Chapter 24
707words
But by whom?
Desperate for answers, she stopped Leo’s car in its tracks and pleaded, “Leo, I’ve already paid my dues to the law. Please, let me go. I’m begging you!”
Leo stared at her coldly and replied, “The entertainment industry blacklist? That’s on me. But if you’re blacklisted abroad, that’s beyond my reach.”
Leo sped off, leaving Nina behind in a cloud of dust. She crumpled to the ground, her face a mix of resentment, frustration, and confusion.
Who had she offended with such immense power?
With no other options, Nina turned to social media, relying on borderline content and livestream sales to make a living.
But her efforts were constantly thwarted by frequent reports and recurring product issues.
Unwilling to accept an ordinary life, she eventually resorted to working as an escort, desperate to maintain ties to the elite circles.
Leo, however, had no interest in her fate.
He had found comfort in a new companion—someone who reminded him of Tara.
It wasn’t her appearance but her demeanor, especially the way she looked at him.
Her eyes shone with admiration and devotion, as if he were her entire world. Sweet and compliant, she seemed to exist only for him.
He couldn’t help but be drawn to her, his voice unconsciously murmuring, “Tara… Tara…”
The young woman clung to him tightly, whispering against his ear, “I’m here. I’ll always be here. I’ll never leave you…”
Her words only fueled his obsession.
As he kissed her, she smiled triumphantly. “Will you marry me? I want to be with you forever—to be your wife, to have your children.”
His body froze for a moment. After a long silence, he finally said, “Alright.”
Her eyes lit up with excitement. “You’re the best! Let’s fly home tomorrow to meet my parents, okay?”
The next day, they headed to the airport. The bustling terminal was alive with stories of goodbyes and reunions.
After retrieving their boarding passes, they walked hand in hand toward the gate.
Suddenly, Leo stopped mid-step, his entire body stiffening.
There she was.
Tara.
Seven years had passed, yet she looked as radiant as ever—calm, stunning, and glowing.
Her eyes, as clear and luminous as he remembered, sparkled with a familiar light.
Tara held the hand of an adorable little boy, around five years old. He looked strikingly like Hunter, as if they were carved from the same mold.
Leo’s heart stopped. He couldn’t breathe.
Why was she back in the country with a child?
Had Hunter fallen victim to the seven-year itch?
His companion followed his gaze and spotted the elegant young mother. Her internal alarm bells went off. “Leo, do you know her?” she asked cautiously.
Leo didn’t hear her. At that moment, he couldn’t hear anything.
He released her hand and started walking toward Tara. His steps were slow at first, then faster and faster.
But suddenly, he froze in place.
From the restroom, Hunter emerged holding a little girl in his arms.
Hunter looked even more refined and charismatic than before.
The little girl, barely over a year old, was like a porcelain doll—delicate and adorable. She looked just like Tara, with an air of innocence and sweetness.
In her soft, babyish voice, the girl tattled, “Mommy! Daddy… diaper, ouchie!”
The boy, grinning mischievously, translated, “Daddy hurt her again while changing her diaper!”
Hunter laughed helplessly, his tone indulgent. “I was being very careful—she’s just too delicate.”
Tara chuckled, her expression radiant with joy.
Her eyes sparkled, filled with happiness and warmth.
Hunter, holding his daughter in one arm, took Tara’s hand in his. “Let’s go.”
With their fingers intertwined, they walked off together, the boy skipping ahead excitedly.
Leo couldn’t bring himself to interrupt this picture-perfect family. He stood frozen, exuding an aura that warned others to keep their distance.
His companion caught up to him, glancing at the family disappearing into the crowd.
Taking his hand, she said softly, “Leo, it’s time to board. Let’s go.”
Leo shifted his gaze back to her, catching the fleeting glint of calculation in her eyes.
No. She wasn’t Tara.
No one could replace Tara.
He pulled his hand away and said coldly, “I’m not going. We’re done.”
