Fake Mate Beta Rises to Alpha Heiress (Natalie) novel Chapter 161

Chapter 161 Appreciate You

Natalie’s POV:

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As Leonardo guided me out of the villa, half-shielding me with his body, my heart was full of worry. “Leonardo, your father is just concerned about you. Was it too rude of us to leave like that?” I spoke up, a little uneasy.

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“He’s not concerned about me,” Leonardo said, a trace of barely noticeable despondence in his voice as he maintained his speed. “He only cares about the rules and propriety he believes in. You don’t need to worry about his opinion. In the Sanchez family, having Grandma, Grandpa, and Miranda’s approval is enough.”

I could hear the deep-seated fatigue and disappointment in his words. I could only gently place my hand over his on the steering wheel, offering silent comfort.

On the way home, I called Fiona and apologized to Ryan on Leonardo’s behalf. Fiona reassured me, saying Ryan was just the type to state harsh truths upfront-no major issues with me, personally. She told me not

to worry.

Back at my apartment, Leonardo seemed to finally let down the guard he’d kept up at the Sanchez Estate. He had barely eaten anything at the banquet. How could he have had an appetite with Penelope targeting me like that? Now, even though it was late, hunger pangs hit him.

He didn’t say anything, but I felt like I could read his mind. After changing clothes, I headed straight for the kitchen.

I said, “Hungry? I’ll make you some pasta. Don’t knock it. The pasta I make is amazing, much better than all those fancy, impractical dishes at the Scott family’s dinner.” I deliberately used a light tone, trying to dispel the earlier heaviness.

Leonardo walked up behind me, his strong arms gently encircling my waist, his chin resting in the crook of my neck. He didn’t say anything, his warm breath brushing my skin, causing a slight tickle.

I smiled, “Stop it. Go take a shower. The pasta will be ready soon.”

“Natalie,” he suddenly asked in a low voice, a hint of uncertainty in it, “you’ll stay with me, forever, and never leave, right?”

My body stiffened slightly in surprise. “Why would you ask that? We’ve completed the mate bond. Where else would I go if not to stay with you for life?” I feigned helplessness, but my tone was full of certain tenderness.

Leonardo’s arms tightened around me. He buried his face against my neck and said, “Okay.”

It was really inconvenient to cook pasta while being hugged like this. I initially wanted to push him away. But hearing that almost dependent sound, my heart softened. Leonardo’s inner world was far more delicate and sensitive than his exterior suggested. He must have lacked a sense of security growing up, just

like me.

He was my own Alpha, and I just had to spoil him myself.

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18:32 Thu, Jan 1 M

Chapter 161 Appreciate You

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Leonardo and I shared a large portion of steaming hot seafood pasta. The simple ingredients were made exceptionally delicious with care. Leonardo even drank up every last drop of the sauce.

Late at night, the bedroom was lit only by scattered lights from the distant city. Lying in bed, not yet asleep, I felt the mattress dip behind me. Leonardo, smelling fresh and clean, moved close from behind and pulled me into his embrace.

“Can’t sleep?” I asked softly without turning around. I thought he had already gone to bed in the guest room after I finished showering.

“Yes.” His voice was low, carrying a lazy huskiness. “I want to hold you while sleeping.”

Even though his tone was as flat as usual, I detected a hint of a whine in it. I couldn’t help but smile, “Leonardo, thank you for standing up for me like that today and clashing with your father because of me. I know that wasn’t easy for you.”

Leonardo was silent for a moment, then tightened his arms around me, pulling me deeper into his warm embrace.

“Never say thank you to me.” His voice held a trace of barely perceptible bitterness. “But today, I really felt very uncomfortable.”

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