Leo's P.O.V.
Leo: Thanks for being honest with me, Liv. Don't worry about me, and get plenty of rest. You have your health to care for.
Like I told Liv when she told me how she felt, I am crushed, but I'm not heartbroken. Of course, I wish she would have gone out with me. I thought I was saving her from Lucas' womanizing, but I started to see how Lucas was changing too. He was being serious about her. Liv is right, had this gone on, Lucas and I would have eventually started to argue or grow resentment towards one another.
She's a wonderful woman and well worth the trouble, but Lucas means more to me than anything. If he's really being serious about her, I can't stand in the way. It's monumental if he's willing to finally move on from Ivy.
"Hello Mr. Darius. The board is waiting for you in the meeting room." Tiffany, my assistant, greeted me right outside the elevator.
She led me into the meeting room where board members were sitting, waiting for me to start. I took my spot at the head of the large oval table, facing the tv that would project our numbers and projects.
The meeting felt pointless, but I knew I needed to check in with everyone to see how things are going. It's important to keep up with every major project happening in the company. I listened attentively when I needed to, but I let my mind wander to Liv many times throughout the meeting. After what felt like an eternity, the meeting had ended. I wanted to leave as quickly as I had come in, but Mr. Binon stopped me.
"Can I have a minute, Leo?" He asked.
He was one of the few that called me Leo, and not sir or Mr. Darius. I knew he lacked respect for me. He felt I was too young for my position, and frankly, I am, but I am not going to let my father's business suffer due to my inexperiences. I have been studying business more, and speaking with Lucas for tips and advice. I have spoken with our international business partners as well, forming a good rapport with them from the start. A lot of times when someone takes over, a company tends to lose its business partners. I wanted to keep that from happening.
"Of course. What can I do for you, Pat?"
I used his first name as well, because if he can't show me respect, then neither will I. Even if he makes a good point, I am still his superior. He needs to show me respect. I can't let my employees believe I'm some shell of a man.
"We need to discuss your father's wishes to merge with Gregory's company."
That was a lie, dad did not wish to merge. In fact, he swore he never would. Pat here was trying to push his own agenda and pass it as my father's. It ticked me off, making me clench my teeth so that I didn't use them to bite his head off right then and there.
"Curious, I distinctly remember my father saying he did not wish to merge. Is that what you're referring to? His wishes to not merge?" I called him out.
"Yes, I wanted to let you know that they offered a larger sum of money and profit share this time. I am sure your father would have, at least, taken the time to look at their new proposal."
"I think you forget yourself, Pat. I knew my father best, and I promise you he would have denied them outright. Don't come to me with this matter again. The answer is no."
I had grown irritated with Pat, pushing past him and out of the door. I got in my car and quickly blasted bodies by drowning pool, to belt to. It was what I did when I needed to let out some anger. I yelled my anger out in song. I turned my music all the way up, gaining the attention of the few people in the parking garage as I peeled out.
I raced back to Liv's flat, feeling the need to be by her side. Of course, I can't push my feelings aside that quickly, but I still want to be there for her. She's also a comfort to me too. I could really use that comfort right now.
I took two steps at a time as I climbed the stairs to her flat. I meant to bring dinner with me, but in my blind rage I had forgotten. We'll just order something instead. I reached her door, knocking on the chipping indigo paint. It took her minute, but she opened the door, rubbing her eyes, letting me know she just woke up.
"Hello, sleepy head. How are you feeling?" I smiled, feeling my anger slip away instantly. She must have been tired. I looked around the flat for Hailey, but she seemed to be gone.
"Hey, I'm okay. A little pain, but nothing some Tylenol can't fix. I didn't think you'd be back today." She stepped back, allowing me to enter the flat.
"Yeah, I didn't think I would be either." I let out a nervous laugh as I scratched at the back of my head.
"In that case, welcome back," she giggled.
"What would you like for dinner? I'll order us something." I held my phone up.
"Um, I really feel like some wonton soup." She bit her lip nervously. I guess she was worried I wouldn't want Chinese again. She's so cute the way she worries.
"Sounds good to me."
I placed our order at the restaurant near her house, and decided I would walk and get it in a few minutes. We sat on the couch together, but on separate ends, which felt more awkward than anything. I think Liv thought so too as she scooted a little closer. It made me smile that she was worried about me, even though she's the one facing the possibility of cancer.
"Are you sure you're okay to be here with me right now? I wouldn't take offense if you felt too uncomfortable or weird."
"I'm sure, Liv. I actually needed your company after the meeting I had.
"Thank you for keeping me company today," she whispered.
"Any time. I love spending time with you, Liv."
She nodded, turning into this little ball on the couch. She was like a cat, nezzled cozily.
"I have a question to ask you."
"Shoot," she said.
"Does Lucas know what you told me?"
"No, I haven't told him."
"Good, don't." She lifted her head up with a raised brow.
"Why not?"
"Trust me on this. I'm going to go get our food. Find a movie for us to watch while I'm gone," I said, getting up.
I didn't want Liv to tell Lucas just yet. I've realized that since I have told him I would be trying to date Liv too he has stepped up his game. I don't want him to fall back to old habits. I want him to keep pushing, because if I can't have Liv, he better.
I picked up our food, heading back to Liv's with a smile. The food smelled delicious as its scent carried to my face in the breeze. This place actually had the best Chinese takeout I've had. It's a little hidden gem. I noticed the motorcycle parked out front when I got close to her building. I thought Lucas had a dinner to attend. What is he doing here? My mood shifted a bit as I headed up the stairs. I knocked on the door to which Lucas opened with a smirk.
"Mmm, food. What'd you get, Leo?" He asked as he took the bag from my hands.
He was in a good mood for some reason. I could see his annoying antics bubbling to the surface. He was going to pester us until he left again. He was dressed up, letting me know the dinner hadn't happened yet.
"What are you doing here?"
"Awe, what's wrong, Leo? Not happy to see me? I thought you loved me." He placed his hand over his chest like I had hurt his heart with my question. I just rolled my eyes at him, making him smirk again. "Just wanted to check on Rose before heading over. I wanted to make sure she was okay."
"Don't worry, I've been taking care of her. I took great care of her before my meeting this afternoon. Hailey had her for a little while too."
"Is that right? I am sure Rose appreciated you meeting her needs." He winked at her.
"Could we not," she retorted from the couch with an eye roll.
"Sorry, Rose," he said, keeping that playful smirk on his face. "I better go. I'll leave you to it."
Lucas patted my shoulder as he walked by me. He headed towards Liv on the couch, he leaned down towards her. He hung in front of her face for a moment, until she closed the space between them. They kissed so passionately you would think they were about to fuck. That asshole.
"Goodbye, Lucas," I said annoyed, deliberately interrupting their kiss. Yes, I would like for them to be together, but I'd rather not have it rubbed in my face.
They broke apart, with Liv blushing. Lucas hung around a second longer, just staring deep into her eyes.
"I'll see you later, Rose."
He smiled at her, giving her one last peck. Now, it's just Liv and I again.