77

77
Rachel arrived at Celine’s home, her heart heavy with the news of her friend’s recent loss. Celine and William were sitting on the couch, both of them looking solemn and defeated. Rachel approached them and sat down next to Celine, taking her hand in hers.
“I’m so sorry, Celine,” Rachel said, her voice soft and filled with sympathy.
Celine sniffled and gave her a weak smile. “Thanks, Rachel. It’s just… it’s been a tough few days.”
William put his arm around Celine and held her close. “We’re getting through it,” he said, his voice filled with determination.
Rachel nodded, understanding the pain and grief that Celine and William were going through. “I can only imagine,” she said.
Celine leaned her head on William’s shoulder and took a deep breath. “It’s just so hard,” she said, her voice cracking.
Rachel nodded again, not knowing what to say. She decided to change the subject and try to lift Celine’s spirits.
“I have some news from the office that might make you smile,” Rachel said.
Celine looked up at her, her eyes filled with curiosity. “What is it?” she asked.
Rachel smiled. “Leo has been driving me crazy at work,” she said. “He’s been micromanaging me and treating me like his personal assistant.”
Celine raised an eyebrow. “Really?” she asked, surprised.
Rachel nodded. “It’s like he’s trying to keep me close to him all the time. And he won’t even let me do simple tasks like getting him coffee. I mean, it’s absurd.”
Celine chuckled. “That does sound like Leo,” she said.
Rachel rolled her eyes. “It’s just so frustrating,” she said. “I feel like he’s not taking me seriously and that he doesn’t trust me to do my job.”
Celine nodded. “I know how you feel,” she said. “William can be the same way sometimes. But he just wants to protect us.”
Rachel sighed. “I know, but I just want to prove to Leo that I can handle more responsibilities. I don’t want to be just his wife. I want to make a name for myself in the company.”
Celine nodded understandingly. “I get that,” she said. “But sometimes we have to let people in, even if it’s just a little bit. Maybe if you show Leo that you’re capable, he’ll give you more opportunities.”
Rachel nodded, considering Celine’s words. “Maybe you’re right,” she said. “I’ll try to show him what I’m capable of.”
Celine smiled. “I know you will,” she said.
Rachel’s phone rang and she glanced at the caller ID, smiling widely as she saw her South Korean friend’s name on the screen.
“Hey, how’s it going?” Rachel answered, eager to catch up with her wild friend who was known for always having a good time.
“Oh my god, Rach, I’m in town and I want to party! You know what’s what, right?” her friend exclaimed on the other end.
Rachel laughed, “Yes, I know what’s what. Where do you want to go?”
“Let’s meet up at the club, I heard it’s the place to be!”
Rachel agreed and ended the call, turning to Celine who was sitting on the couch, flipping through a magazine.
“Hey, Celine, do you feel like going to the club with me and my friend from South Korea, her name is Hae?” Rachel asked, trying to sound casual.
Celine looked up from her magazine, a thoughtful expression on her face. “I don’t know, I haven’t been to a club in a while.”
***
Rachel and Celine arrived at the club, excited to catch up with Rachel’s wild friend from South Korea. They made their way to the bar, ordered their drinks and found a table to sit at. Rachel’s friend was running late, so they decided to sit back and enjoy the music for a while. Celine took a seat at a corner table, while Rachel made her way to the dance floor.
The music was pumping and Rachel couldn’t resist the temptation to dance. She let loose, moving to the beat of the music, enjoying every moment of it. As she danced, a man approached her, standing close behind her and started to grope her behind. She pushed him away, but he came back for more, attempting to touch her again.
This time, Rachel was furious and was about to lash out when Leo appeared out of nowhere, landing a punch on the man’s face. The man was taken aback and stumbled back, trying to regain his balance. Leo stepped in front of Rachel, shielding her from the man’s advances.
“You okay?” he asked, a look of concern on his face. “Yeah, I’m fine. Thank you,” Rachel replied, still a little stunned by what had just happened. Celine approached the two of them, looking concerned.
“Is everything okay?” she asked. “Yeah, I’m fine,” Rachel reassured her. “This guy just got a little too close for comfort.” Leo glared at the man, who was now backing away from the trio.
“I think it’s best if you leave now,” he warned. The man nodded and quickly made his exit, and Rachel let out a sigh of relief. “Thank you, Leo,” she said, giving him a hug. “I really appreciate it.” Celine smiled at the two of them. “Looks like someone’s got your back,” she said, giving Rachel a comforting pat on the shoulder.
***
As Rachel got out of the car, Leo followed her. “What are you doing?” she asked, turning to face him.
“I just wanted to make sure you were safe,” Leo replied, his tone defensive.
“I can take care of myself,” Rachel retorted, crossing her arms over her chest.
Leo took a step closer to her, looking down at her with a mixture of frustration and desire in his eyes. “You’re so stubborn,” he said, shaking his head.
“I’m not stubborn,” Rachel countered, raising her chin. “I just don’t want to be with someone who doesn’t understand me.”
“It’s clear that you want me,” Leo said, his voice low and intense.
Rachel rolled her eyes at him. “You’re delusional.”
Leo took another step closer to her, his eyes never leaving hers. “Stop fighting it,” he said. “I know you want me, and I want you.”
Their argument led to a passionate kiss moment by his car, as they gave in to the desires they had been suppressing for so long. It was intense, and for a moment, everything else faded away as they lost themselves in each other’s embrace.
As they broke apart, Leo looked down at Rachel, a small smile on his lips. “I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time,” he said.
She curled her face in disgust before opening the door and slamming it close.
Leo sighed, throwing his head back on the head board. He rushed out of the car and went after her immediately.
“What the fick is wrong is with you?” He asked, visibly annoyed.
Rachel chuckled, enjoying how she teased him.
Leo walked towards Rachel with determination in his steps. She stood her ground, not backing down from the confrontation. He stopped inches away from her, his eyes meeting hers with a smirk on his face.
“You know what you want, why are you playing so hard to get?” Leo asked, his tone confident.
“I don’t play games Leo, and I can take care of myself,” Rachel replied, her voice laced with annoyance.
“Is that so?” Leo asked, a challenge in his tone.
“Yes, that is so,” Rachel replied, crossing her arms in front of her chest.
Leo’s smirk grew wider, “You keep saying that, but your actions speak louder than words.”
Rachel rolled her eyes, “And what actions are you referring to?”
“You keep coming back to me, you can’t deny the chemistry between us,” Leo replied, taking a step closer to her.
Rachel let out a huff, “That’s just physical attraction, it means nothing.”
“Really? Because it feels like there’s more to it than that,” Leo said, his eyes locking onto hers.
Rachel let out a frustrated sigh, “Leo, I don’t have time for this. I have things to do and places to be.”
“And I’m not one of those places?” Leo asked, his tone playful.
“No, you’re not,” Rachel replied, her voice firm.
Leo chuckled, “Alright, have it your way. But when you’re ready to stop playing these games, you know where to find me.”
With that, Leo turned on his heel and walked back to his car.
Rachel stood outside her front door, her hand still on the doorknob as she watched Leo drive away. She couldn’t help but feel a mix of anger and confusion.
On one hand, she was annoyed that he had followed her and was trying to control her every move. On the other hand, the way he had looked at her before he drove off made her heart race.
She sighed, taking a deep breath as she tried to calm her thoughts. As she made her way inside, she couldn’t shake the feeling that Leo was always going to be a constant presence in her life, whether she liked it or not.