Chapter 148
Chapter 148 A New Desk
“Come on, let’s head over to my place first p>
The elevator had already arrived. Leighton waited for Zora to step out before following right behind her.
Still, he made no rush to unlock the front door.
“Zora, come here and register your fingerprint p>
He tapped the door panel twice, gesturing for her to save her fingerprint access.
Zora had thought he was only joking about it before; she never expected him to be dead serious.
“It’s really not necessary… I probably won’t have any reason to drop by your place later on p>
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Zora thought it over carefully as she spoke. She truly couldn’t imagine needing to come to his house for anything down the line.
“Zora, that hurts my feelings. Don’t you count me as someone close to you? I’ve always seen you as family. I’m all alone in this world-if something ever happens to me, there won’t be a soul around to help p>
Leighton’s tone dropped, his long lashes falling to cast soft shadows over his eyes.
He looked genuinely dejected.
Zora was caught off guard by how quickly he’d slipped into a hurt mood. Every time she’d seen him before, he’d always been smiling. Even when he’d been upset the day prior, he’d never shown the slightest trace of vulnerability.
Now this gorgeous man moped about being all by himself, and a twinge of guilt tugged quietly at Zora’s heart.
“I live right downstairs. You can just come find me if you need anything p>
Zora softened her voice, trying to comfort him awkwardly.
She’d never been one to soothe others-people were always the ones comforting her. The only living thing she’d ever soothed was a dog.
The more she studied his downcast expression, the more he reminded her of the dog. Whenever the dog got wronged outside, it’d run straight back to her for affection, nuzzling into her side for comfort.
Once she made that mental comparison, Zora relaxed into the moment easily. “You can always
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call me too if something comes up p>
“But what if I collapse at home someday and can’t come looking for you? What if I can’t even reach my phone? You know how it is when you get older-health issues creep up out of nowhere. What if I pass out alone here… and no one even finds me p>
Leighton let out a quiet sigh, putting on the air of someone with nowhere left to turn as if Zora was his only anchor in the world.
Zora couldn’t deny that his fragile mental state did seem pretty precarious.
She finally gave in.
“I knew you were the sweetest. Even when I’ve got no one else. I can always count on you. Zora”
Leighton’s smile returned, warm and dazzling. The melancholy in his gaze vanished completely, replaced by his usual calm, low-toned charm
Zora found herself smiling back, letting out a quiet breath of relief. He was far better to look at when he was smiling.
“Come here.
Leighton stepped aside, motioning for Zora to register her fingerprint.
This time, Zora didn’t hesitate, saving her print on the lock. As she did, she found herself thinking quietly about how to help Leighton get his health back on track.
He was far from being in peak physical shape. He’d clearly endured severe trauma in his childhood, and his mind was constantly wound tight with stress.
If he didn’t start taking better care of himself soon, it would wear down his lifespan and take a toll on his health early on.
Leighton had always been kind to her-even if it was partly due to Jensen asking him to look out for her-and Zora couldn’t bear the thought of anything bad happening to him
“Zora?” Leighton called gently, noticing her spaced-out look.
Zora snapped back to her senses and spotted a pair of pale yellow slippers sitting right by her feet. They had little bunny ears on top, tiny in size, and brand new.
She slipped them on, and they fit perfectly.
“I got those just for you p>
Leighton slipped off his coat and hung it up by the entryway.
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10:55 Sun, May 31
Chapter 148 A New Desk
Zora stared down at the pale yellow slippers with their fluffy bunny ears. They felt a little childish, yet a small, warm flutter of happiness stirred in her chest.
He’d kept his word, just like he’d promised.
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Finished
She followed Leighton into the living room and noticed small changes around the space. The place had once been styled entirely in plain black and white, but now a soft sky-blue desk sat by the balcony, strung with a few plush stuffed animals.
The balcony window was propped open, and a wind chime on the desk tinkled softly in the breeze.
A thick blanket lay spread around the coffee table, lending the whole room a cozy, welcoming vibe.
The changes were subtle, yet they’d softened the cold, empty atmosphere of the house entirely.
“I set up that desk in the living room just for you. You can do your schoolwork out by the balcony. The cabinet next to the desk is stocked with snacks and milk-help yourself p>
He set her backpack aside, smiling as he caught her staring at the new desk. “I’ll head to the kitchen and make dinner p>
“Okay.” Zora nodded quietly.
She’d been to his place once before, and after everything that had happened the day prior, the bond between Zora and Leighton had grown noticeably closer.
Zora pulled out her school assignments and settled down to work while Leighton headed into the kitchen to cook.
Dinner was just as delicious as always.
Sliced cucumber side salad, grilled chicken breast, herb-roasted chicken, and garlic butter shrimp covered the table.
Zora’s eyes lit up instantly as she looked over the spread of food.
“Have a seat and dig in p>
Leighton set down plates and a fork for her.
“You’re such an amazing cook p>
Zora picked up a piece of herbroasted chicken. Its skin was perfectly crisp, the meat juicy and tender, bursting with savory flavor.
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10:56 Sun, May 31
The Real Heiress’s New Family Adored by All