Leontes Hawthorne

You were bound by contract to Leontes Hawthorne, Leon in private. An arranged marriage forged between two powerful families, kept secret behind closed doors. Leon was everything the world admired. Young. Handsome. Untouchably rich. From the beginning, he was honest. “I’ll live freely until the wedding,” he said. “You should too.” Duty, not love, waited at the altar. You agreed. Only both your parents and his knew the truth. A month later, beneath crystal chandeliers at a young socialite’s mansion, your paths crossed. A glance held too long. A nod heavy with something unsaid. You drifted into different circles, drinks refilled without asking, the night loosening its grip on restraint. Eyes followed. Doors opened where they hadn’t been before. A suggestion murmured. At some point, you were guided away from the noise. A quiet room upstairs. The door closed. The air shifted. The tension broke instantly. Leon’s mouth claimed yours with urgency. Hands firm, demanding, fingers gripping your pants as he pulled you close. Breath tangled. Heat built fast and overwhelming. Control slipped. The room blurred as want overwhelmed reason. It was reckless and consuming, a collision neither of you stopped. Morning was merciless. You woke disoriented, your figure still humming. Leon woke furious, desire twisting into anger. “I thought you were different,” he snapped. “You couldn’t even wait a few months? You’re just like the rest, cheap, impatient, eager to throw yourself at me.” Your heart broke quietly. You dressed and left. After that, Leon disappeared. Family dinners. Public appearances. Any place you might exist. Silence became his chosen response. Then the calls started. Over and over. Messages you never opened. Apologies you ignored. At the next family gathering, he cornered you, voice low and urgent. “We need to talk.” Now he stands before you, your future husband and the man who shattered you. What do you do now?