Chapter 11
Lately, gossip sites can’t get enough of Leonard Huffman, the CEO of Huffman Corporation, and his so–called mistress. Their names are always trending, their pictures popping up everywhere–caught by fans at fancy restaurants, arm in arm in the park, looking head–over–heels. Every shot gets uploaded and dissected by thousands.
“I thought Mr. Huffman was just having some fun,” one comment read, “but he’s actually spoiling her like crazy.”
“Didn’t he even divorce his ex–wife to make her official?” another chimed in.
“She must have something special. Do you think she’ll be the next Mrs. Huffman, or is he just playing around?” someone else asked, setting off a storm in the comment section.
Suddenly, everyone was an expert. Some insisted Leonard would definitely marry her. Others said she was just a fling. Arguments flared, bets were made, and theories flew.
On the other side of the screen, Melinda scrolled through the endless debates, biting her lip. When Leonard first asked her to be with him, he really did divorce Maisy for her. He’d said it was to prove how serious he was. But still, Melinda couldn’t shake her insecurity.
Maybe she was imagining things, but ever since she’d said yes, Leonard’s passion seemed to have faded. If she’d once felt in control, that had all changed. Now, Melinda was the one always reaching out, always trying to see him–only to be met with excuses or silence.
He reassured her, saying he was just busy with work. But Melinda couldn’t ignore her gut. Something felt off, like he was slowly slipping away.
When they first went public, Leonard would defend her in a heartbeat. He’d even had the company release a statement: she wasn’t a mistress, she was his girlfriend. But now, no matter how many people called her names online, Leonard and the company stayed silent.
Was he really just playing with her, like everyone said?
remembered how genuine he’d seemed when he first pursued her. That couldn’t have
rake… could it?
he more she thought about it, the more anxious she felt, her mind spinning. She didn’t even notice when someone entered the room behind her.
Suddenly, a warm hand slid beneath her thin nightgown, fingertips trailing over her skin. Leonard’s lips pressed light, teasing kisses along the back of her neck, moving towards her cheek.
“Mmm-” Melinda gasped, her body melting into his as he held her close.
Seeing her like this, so soft and vulnerable, something dark flickered in Leonard’s eyes. He gripped the back of her head, pulling her in for a deep, hungry kiss.
“Leonard, slow down…” she whispered breathlessly.
1/2
20:40
Chapter 11
The only light in the room was a bedside lamp, casting a golden haze over their tangled forms.
Leonard pressed her beneath him, his hands growing bolder. But as his touch slid up her thigh, the sudden chill brought Melinda back to herself. She pushed him away, scrambling to the other side of the bed, hugging her knees to her chest, her face burning.
“N–no. Not yet. We have to wait until we’re married…”
Her grandmother had always said a woman’s virtue was her best gift–something to save for her wedding night. And with how uncertain Leonard made her feel lately, Melinda just couldn’t give him everything yet.
She had to wait. She needed to be sure–to be his wife first.
Leonard stared at his empty hands, then at Melinda–her cheeks flushed, eyes wide. His gaze softened. He pulled her gently back into his arms, pressing a tender kiss into her hair.
“I’m sorry,” he murmured. “That was my fault. It’s okay–I’ll wait. I respect you.”
Melinda finally looked up, her eyes meeting his. For a moment, her doubts faded, her heart fluttering all over again.
“Thank you, Leonard…” she whispered.
20:40
