Chapter 26：Second Kiss

―I don't feel up to it.―You mean to tell me that in one day, she's defeated you?―Yes.―Alright. His uncle's response surprised him. He lifted his head off the desk so he could look at him. The older man handed him some papers.

―I figured you would give up easily, so I took the time to pick up the annulment paperwork on my way over here. He showed him the contents of the papers before he folded them and put them in Leo's hands. ―All you have to do is get her signature and you're good to go. I must admit, I'm relieved.

―Why? Leo asked. ―Isn't it obvious? You're a free man. Now you won't have to share your life with a woman. You know how women can be. They like to talk about thoughts and feelings. They want to take your time and attention away from your work so you can focus on them. As soon as they get married, they start thinking of how to decorate the house and when to have children.

As soon as they're pregnant, they want you to help them pick out names and buy baby furniture and clothes. It's all such a nuisance. You will be very relieved you chose the bachelor lifestyle as I did. That's right. You're much better off. His uncle went to the window and looked at the passing horse-drawn buggies and stagecoaches going down the street. Leo stared at the papers in his hands. His uncle kept talking.

―Of course, it can get lonely, but there's nothing like more work to take care of that. When you go on vacation, you can take some books to read or just sit in silence and wait until the time you can return to work again. You can do all kinds of fun activities by yourself.

Everyone knows seeing a play and eating out is better without companionship. You don't need a woman to spoil your fun. So what if women are beautiful and soft to touch? Sure, they fit into a dress very well but you do not need to look at an attractive body when you can look at investment reports instead.

After a long day at work, it's much nicer to sit alone in the parlor than it is to lay in bed with a woman in your arms. I haven't had sex myself but have heard that it is one of life's most pleasurable experiences, but there's a pleasure to be had in knowing you brought another client to the company. Surely, the love of a good woman can't be better than hard work.

Leo threw the papers on the desk, his jaw clenched. His uncle glanced back at him and smiled in amusement as he stormed out of his office. Leo threw his hat on his head and left the building.

When he came home, Geoffrey informed him that Jessica was making cookies in the kitchen with Jim and Constance. He handed the butler his hat and went directly to the kitchen. Jessica and Constance were laughing at something Jim said. They turned to him, startled to see him. He didn't say anything.