Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

"Hey, what's with the daydreaming? Hand me the water glass."

All was well until Leda spoke, and just like that-crash! The perfect harmony shattered.

York's mouth twitched, "Can I make a suggestion?"

"...Go ahead." Leda took a sip of her ice water, instantly feeling refreshed.

"Could you maybe soften your tone when talking to me? We're a couple, not enemies. You know, my mom would worry."

"Worry about what?"

"Worry about her son being bullied by you!"

Leda was speechless.

"Should I speak like this then, honey? ~Do you think your mom would like this dress I picked out? It took me forever to choose~"

York felt numb all over: "Actually... maybe keep the edge. It's better that way."

The edge felt more normal.

Whenever Leda's voice went soft, he felt like he was a second away from being choked to death.Content held by NôvelDrama.Org.

"Say 'edge' one more time, I dare you?"

York: "Not edgy, not at all."

But the word 'edge' was still there, wasn't it?!

Leda quickly applied a light makeup.

"Alright, let's go."

York was stunned: "That makeup..."

"What about it? Doesn't it look natural? I'll have you know, this is called the no-makeup makeup look. It's designed to fool guys like you into thinking I'm not wearing any. Pretty clever, huh?"

York, who had been fooled more times than he could count, was speechless.

It felt like every word was a jab at him.

By the time they arrived at the Gibson Mansion, it was almost noon.

Katrina Gibson stood at the doorway, peering out until she finally saw her son's car. She hurried over with a smile to greet them.

As soon as Leda got out of the car, Katrina took her hand.

"Leda, dear, come in, come in. It's too hot out here." She warmly ushered her inside.

York was like, "WTF?" What about me? Am I not hot?

"Mrs. Gibson, I'm so sorry. I had to work late last night, overslept this morning, then took forever choosing an outfit and doing my makeup. We're so late, my apologies."

York had barely stepped through the

door when he heard Leda playing the sweet girl in front of his mom, her voice dripping with sugar, a stark contrast to how she spoke to him.

So, she was doing this on purpose?!

Hmph!

As soon as Katrina heard, she immediately looked at Leda with concern, "Oh, dear, that's no trouble at all. You must be exhausted from staying up late. You need to rest up. We've got some warm soup simmering in the kitchen, Melba-"

"Eh! Ma'am, what can I do for you?"

"Could you please serve Leda some warm soup? Oh, and could you also call the spa for us? We'll need an aromatherapy SPA session, hmm... with an anti-aging treatment. Have them come over around 3 PM

would that work for you, Leda?"

"I have no problem with that."

S

Of course, she wouldn't. It had been ages since her last spa day, and she hadn't expected a house call.

Ah, the luxuries of the well-to-do.

She might as well enjoy the perks.

Even York seemed more agreeable in her eyes: Hmm, not a bad choice of partner.

Lunch was served at home.

The long dining table was packed full, and York's father, Hoffman Gibson, even made time to come home from the company.

It was clear they were pulling out all the stops for Leda.

After lunch, Katrina pulled her aside into a room, handing her a brocade box with a smile, "Leda, take a look inside."

Obediently, Leda opened the lid, and in the next second, gasped in surprise.

Despite having been around luxury her whole life, the bracelet inside the box took her breath away.

It's a perfect ruby bracelet. The quality was auction-level.

"Mrs. Gibson, this is?"