"I had someone call Tasha, and she said your mom was home for dinner, so I came over." Leo had been particularly clingy with Sunny lately. Not having her even for lunch felt off, so he packed some food, deciding to eat with her.
He didn't expect to see Olivia.
Worse still, Sunny actually stood in front of Olivia, as if shielding her.
Sunny's mind was blank. She underestimated her importance to Leo.
Olivia, seeing Leo's dark expression and the flicker of anger in his eyes, panicked too.
She pushed Sunny aside, stepped forward, and said humbly, "Leo, I was planning to apologize to you anyway."
"Really?" Leo's voice was icy cold. Though addressing Olivia, his gaze pinned Sunny, as if trying to see through her pale face to her true thoughts.
Olivia nodded earnestly. "Yes, I was going to seek your forgiveness. We were just discussing having Sunny call you later..."
"Enough! I don't want to hear your lies. Keep running if you will." Leo's voice sent chills down their spines.
Sunny could tell Leo was furious, and she anxiously interjected, "Olivia really doesn't want to run anymore. Leo, please don't be mad. I know..."
"Know that you lied to me again?" Leo's cold laugh echoed like a broken heart.
Olivia, sensing the danger, knew Leo might blame Sunny again. She was at a loss for words.
"You leave. If you're truly remorseful, come to the company later," Leo let Olivia go.
Olivia hesitated, glanced at Sunny, who quickly grabbed her bag, stuffed money inside, and urged her to leave.
Olivia, with a worried look, was gently pushed by Sunny.
She hugged her bag and fled.
At the elevator, a loud door slam made her heart sink. A bad feeling crept over her.
Would this ruin their relationship for good?
After the door closed, Sunny's heart dropped.
She nervously wrung her hands, too afraid to meet Leo's furious gaze.
Even without looking at Leo, she could feel the air around her had turned icy cold, so thick it was hard to breathe.
"I'm sorry." she apologized, her voice trembling.
Leo suddenly gripped her chin hard.
He wouldn't let her speak to him with her head down—it was disrespectful.
He forced her to meet his eyes, demanding a sincere apology.
Pain shot through Sunny's jaw, but she dared not resist.
Their eyes met, and she panicked, sensing their relationship was beyond repair.
"I'm sorry I didn't tell you about Olivia's whereabouts sooner. I won't explain further," Sunny said, knowing Leo hated excuses during apologies.
Leo stared into her tear-filled eyes, seeing confusion, pain, and sorrow. She looked pitiful.
"Have you forgotten every promise you made?" Leo roared, his anger palpable.
Sunny had promised to inform him immediately if she knew where Olivia was. She failed.
This taught her not to promise what she couldn't deliver. It only brought pain.
"Olivia's not doing well. She lives in fear every day. How could I hurt her more?" Sunny explained, though she knew Leo wouldn't listen.
Leo snorted. "When she framed my dad, she didn't think twice. She's a murderer. Fear suits her."
"It wasn't murder! She said she only got your dad drunk!" Sunny whispered, defending Olivia.
"Based on her say-so? You expect me to believe she's innocent?" Leo, blinded by rage, dismissed her weak defense.
Sunny bit her lip and fell silent. Trust between them was shattered.
"Why are you Olivia's niece? If you had no ties to her, things would be so much easier!" Leo suddenly yelled, losing all restraint.
He released her chin abruptly, and Sunny fell onto the sofa, trembling with fear at his bloodshot eyes.
The truth was out.
Leo's words ripped away their carefully maintained facade.
Their identities mattered.
They were on opposite sides. Reconciliation seemed impossible.