Leon's POV
I uncorked the wine with a satisfying pop, the cork flying off with a sharp, sudden burst. I poured the dark, rich liquid into Charlotte's glass, the crimson flow catching the light, then filled my own. Continue your journey on m|v-l'e-NovelFire
"You really are quite the gentleman," Charlotte said, her eyes narrowing with disdain. "If that was your true persona, I might actually think about dating you. But it's not. You might play the part of a gentleman, but deep down, you're just a scum who takes advantage of others."
I took a long swig of my wine, savoring the smooth taste before meeting her gaze with an amused glint in my eyes. "You really don't hold back, do you? No filters at all," I said, my smile widening. "But don't forget, there are scummier people out there than me. If I were truly the scum you think I am, I wouldn't have let you go in the first place."
"I can't really think of anyone else who's as much of a scum, other than you," she told me.
I swirled the wine in my glass, watching as it spiraled into a mini whirlpool. "Really? Maybe you just can't see anyone worse because you're not looking hard enough. Or maybe you're blinded by familiarity, so close to someone that you fail to recognize their true nature as scum."
Her eyes hardened, clearly intrigued and taking the bait.
"What do you mean?"
"Think about it," I said smoothly. "Have you ever considered that you might be scum yourself?"
"What? No! I'm not scum!" she snapped, her face flushed with surprise and a hint of defensive anger.
I chuckled softly, the sound rich with dark amusement. "See, I told you," I said, my smirk widening. "A scum will never see themselves as scum."
"W-What do you mean? I'm not scum!" she shot back, her voice trembling with indignation.
"Yes, you are, Charlotte," I said firmly, my tone unyielding. "Have you ever wondered why you're left all alone now? Why your followers scattered the moment you fell from grace? Or why the sons and daughters of minor barons, people beneath you in every way, are now ganging up on you? Have you thought about it?"
I wasn't scum. I knew I wasn't.
"It looks like I've pushed things too far," a voice suddenly sliced through the silence behind me. "I didn't expect you to be so hurt that you'd end up crying like this. I'm really sorry."
Leon's voice was laced with genuine remorse. His apologetic expression was clear as day.
I shot him a glare, but words failed me. I couldn't find the strength to ask him to retract his harsh words about me being scum. My mouth stayed firmly shut.
"I'm sorry for calling you scum," he said.
I bit my lip, and finally, the tears broke free. As I sobbed, he wrapped his arms around me, gently rubbing the back of my head. I couldn't see his expression through the embrace, but in that moment, I didn't care. All I could focus on was the comfort of his touch, as my sobs came in ragged, shuddering bursts.
***
Leon's POV
I let her sob into my shoulder, feeling the wetness of her tears seep through my shirt, while I rubbed her back with a soothing motion. My reflection in the mirror showed a face as cold and unfeeling as ice. The apology I'd given was nothing but a facade—I still considered her scum. But to break through her defenses and get what I wanted, I needed to see her vulnerable, crying.
I planned to use the advantage of her lowered guard to infiltrate her heart.
As she continued to weep, I took full advantage of her emotional state. With a calculated move, I gripped her ass firmly with both hands, my fingers kneading and squeezing her cheeks with an insistent pressure. She didn't resist; she merely squirmed slightly, her body betraying a mix of confusion and subdued response.
"L-Leon...?"
It was the first time she had called me by my name today. That single word signified that I had finally broken through to her heart, and now, I had the power to do whatever I wanted with her.
I looked into her eyes, and then closed the distance between us, capturing her lips with mine.