinctively dodging, as Seraphina was about to protest, she saw Leandro just watching her quietly, as
if waiting for her to break the silence.
Abruptly, she swallowed the words she hadn’t managed to say and leaned in voluntarily, returning
Leandro’s kiss with a mischievous smile.
As the kissnded, she suddenly realized something was amiss.
This way, not only could she not talk much, but she also had to make the first move-it was a losing deal
for her, wasn’t it?
This damn schemer! Realizing this, Seraphina quickly tried to pull back, but it was toote-
Leandro was holding the back of her head, giving her no chance to retreat.
In the midst of their intimate kiss, the hospital room door suddenly burst open with a bang!
Startled, Seraphina quickly separated from Leandro and turned to see Valerio standing at the door, with
Andrea following him.
“Mom, Dad!” Valerio seemed oblivious to the situation, walking straight into the room.
Andrea, holding Valerio’s jacket and slightly out of breath from the chase, her cheeks tinged with red,
looked at Seraphina and Leandro and said, “Looks like we’vee back at an awkward time.”
Leandro settled back against his pillows, remained silent.
Seraphina shot him a re before standing up to speak to Andrea, “Perfect timing, actually, or who
knows how much more I’d have been bullied.”
As she spoke, she took out two wet wipes, one to clean Valerio up and the other handed to Andrea.
Taking the wet wipe, Andrea nced between her and Leandro before murmuring, “My dad came here
too.”
“Where is he?” Seraphina asked after a shared nce with Andrea.
09:14
“He’s waiting for his assistant to bring some fruit up. Valerio couldn’t wait, so we came ahead…”
Shortly after, Simon indeed appeared in the doorway.
Seraphina had met Simon a few times but hadn’t really conversed with him much.
Leandro and Simon had crossed paths on several asions, each meeting ending less than amicably.
Simon’s presence in Leandro’s hospital room was nothing short of awkward, yet, given his connection
to Andrea, it seemed fitting. For Andrea’s sake, Seraphina greeted him with a smile, “Mr. Martin, long
time no see.”
Simon gestured for his assistant to set down the fruit basket before responding with a light smile, “I
heard about Leandro’s ident and wanted to visit, but just couldn’t find the time. It’s a bit of a
coincidence to run into Andrea and your son today.”
“My injury is not that serious,” Leandro replied, “but thank you for your concern, Mr. Martin.”
Simon said, “You seem to be in good spirits, which means you must be recovering well. It’s good to see
you unharmed.”
“Yes,” Leandro agreed, “it seems the heavens aren’t quite ready to have me yet.”
At that, Simon chuckled, “You’ve still got a lot of time ahead of you.”
“That’s for sure,” Seraphina chimed in. “Troublemakers live forever, you know.”
At her words, Leandro shot her a look, and Simon nced her way before both men broke into
laughter.
Feeling ufortable with the awkwardness, Andrea decided to take Valerio to the adjoining lounge.
Once Andrea left, Seraphina visibly rxed, and her conversation seemed less guarded, without the
need to tiptoe around sensitivities.
“First time seeing your kid,” Simon remarked. “He’s got the best of both his parents-handsome and
sweet-natured.”
“Well, nature and nurture are both important,” Seraphina said, “Growing up in a wholesome household
is pivotal for a sound character. Otherwise, when your folks are at each other’s throats the better half of
your life, it’s no wonder the son turned out so cold and aloof.”
Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.
Leandro gave her a sidelong nce, his expression unreadable, and let her ramble on.
“I’m different, though,” Seraphina continued, a sparkle in her eyes. “My parents were like that couple
from the old love songs, sweethearts through thick and thin, which is why I’m as tender-hearted and
charming as I am.”
Leandro turned his face away, clearly uninterested.
However, Simon held his gaze on Seraphina a moment longer before he let out a low chuckle, “It
shows.”
“It’s a shame, really,” Seraphina shrugged casually, “Kids who had it as good as I did are few and far
between.” She shed Simon a smile that was both knowing and yful.
Simon was well aware of the underlying message in her words but kept his friendly facade intact,
smoothly changing the subject, “Leandro’s injury must’ve been quite the worry for you.”
“You bet,” Seraphina shot back. “With a personality like his, courtesy of his dysfil upbringing, it’s no
surprise he’s made
more enemies than friends. Who knows how many grudges he’s racked up over the year. When you’re
dealing with folks who y for keeps, you’re always at a disadvantage. I’ve been worried sick, and
there’s no easy fix. I just hope some people will start thinking about their children, ease up on the
conscienceless acts… A
After all, what goes aroundes around, right Mr. Martin?”