I turned back. He had a mischievous smile and said, "Be careful. There are many bad people out there."

"The worst person is you!" I retorted, storming out.

I treated Edward to dinner, had a few beers, and chatted. Three hours passed quickly.

Edward hesitated. "Renata, I came back specifically to see you."

He smiled. "I came back for you. Do you understand?"

I was stunned. Was this a confession? But I didn't have feelings for him like that.

My mind went blank. I wanted to refuse without hurting him. "Well, I think... I think it's like this—"

I struggled to find words, but before I could speak, a cool voice sounded above me. "Like what, Renata?"

I looked up to see Leonard standing before me, his expression half-smiling but with no warmth in his eyes. He was holding a helmet.

"Why are you here?" I was shocked. How did he appear out of nowhere?

Leonard tossed the helmet to me. "Three and a half hours. If I didn't come, you wouldn't plan to return."

...

I was fuming.

I had known him since I was nine, bullied for twelve years, and now he was imposing a curfew on me!

Edward asked, "Renata, who is this?"

"My brother."

"Her boyfriend."

Leonard and I spoke at the same time.

I yelled at him, "Leonard, what are you talking about?"

Leonard gave Edward a cold glance, then turned to me with irritation. "Renata, let's go home."

I wanted to say, "I am not going back, and you are not my dad."

But my body betrayed me. I turned to Edward and said, "Sorry, Edward. I have to go home now. I'll treat you to dinner next time to make up for it."

I didn't want to obey Leonard, but I had no choice.

I saw Leonard's fists clenching from the corner of my eye. I knew that meant he was really angry.

I'd seen how fierce Leonard could be in a fight. In high school, a few thugs harassed me after school. Leonard found out and single-handedly took them all down.

He was covered in blood but didn't collapse until they were all lying on the ground. I cried as I took him to the hospital. He even received a bravery award, and no thugs dared to bother me again.

Edward wouldn't last three minutes against him.

Reluctantly, I followed Leonard out and got on his big motorcycle. The bike roared as it sped off.

I was startled and quickly clung to Leonard's waist, pressing tightly against his back, afraid of falling off.

Leonard's back stiffened. He barely drove five hundred meters before abruptly stopping.

He took off his helmet and turned to me. "Let go and get off."

His ears were red.

I got off, confused. Leonard also dismounted.

"Take a cab home," he said, glancing at me. "No more motorcycle."

I was speechless. What was wrong with him?

Annoyed, I called a cab to go home.

When we got back to the Chapman villa, the maids were already asleep. Leonard made instant noodles.

He made me a cup noodles, too. "Renata, you probably didn't eat much with all that excitement. Want some?"

I got even angrier, pushing the noodles toward him. "No, thanks!"

The instant noodles spilled due to my push, and the hot broth spilled all over Leonard's leg.

Panicking, I started brushing the noodles off his leg, trying to prevent him from getting burned.

As I did so, I noticed Leonard remained silent, watching me intently with deep eyes. His Adam's apple bobbed up and down.

I became even more nervous. "Are you okay?"

He grabbed my hand, his voice husky. "I'm fine now. Any more touching, and I won't be."

Then, he stood up and walked upstairs.

"Where are you going?" I called after him.

"Taking a shower," he replied without turning back.

"You can't use hot water now; it'll worsen the burn!" I shouted, worried.

Leonard looked back at me, his voice even rougher. "I'll take a cold shower."

He paused and then glared at me. "Don't contact Edward while I'm in the shower. He's no good."

I turned my head away, refusing to respond.

This controlling little devil! He was the one who was no good!

That night, Edward called me. "Are you okay at home?"

Before I could answer, Leonard leaned in, lazily asking, "Renata, it's late. Let's go to bed!"

Edward fell silent.

After a few seconds, he chuckled. "I remember you being an only child."

I rubbed my temples, trying to explain. "We're not related by blood. I'm just staying at his house recently—"

Halfway through, I realized I was making it worse and clammed up.

Leonard laughed softly, clearly enjoying himself.

Edward said a quick goodbye and hung up.

I gritted my teeth, vowing never to speak to Leonard again. I decided to give him the silent treatment, no matter how much he tried to tease me.

A few days later, Edward called again, asking if we could meet before he left.

Remembering the last incident, I felt I owed him an apology and agreed.

Early the next morning, I got up to sneak out.

But as I descended the stairs, I saw Leonard in the dining room, eating breakfast. A ring of milk clung to his lips, his short hair rebelliously spiked, his pajamas unbuttoned, exposing his buffed chest.

He smiled at me, dimples showing. I muttered a curse under my breath and headed for the door.

Leonard's legs blocked my way. "Where are you going, Renata?"

I tried to move left; he blocked me. I tried to move right; he blocked me again.

My blood pressure soared. "Let me through!"

Leonard grabbed my arm. "Why are you running off without breakfast?"

I couldn't hold back, and tears started to flow. It was an involuntary reaction whenever he pushed me too far.

Leonard looked stunned and reached out to wipe my tears, his warm fingers gently brushing my face. I swatted his hand away.

He sighed, trying to soothe me like a child. "Why are you crying over breakfast? You're all grown up and still crying so easily."

He piled a bunch of food in front of me: milk, bread, fried eggs. "You always cry."

I sobbed in anger. "I never cry for anyone else! You know why I cry!"

Leonard tore off a piece of bread and stuffed it into my mouth. "Alright, alright, it's my fault. I was immature when we were kids. I'm sorry. Just don't cry anymore. I don't know what to do when you cry."

I didn't believe him. I suspected he enjoyed seeing me cry.

I chewed the bread, and Leonard held a glass of milk to my mouth. I took a sip and started negotiating. "I won't cry if you let me go."

Leonard's eyes narrowed. "To see Edward?"

I felt a bit guilty but glared at him defiantly. "Why can't I see my friend? Do I need your permission for everything?"

Leonard frowned, about to say something, but then he saw my tear-streaked face and sighed. "Fine, but at least finish your breakfast."

I was pleasantly surprised and quickly wiped my tears and started eating.

Leonard sat beside me, watching silently.

I glared at him. "What are you looking at?"

He replied nonchalantly, "A fool. Wondering when you'll get sold."

I rolled my eyes, ignoring him. If I was a fool, he was a lunatic.

When I met Edward, I apologized, making him laugh. "I didn't take it to heart."

He asked, "Are you and Leonard dating?"

I shook my head. "My parents work for his family. I'm just staying at his house to look after him."

Edward seemed relieved and asked, "Have you thought about what I mentioned last time?"

I felt conflicted but knew I shouldn't give him false hope. "Edward, I'm not looking for a relationship right now."

He smiled. "It's okay. I can wait."

He poured me a glass of juice. "Have a drink." I was thirsty and drank it all in one gulp.

Ten minutes later, I felt dizzy and weak.

I stood up shakily. "Edward, I need to go. I think I'm sick."

Edward smiled. "I'll help you rest at the hotel."

Though my mind was foggy, I instinctively didn't want to go to a hotel. I weakly protested, "Edward, no."

His smile turned sinister. "Don't worry. I won't hurt you much."

Panic set in. "What are you planning?"

He leaned closer. "I plan to..."

"Have you."