Fake Mate Beta Rises to Alpha Heiress (Natalie and Landon) novel Chapter 126

Chapter 126 Every Bit of Your Thoughtfulness Counts

Chapter 126 Every Bit of Your Thoughtfulness Counts

Natalie’s POV:

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The door creaked open, revealing Leonardo bathed in the gentle glow of the corridor lamp. The cool night air clung to him, along with the faint trace of a long-haul journey. His black overcoat hung loosely over his shoulders, and his loosened tie lent an air of laid-back weariness. But in an instant, those deep-set eyes sparked like fire at the sight of me.

“How on earth…” All words died on my lips at the sight.

A tender smile graced Leonardo’s face, softening his otherwise chiseled features. Without waiting for me to finish, he stepped in, his arm snaking around my waist.

Leonardo pulled me close, leading me inside as the door shut softly behind us.

He bent his head, resting his chin on my freshly-washed hair. After taking a deep breath, it was as if all his fatigue and longing melted away in the embrace of my scent.

“Missed you like crazy. Hopped over right after landing.” His voice, muffled in my hair, dripped with yearning and content. “Didn’t wanna wake you, so I held off on telling you… But my longing got the upper hand.”

My heart swelled with a warm, intense feeling. This sweet idiot.

“Next time, just bang on the door or give me a ring. Don’t loiter outside like that,” I coaxed, my voice laced with concern. I could tell he’d been waiting for a long time, no questions needed.

It was late, yet all traces of sleepiness fled at the sight of him.

Leonardo had become a regular here, so I’d stocked the guest room with men’s essentials for him: fresh toothpaste, a razor, and two sets of black silk pajamas.

“Thought you’d dig these black silk jammies, so I got two different styles,” I said, passing them over. Taking care of the people I care about was second nature to me.

Leonardo stopped in his tracks. His eyes met mine, brimming with a complex mix of shock and a profound sense of being valued.

“When’d you get these?” His voice was a deep rumble.

“During my lunch break, I hit a bunch of stores and compared the fabrics. These seemed just your style.” I shrugged.

I thought it was no big deal.

Leonardo ran his fingers over the smooth silk, then curled them around the pajamas, clutching them like they were priceless artifacts.

“Thanks for going the extra mile for me,” he said, with a rare solemnity.

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19:46 Mon, Dec 29 RG

Chapter 126 Every Bit of Your Thoughtfulness Counts

I laughed it off. “It’s nothing. No need for thanks. Don’t be so formal…”

“Not nothing,” Leonardo cut in, his tone firm with that Alpha determination. “To me, it’s huge.”

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He stepped closer, his gaze boring into mine. “Natalie, remember, every bit of your thoughtfulness counts. This…” he held up the pajamas, continuing, “and you included.”

His words stirred my quiet heart, instantly sending ripples outward. Caught off guard, I stood rooted to the spot.

Was it really worth being cherished for going the extra mile for someone?

Almost instinctively, Landon’s image flashed across my mind. I’d once taken meticulous care of him, remembered his every preference, and managed his daily life. Yet he’d accepted it all as if it were his due, never uttering a word of gratitude.

The stark contrast between the two situations hit me hard. A pang of sadness shot through my chest, only to be quickly replaced by an indescribable, searing warmth. My eyes even began to sting.

So this was what it felt like to be cherished so tenderly and earnestly.

Leonardo picked up on the slightest shift in my mood. Without prying, he simply reached out, gently pulling me into his warm and solid embrace. His scent surrounded me, bringing a sense of security I’d never felt before.

He murmured, his voice a soft rumble above my head, “Natalie, got anything to tell me today?”

I nodded and filled him in on the trending article. “It’s all false, just rumors. Don’t believe a word of it if you see it…” I pleaded, desperate to see no hint of doubt in his eyes.

“Natalie.” Leonardo let out a soft laugh, a laugh brimming with unwavering certainty that cut through my unease. “Since I’ve chosen you as my fiancée and future mate, I’ll trust you completely.”

My cheeks flushed a little, but I felt calm and sure inside. He trusted me without needing an explanation.

“I’m just worried it’ll have a bad impact on you and Silver-Maned Pack,” I mumbled, voicing my long- standing concern.

“It will,” he replied in a deep