Chapter 6

Broderick opened the car door for Leslie. She quietly said, "Thanks," and got in. He followed and slid into the seat beside her. Connor started the car. Leslie sat up straight, knees together, hands clasped tightly on her lap-it was obvious she was nervous. Her mind kept going back to her last moments in the previous life. Broderick had told her he held no grudges. He'd even stood in front of her, taking the bullet Lydia fired. She could never forget how he protected her then. And that was when she fell for him. She had run home, begging, "Can't we just stop all this? We've already taken most of the Ackerleys' fortune. Please leave Broderick alone, okay?" But it turned out, it had all been a lie. She wasn't really part of the Green family. She was just a pawn, raised to be used for revenge. Tears welled up in Leslie's eyes and rolled down with a soft plop onto her hand. Then, a neatly manicured hand reached over with a tissue. Through her blurry gaze, she looked at Broderick. For a moment, she just wanted to throw herself into his arms without thinking. But she caught the way he looked at her-with guarded eyes. Honestly, who wouldn't be cautious? Just two weeks ago, she was making such a scene refusing to marry him, acting like the world was ending. Now she was suddenly all affectionate? Of course he'd be suspicious. Leslie's voice was hoarse as she took the tissue. "Thanks." She wiped away her tears and gave Broderick an awkward, sheepish smile. Her smile was incredibly sweet, dimples forming at the corners of her lips. A tear still lingered on her cheek, but when she smiled, it was like the first pear blossom in spring, dewy and glowing. "Sorry, Broderick. I'm just a bit hungry... and... I had a nightmare when I woke up." Her tone was soft and sweet. "In the dream, I got shot. It really hurt..." Broderick hadn't said a word about the pain back then. Even when he was dying, all he cared about was shielding her. But Leslie knew-it must've hurt like hell, too. Her voice carried a quiet gentleness, yet it tugged hard on Broderick's heartstrings, as if the nightmare had actually happened. He sighed softly. After a pause, he reached out and gently patted her head. "Don't be scared. It was just a dream. Dreams always play tricks on you." But the next second, he froze for a heartbeat. Leslie leaned in, her hand catching his, cheek cradled in his palm. Her face felt soft, smooth, warm. She held onto his hand, rubbing against it like a lazy kitten nuzzling its owner's hand. Broderick's Adam's apple moved sharply as he swallowed, then quickly pulled his hand back, face blank. Leslie blinked at him, eyes flickering with a hint of loneliness. Through the rearview mirror, Connor caught a glimpse of the scene and instantly felt on high alert. What is this Leslie up to now? The rumors said she was the spoiled youngest daughter of the Green family, used to getting her way. Back when she heard about the engagement with Broderick, she kicked up a huge fuss, even pretending to threaten suicide to get out of it. But now? She looked like she was completely smitten with him! Broderick kept busy the rest of the ride, glued to his phone, making calls, taking some too. When the car finally pulled up at Starcrest Manor, Leslie was home-again.