Chapter 3 A Bucket of Cold Water

• "Just passing by, no special reason," Leon remarked, his laughter light in the night air, his deep voice oddly captivating.
• Clara's heart sank. The wedding was aboard a yacht owned exclusively by the Curtises.
• Just passing by?
• How could he just pass by unless he was adrift at sea? That was impossible.
• Moreover, the Woods were a powerful family among the aristocracy, an existence that all elite families must look up to with reverence.
• "If you need a reason, it's to enjoy your distress," he continued.
• Though Clara couldn't see his face, she could imagine his broad smile.
• Their relationship had always been antagonistic.
• "Shut up; I don't want to hear your sarcasm right now," Clara snapped, kicking him with her high heels.
• Hearing him grunt in pain, she felt a bit better.
• Leon had already carried her out of the party and onto the deck. The moonlight accentuated her rosy cheeks, giving her a unique beauty.
• In all the time he had known her, he had never seen her so meek.
• Leon turned around and walked to the other end of the yacht. Beside the ship, a luxurious private yacht lay anchored.
• "Clara, I'll get you a bucket of cold water," Leon attempted to pry himself from her grip.
• But she pouted and grunted coyly. "Don't go," she pleaded.
• Leon looked down at her, squeezing her chin gently. "Do you know who I am?" he asked with a deep voice.
• Her laughter followed.
• "Leon, I'm not an idiot. Would I still think you're Ryan at this point?" Clara closed her eyes tightly. Today was his wedding day; he was marrying someone else.
• They had been childhood sweethearts for ten years, but the bride turned out to be someone else.
• Seeing the sorrow in her eyes, Leon's gaze flickered with a dangerous light. He forcefully shook off her hand. "You've made your bed; now lie in it."
• He said it sternly before turning away.
• Before reaching the door, a loud thud startled him.
• Leon spun around to see Clara losing her balance and falling to the floor, her forehead swelling and turning red.