Just after breakfast, Daisy's phone buzzed nonstop.
She looked at it and ignored it — not wanting to ruin the peaceful morning — but Leo noticed.
"Your phone is blowing up," he said, eyebrow raised.
"It's nothing," she replied — but her voice wasn't convincing.
Leo frowned and snatched the phone before she could react.
"Leo!" she snapped.
He looked at the screen… and froze.
Director Han — the top director in the industry.
Message after message:
> "Congratulations, Daisy. You've been selected as the female lead for Falling Stars."
"Your contract draft is ready."
"We hope to start filming abroad in three days."
Leo's eyes lifted, searching hers.
"You didn't tell me."
Daisy swallowed hard.
"I just saw the messages. I didn't know how to tell you yet."
He clenched the phone, jaw tightening.
"Abroad? For how long?"
Two months… maybe more.
Leo took a slow breath — that dangerous calm.
"So you're leaving? Again?"
Daisy looked down.
"It's my dream, Leo. And I worked so hard for this. I can't lose it."
Leo stepped closer.
"And what about us?"
Daisy didn't say anything
After breakfast, Leo decided to skip the office for the day. He wanted to spend time with Kulture before Daisy left to sign her contract. He took her to the playground, pushing her on the swings, laughing as she squealed in delight. Her tiny hands gripped his, and for a while, all the weight of past arguments melted away in the afternoon sun.
Meanwhile, Daisy went to the contract signing, her mind partly on the new opportunity and partly on her little girl.
When Leo brought Kulture home that evening, the little girl was already fast asleep, her tiny chest rising and falling gently.
Daisy took Kulture from his arms, softening immediately at the sight of her daughter.
"You should let the maid handle her," Leo said gently, watching her with concern. "You've had a long day, Daisy. Let someone else do it."
Daisy shook her head firmly. "No. I want to bathe her myself tonight."
Leo frowned slightly, a mixture of frustration and admiration in his eyes. "Are you sure? She's tired, and you've had a long day too."
"I'm sure," Daisy replied, her voice calm but determined. "I want to do this.
Leo sighed, then stepped back, respecting her choice. He watched quietly as Daisy carried Kulture to the bathroom, gentle and patient. Even when Kulture started to fuss and cry, Daisy cooed softly, soothed her with tender words, and carefully bathed her daughter.
Once the bath was done, Daisy lifted Kulture onto her shoulder, dressed her in her nightdress, and placed her carefully in bed. She stroked Kulture's hair until the little girl drifted back into peaceful sleep.
She was about to leave for the guest room when Leo's voice stopped her.
"Where are you going?" he asked quietly but firmly.
"To sleep," Daisy replied softly, trying to keep her distance.
Leo stepped closer and took her hand in his. "No, stay here," he said, his voice low, serious. "Next to me."
Daisy froze. "Leo… I just want to sleep," she whispered, heart racing.
He shook his head slightly, guiding her toward his room. The door clicked softly behind them as he closed it.
"Leo… what are you doing?" she asked again, a mix of surprise and caution in her voice.
"I want you to stay," he said, looking into her eyes. "I don't want to let you go tonight."
Daisy's pulse quickened, torn between wanting space and wanting the quiet comfort of being near him.
"I… I just want to sleep," she repeated, trying to keep her voice steady.
"I know," he murmured, moving closer — careful, not threatening — just close enough for her to feel his presence. "Then sleep. Next to me. Let me make sure you're okay. That's all I want."
Daisy hesitated, then slowly nodded. She let herself rest against him, the tension of the day slowly melting away in the quiet of the room.