After He Became My Brother-in-Law Chapter 02
Leanna’s POV
Christopher left right after he finished eating.
Outside of work trips, this was the first night he’d ever skipped staying over.
Before heading out, he ran through his usual routine.
He asked about my next job, my departure time, and when I’d be back.
Lying to him came easier than I expected.
He didn’t suspect a thing. He just mumbled about arranging a driver for me.
His hand rested on the doorknob.
I finally mustered up the courage to speak.
Christopher paused and glanced back over his shoulder, faintly confused.
“Something else?”
The harsh hallway lights only made him look more elegant.
Behind him, the huge LED billboard on the city’s landmark building glowed bright through the window.
It featured Estrella.
Her flawless, graceful face filled the screen, her sharp eyes staring straight at me.
Watching them framed together like that, I finally saw it.
They were perfect for each other.
Tears stung my eyes, and my words died in my throat.
“Nothing,” I whispered. “Drive safe.”
Totally oblivious, he let out a quiet laugh.
He waved without looking back, tossing out one last reminder.
“Go to bed early. Don’t skip breakfast.”
I couldn’t bear to look at him any longer.
I stepped back inside, shut the door tight, and wrapped my arms around myself, trembling.
All I’d wanted was for him to say my name.
Just once.
But I knew he wouldn’t. He almost never did.
He only ever had to say “Come here,” and I’d drop everything and obey.
I’d do anything he wanted.
The apartment instantly fell dead silent and hollow.
I still couldn’t get used to this empty feeling.
Christopher was obsessive about cleanliness.
Out of pure habit, I washed the dishes anyway.
Then I started wiping away every trace that I’d ever lived here.
He hated clutter, so I hadn’t bought a single personal item for this place in years.
The only exception was a potted plant I’d put on the balcony right after moving in.
The second Christopher saw it that night, he told me to throw it in the dumpster downstairs.
I hesitated, and he snapped at me.
“Get rid of this dumb plant, or you can leave with it.”
Back then, I cared about him more than my own dignity.
Heartbroken, I tossed the plant away and walked back inside with red, teary eyes.
He saw how upset I was, yet he didn’t comfort me at all.
