“You don’t owe me explanations, Leonardo. My mother arranged this. We don’t know when we’ll return, so she sent extra supplies.”
The moment I spoke so indifferently, I saw his shoulders relax—an ease that made irritation spark in my chest.
“That’s fine,” he said lightly. “North Ridge is only a short drive away. If you need anything, just let me know.”
As if we were still close enough for casual offers.
What he didn’t know—and what I had no intention of revealing—was that I wasn’t visiting. I was staying. Permanently.
Aunt Lyra, who had been quietly observing everything, finally broke her silence.
“Leonardo, you and Anastasia have known each other almost your entire lives. Is this really where things stand now? It would be a pity to let unspoken tensions undo years of history.”
Before he could respond, I shook my head, keeping my voice steady.
“There’s nothing to clarify, Aunt Lyra. Leonardo isn’t the type to hesitate when something matters to him. If he hasn’t said anything by now, then there’s nothing left to discuss.”
Camila shifted beside him, visibly drained, and his attention snapped to her instantly.
“You don’t look well,” he said softly, concern unmistakable.
Turning to the delivery driver, he added, “Pause unloading for a moment. We’ll take the elevator first.”
I stepped aside without comment as he guided her forward. Leonardo hesitated briefly, his eyes searching mine—as if waiting for a reaction—but when I gave him none, he ushered Camila into the elevator without another word.
As the doors closed, the mirrored surface caught a fleeting image: Camila’s expression full of gratitude, Leonardo standing protectively at her side. The sight dragged an old memory to the surface—years ago, when he had first asked me to move in with him, smiling as he carried my luggage himself, joking that I was already halfway to becoming his wife.
Aunt Lyra exhaled slowly. “Are you sure you’re all right with this, Anastasia?”
I offered her a restrained smile.
“It doesn’t matter whether I am or not. If this is where his devotion lies, then I’ll accept it.”
Once the deliveries were finished, I decided to leave before my patience gave out. I waited outside for the car, but Leonardo and Camila still hadn’t come down. Out of courtesy—to what once existed between us—I sent him a brief text.
Are you heading back soon?
The reply arrived almost instantly, but not as a text. A voice message.