Between Fire and Frost
The soft click of the door echoed behind Leon as he stepped inside Valeria's apartment. It was simple, warm, and smelled faintly of vanilla and old books. A few framed photos lined the shelves—no family, just places, memories. She wasn't one to let people in easily.
"Make yourself comfortable," she said, pulling her hair into a loose bun as she walked toward the kitchen. "There's wine, tea… or more shawarma if you're lucky."
Leon smirked, settling on the edge of the couch. "I think I've had enough shawarma to last me a week."
"Impossible," she called back, opening the fridge. "Shawarma is forever."
He chuckled, letting his eyes roam the space. Every detail reflected her—structured yet free, neat but not sterile. It was real. Unlike the calculated, showy world he lived in.
She returned with two glasses of wine, handing him one as she sat beside him, a few inches of space still between them.
"So," she said, sipping slowly, "you just happened to be in the neighborhood?"
Leon looked at her, his gaze steady. "No. I needed to see you."
Valeria's breath hitched slightly, but she didn't show it. "Why?"
He didn't answer immediately. The silence wasn't awkward—it was electric.
"I've spent the past few years building walls," he finally said. "And somehow, in just a few days, you walked through them like they were never there."
She looked down at her glass, swirling it absentmindedly. "And what do you plan to do about that?"
"I don't know yet," he said honestly. "But I do know I haven't been this calm around anyone in a long time."
Valeria leaned back, one leg crossed over the other, watching him. "You're not just saying that because Claire threw a tantrum and stormed off, are you?"
His smile faded a bit. "Claire and I… we've been over for a while. We just didn't say it out loud."
Valeria raised an eyebrow. "And now you want to say it to me?"
He looked at her. "I want to say it to myself. But maybe… also to you."
She studied him, expression unreadable. "Leon, I didn't come into your life to be the rebound."
And not quite long ago I remembered you hated my gutts and told me to leave your family what's with the sudden change.
"I know, but to be sincere if I can choose who my heart want I won't like you but I realized that you were not bad I just disliked you for making your presence in the family and how I felt inferior to you
Oh, I didn't know
IT doesn't matter he said,
"I won't compete with another woman. That's not my style." Val said
"I wouldn't ask you to."
Their eyes locked, and for the first time in a long time, Leon felt like he wasn't performing—he was just being.
She stood suddenly, the moment fragile but not broken. "I think you should go for tonight."
He didn't argue.
She walked him to the door, opened it, but just before he stepped out, she touched his arm gently.
"Leon…"
He turned.
"I'm not saying no. I'm saying… not yet."
He gave a small, understanding nod. "I'll wait."
And he meant it.
---
The next morning, Claire stood in front of her mirror, her lipstick perfectly applied, her expression anything but. Sam sat on the edge of the bed, watching her pace like a tiger in a cage.
"He went to her place last night," Claire muttered. "I know it."
Sam looked unimpressed. "And? You pushed him. You made it easy for her."
Claire whirled around. "Whose side are you on?"
"I'm on the side of reality, Claire. You've had him on a leash for years. Maybe he just got tired of the chain."
Claire's hands clenched into fists. "He's mine."
Sam narrowed her eyes. "He's not an object, Claire. And if you want him back, stop acting like you own him and figure out how to deserve him."
Claire's jaw tightened. Something dark flickered in her eyes. "No. If she wants to play dirty—she'll find out I'm better at that game."
---
Back at the Royales Corp, Valeria walked into the office with her usual air of confidence—but something was different. She felt lighter, but also vulnerable. Leon was already there, eyes lifting to meet hers the moment she walked in.
"Morning," he said softly.
She nodded. "Morning."
They worked in a quiet rhythm for a while—until a delivery boy showed up with a bouquet of blood-red roses and a card.
"For Miss Valeria."
She blinked. "What?"
The boy handed them over and left. Leon watched, expression unreadable.
She opened the card.
"Enjoy your victory. But don't get too comfortable. – C"
Her eyes narrowed. She dropped the card into the trash without another word.
Leon stood. "Was it her?"
Valeria nodded. "I can handle it."
He stepped closer. "You shouldn't have to."
She looked up at him. "I'm not scared of Claire."
"No," he said quietly, "but I am scared of what she might do."
Valeria held his gaze. "Then stay close."
His breath caught.
"I can do that."
---