Leah's spoon dug into the smooth surface of the ice cream, scooping up a bite-sized piece and placing it in her mouth. The bittersweet flavor spread through her tongue.
The chocolate ice cream awakened inner memories within her.
As a child, Leah was always obedient. She was quiet and had no demands. But at times, she threw tantrums by ignoring her mother, giving her the silent treatment.
Then, in order to coax her, Leah's mother brought her chocolate ice cream from a nearby van with the few scraps of change she had, indulging her.
After her mother passed away, Leah had no one to spoil her.
Her eyes brightened up, dimples indenting on her cheeks. Attached with nostalgia, the ice cream tasted as good as she remembered.
Her eyes sneakily flickered over to Leo. He wore a solemn expression on his face as he swiped through his phone, typing when needed. The warm lighting of the store fell on his sharp features, warming up his contour.
In her mind, her husband was an odd man.
Earlier, she had seen how he acted imposing and cold in the Xu Household, but once those dark eyes of his faced her, they melted, holding gentle affections for her.
Leah never understood where his emotions for her came from.
Was he nice to her simply because he happened to be her husband?
It couldn't be that.
Although Leah's initial instinct every time is to choose the non-complicated route as her answer, hating to overthink, she didn't believe anyone could simply love, especially this easily.
When Leo lifted his attention from his phone, he found Leah in a daze.
"The ice cream is melting," he pointed out.
Leah was brought out of her thoughts. Blinking her eyes, she immediately picked up a large scoop of ice cream and placed it in her mouth. Then, when the intense brain freeze came, she closed her eyes tightly, a wince leaving her mouth.
"Take it slow," Leo said.
After a brief silence, Leo brought up, "Earlier today, you wanted me to leave the Xu Family and not fight with them."
When the door to the ice-cream store opened, the bell above chimed. Leah's attention was drawn to the family walking into the store.
The child held on to her mother's hand, pulling it and dragging her into the store. The child rushed over to the counter and urged her mother to get her three scoops of pistachio ice cream.
Leah's eyes shot over to Leo.
"I never had pistachio ice cream before," Leah expressed, "can I have that next?"
Leo would be a fool if he didn't understand his wife's so-called strategic way of choosing to ignore the question. Leah preferred to avoid anything that she believed would cause her dismay.
Therefore, when she saw the tension rise between the Xu Family and him, she brought up ice cream.
He didn't know whether to call her a silly goose or smart.
"Not now," Leo said, "you will get sick."
An immediate pout formed on her mouth.
A helpless smile curved up his lips. "I will get you a tub. You can have it tomorrow."
Her hazel eyes instantly brightened up again.
If she knew it was so good to get married, she would have prayed for a husband earlier.
°°°
The empty room in front of her was assigned by Leo to her as her workspace. He let her know she could order everything she wanted online, and they would be paid for it.
And if she wanted to go in person, he would accompany her.
Leah's attention was grabbed by the constant noise of rain tapping on the glass window. She made her way over to the window and unlocked it, pushing the window open.
The fresh breeze from outside blew in, bringing along droplets of water. The petrichor accompanied it, and Leah's heart felt invigorated again.
The sky gradually darkened, and the clouds gathered, creating an air of gloominess. A flash of lightning struck the ground, and the loud crackling noise of thunder sounded next.
Leah grabbed onto the window sill, peeking outside. Grabbing on the bottom for support, she closed her eyes, enjoying the moment. Her attention was grabbed when she heard the roar of a car. In her vision, she noticed a car enter the driveway of the mansion, slowing down and entering the garage.
From the garage emerged Leo Zhen. Although the falling of rain had simmered down now, occasionally, a few droplets fell on Leo.
A small smile formed on Leah's face.
Half of her body hung out of the window when she enthusiastically waved her hand at him, waving from above. "Leo, welcome home!"
That exclamation made her heart swell up in excitement. Waiting for someone to arrive home was such a fulfilling feeling.
Upon noticing her voice, Leo raised his head. The next instant, his eyes widened, and he immediately rushed into the house.
Leah tilted her head in confusion.
Did he ignore her?