Chapter 461
Hearing Leandro’s words, Seraphina fell silent for a moment before she bit her lip uncontrollably. Such words should not have come from the Leandro of today.
After all, with what had happened over the years, he was no longer the same man he once was.
To outsiders, Leandro had become the very definition of aloof and reserved.
Even with Seraphina, his occasional teasing was just a spur-of-the-moment act, mostly just playing along with her. But that thing he said just now, it was so natural, for a moment, Seraphina thought she had stepped back in time and was facing the Leandro of eight years ago.
Back then, Leandro was a notorious playboy.
Seraphina had wondered, if she ever returned to Sunburst City and faced the playboy Leandro, what would things be like between them?
A question without an answer, but at this moment, Seraphina was beginning to draw some conclusions- She couldn’t outplay him.
She knew plenty of tricks to stir the heart, but whenever she tried, they seemed a bit forced.
Not for Leandro-
That seasoned charmer, every gesture, every word, as natural as breathing!
She couldn’t beat him at his own game.
As Seraphina lapsed into silence, Leandro spoke again, “Why so quiet?”
After another brief pause, she let out a little sigh and said, “My grandma always said, the best relationships are about complementing each other. When you were the strong silent type, I’d do the talking. Now you’re Mr. Chatterbox, I guess it’s my turn to listen.”
With that, she mimed zipping her lips shut.
“Have you really done talking?” Leandro asked.
With her lips firmly pressed together, Seraphina nodded slowly.
The next moment, Leandro leaned in and kissed her.
Instinctively dodging, as Seraphina was about to protest, she saw Leandro just watching her quietly, as if waiting for her to break the silence.
Abruptly, she swallowed the words she hadn’t managed to say and leaned in voluntarily, returning Leandro’s kiss with a mischievous smile.
As the kiss landed, she suddenly realized something was amiss.
This way, not only could she not talk much, but she also had to make the first move-it was a losing deal for her, wasn’t it?
This damn schemer! Realizing this, Seraphina quickly tried to pull back, but it was too late-
Leandro was holding the back of her head, giving her no chance to retreat.
In the midst of their intimate kiss, the hospital room door suddenly burst open with a bang!
Startled, Seraphina quickly separated from Leandro and turned to see Valerio standing at the door, with Andrea following him.
“Mom, Dad!” Valerio seemed oblivious to the situation, walking straight into the room.
Andrea, holding Valerio’s jacket and slightly out of breath from the chase, her cheeks tinged with red, looked at Seraphina and Leandro and said, “Looks like we’ve come back at an awkward time.”
Leandro settled back against his pillows, remained silent.
Seraphina shot him a glare before standing up to speak to Andrea, “Perfect timing, actually, or who knows how much more I’d have been bullied.”
At her words, Leandro shot her a look, and Simon glanced her way before both men broke into laughter.
Feeling uncomfortable with the awkwardness, Andrea decided to take Valerio to the adjoining lounge.
Once Andrea left, Seraphina visibly relaxed, and her conversation seemed less guarded, without the need to tiptoe around sensitivities.
“First time seeing your kid,” Simon remarked. “He’s got the best of both his parents-handsome and sweet-natured.”
“Well, nature and nurture are both important,” Seraphina said, “Growing up in a wholesome household is pivotal for a sound character. Otherwise, when your folks are at each other’s throats the better half of your life, it’s no wonder the son turned out so cold and aloof.”
Leandro gave her a sidelong glance, his expression unreadable, and let her ramble on.
“I’m different, though,” Seraphina continued, a sparkle in her eyes. “My parents were like that couple from the old love songs, sweethearts through thick and thin, which is why I’m as tender-hearted and charming as I am.”
Leandro turned his face away, clearly uninterested.
However, Simon held his gaze on Seraphina a moment longer before he let out a low chuckle, “It shows.”
“It’s a shame, really,” Seraphina shrugged casually, “Kids who had it as good as I did are few and far between.” She flashed Simon a smile that was both knowing and playful.
Simon was well aware of the underlying message in her words but kept his friendly facade intact, smoothly changing the subject, “Leandro’s injury must’ve been quite the worry for you.”
“You bet,” Seraphina shot back. “With a personality like his, courtesy of his dysfil upbringing, it’s no surprise he’s made
more enemies than friends. Who knows how many grudges he’s racked up over the year. When you’re dealing with folks who play for keeps, you’re always at a disadvantage. I’ve been worried sick, and there’s no easy fix. I just hope some people will start thinking about their children, ease up on the conscienceless acts… A
After all, what goes around comes around, right Mr. Martin?”
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