Chapter 7

This was Broderick's villa. Though, calling it a "villa" was putting it lightly-it was pretty much a full-on estate. Back in her previous life, because Leslie loved mangoes, Broderick had even cleared out an area to make a mango orchard just for her after she moved in. Too bad she hadn't appreciated it back then. Add in the brainwashing from the Green family, and Leslie had ended up torn-part of her was undeniably drawn to Broderick, but at the same time, she kinda couldn't stand him. Alfred, the butler, stood under the veranda with a group of staff, all waiting respectfully. They kept their heads down like they were supposed to, but their eyes kept sneaking glances toward the car. Broderick got out first. A second later, the other door opened. First to appear was a pair of feet in sparkling white sandals. Her toes were fair, soft, no nail polish, but naturally pink. Just one look, and you could tell-those were pretty girl feet. Everyone knew the Green family's third daughter was a total stunner. When Leslie stepped out, someone risked a peek-and froze for a second. Yep, rumors really didn't do her justice. In person, she was even more gorgeous than they'd heard. Broderick stopped and waited for her to join him before walking side by side with her. As their hands brushed, Leslie reached out and casually hooked her finger around his. Under Broderick's startled gaze, she slipped her hand into his. His hands were big, fingers long-her hand barely wrapped around his. Leslie shot him a sweet smile. Alfred's face broke into a deeply satisfied grin. Wasn't the gossip saying Leslie hated the idea of marrying Broderick? Looking at them now-that was clearly BS. Just as Broderick was about to pull his hand away, Leslie leaned over and whispered near his ear, "Ricky, you're really gonna leave me hanging like that in front of everyone?" Broderick paused, her warm breath brushing his skin. His cheeks flushed a little, unexpectedly. With his usual calm voice, he finally said, "This is Alfred, the butler. If you need anything, go to him." Leslie looked at Alfred with a polite but steady gaze and said, "Nice to meet you, Alfred." Alfred's eyes landed on their joined hands, and his grin practically split his face. "Nice to meet you too, young madam. Whatever you need, just ask." He thought to himself-this girl wasn't nearly as spoiled as the rumors claimed. Actually seemed pretty respectful. Inside the main house, everything looked just as Leslie remembered. Her eyes stung a little from the familiarity. Broderick let go of her hand. His tone was distant, without much emotion: "I'll be in the study. Let Alfred show you around." With that, he left without looking back. Leslie stared after him, a bit dumbfounded. Seriously? He just left her like that? Alfred seemed to notice her letdown and quickly said, "Young madam, sir's been swamped with a case lately. But it'll pass soon. Before you two came back, he already had the kitchen prep breakfast for you. Come, let me show you to the dining room." Leslie asked right away, "Wait, what about Ricky? Did he eat already?" Noticing that her first concern was Broderick, Alfred's smile deepened even more. "Sir ate before heading out to pick you up." "Oh, okay. Thanks," she said. Leslie sat down at the dining table. The staff brought over several light breakfast dishes-all her favorites. Four or five small servings, varied but just enough for one. Staring at the familiar, neatly prepared plates, Leslie spaced out a little.