My heart is racing, she said in her mind.
As Leonardo held her hand and led her forward, he opened the door to his black SUV. She stared at it in shock—it was her first time getting into a vehicle like this. She was impressed. She just stood there, staring.
He watched her for a moment, then walked around to the back of the SUV.
"Is this your first time in an SUV?" Leonardo asked.
She didn't reply.
He said nothing more. Instead, he pulled a bag from the trunk, unzipped it, and took out a wedding dress—a simple, clean one. He handed it to her.
She wanted to ask, What exactly do you want from me?
But instead, she stayed silent. Let me just do what he says, she thought.
Then she noticed a woman sitting quietly in the driver's seat. A stranger. Her body stiffened.
She opened the door slightly and turned to Leonardo. "Please… who is that in the front seat? I want to change."
"Oh—sorry," Leonardo replied. "She's the makeup artist. She'll be doing your hair and makeup."
He leaned toward the woman and called her by name, motioning for her to step out.
The makeup artist exited the SUV, expression unreadable. She didn't greet Serena. Didn't smile. Just stood nearby with a blank face.
Serena felt a chill at her coldness but said nothing. She slipped into the SUV, shut the door, and slowly changed into the dress.
She took off her dress. The SUV was dark. She wanted to turn on the light but didn't know how, so she changed in the shadows—able to see just enough. Carefully, she pulled her dress away and slipped into the wedding gown.
When she was done, she reached for the door and opened it slightly.
Leonardo turned. His eyes landed on her. Even in the dim lighting, her presence made something stir in him. His heart skipped—but only for a second. He masked it with a calm expression and said, "Nice."
He ordered the makeup artist to do her makeup and also fix her hair. The makeup artist entered the SUV, turned on the car light, and started working on Serena's face and hair.
Leonardo stood outside the SUV, arms folded, waiting. They were still parked in front of the club.
After about 30 minutes, the makeup artist finally opened the door and said, "Done."
Leonardo nodded. He brought out a bundle of cash and gave it to her. She thanked him properly.
"Would you like me to drop you off?" he asked, checking his watch—an expensive Rolex. "It's already 10:30 PM."
The makeup artist replied, "No need for that. I'll take an Uber from here. You can get going."
Leonardo stood there, waiting a little while for her Uber to arrive. About 10 minutes later, the car came and picked her up.
As it drove off, he immediately entered the SUV. The driver was already seated. He put the key in and started the engine.
Leonardo turned—and there she was. Serena. He looked at her. She was stunning. He already knew she was beautiful, but seeing her now, like this, confirmed it.
"This dress suits you well," he told her.
Serena didn't reply. She just turned and faced the other side.
Leonardo looked forward and started driving the car.
Serena, in her mind, couldn't explain how she felt. Why do I feel so embarrassed dressing this way? It's so weird, she said to herself.
She picked up the flower he had given her.
Where are we going? I signed the contract, but he hasn't told me where we're going tonight. It's almost 11 PM, she thought.
As he drove the SUV, she kept watching him.
She held the flower a little tighter, still wondering if she'd just made the biggest mistake of her life.
As he kept driving, finally, he stopped. He came down from the driver's seat, then went to the passenger side where Serena was sitting and opened the door for her.
"Please, come down," Leonardo said as he gently pointed for her to step out.
She stepped out slowly, wearing the wedding dress. It was very late.
What are we doing here? she thought.
She looked ahead—and was stunned. In front of her was a very large hospital. Her mouth opened slightly in shock.
"Is this not the most expensive hospital in the country? The Edward Family Hospital?" she said out loud.
"Oops," Serena added quickly.
Leonardo turned and said with a calm voice, "Oh. Let me introduce myself again. I am Leonardo Edward. This is one of my hospitals. I run different types of businesses, but this… this is one of them too."
He's very rich, Serena thought. No wonder he offered me that kind of money. I've heard about this hospital. Have only seen it on TV. It's huge.
Then she said out loud, "Then what are we doing here at this time of night?"
Leonardo walked closer to her with a smile, raising his hand as if to calm her. He looked relaxed.
"We're in front of a hospital because my mom is sick. I want to tell her I just got married. Not a big wedding—just a simple one. Only me and you were there," Leonardo said.
"I bet she won't believe that," Serena replied.
"Okay. Let's see," he said as they started walking.
Serena slowly brought her hand forward. She was still holding the flower. Then she stopped.
"We won't be allowed in. It's already late. Visiting hours are closed by now," she said.
"Well… not for the owner of the hospital. Have you forgotten I'm the owner?" Leonardo said calmly.
They kept walking forward and entered the hospital.
At the entrance, the security guards all bowed their heads as Leonardo stepped in, walking majestically.
"Leonardo… What is he doing with a girl in a wedding gown?"
"Did he get married?"
"No… No way…"
Some of the nurses who admired Leonardo whispered as they saw him pass by.
Serena felt eyes on her. She still felt embarrassed, dressed in a wedding gown while people stared.
I didn't know the hospital was this lively. It's late, but people are still walking around here. He must be… he's wealthier than I thought. I'm sure he's wealthier than I think he is, Serena thought.
They walked in silence as they moved forward.
Then Leonardo said, "Now you're about to meet my mom."
His voice deepened. It was as if he changed completely.
"Our room is near. Be in your best character. I know you're usually cold or all that. Forget that—when you're around my mom. I know I've told you this," Leonardo said with a serious tone.
Serena was shocked.
Why is he still moving with her like this? she thought.
It was plain to see that he changed completely when it came to his mother. His tone, his character—everything shifted. She could tell he didn't joke when it came to her. That was the reason behind the sudden seriousness.
Serena didn't reply. She just looked at him.
Finally, they stopped. They had reached the door.
Leonardo knocked.
From inside, the patient—his mother—said, "Come in."