The clarity was almost cruel in its simplicity. While I had been holding onto Leonardo’s vague reassurances and half-spoken promises, everyone else had already accepted what I refused to face: he was never going to choose me.
I exhaled slowly and sent her a voice note.
“Mom, choose whatever you think is appropriate. I trust you. I don’t want anything extravagant—simple is fine.”
I didn’t realize Leonardo had come in until his voice cut through the room, sharp and disbelieving.
“A ceremony?” he asked. “What ceremony are you talking about?”
My body went rigid. I turned off my phone too quickly, but he was already reaching for it. Before he could take it from my hand, his own phone rang—loud, urgent, slicing through the tension.
Camila’s voice burst through the speaker, trembling and frantic.
“Leonardo, I think someone’s following me. I tried changing routes, but I’m scared. I don’t know what to do.”
His expression changed instantly, concern hardening his features.
“Stay where it’s crowded,” he said firmly. “I’m on my way. Don’t move.”
Without another glance in my direction, he grabbed his jacket and rushed out, leaving the door swinging shut behind him.